What Will We Ask?

Claude Anderson
NMH Dean of Enrollment

During an admission interview, you’ll field all kinds of questions, from simple to personal to brow-furrowing. Here are five types that you can expect your interviewer to ask.

1. Chit-chat  Intended as ice-breakers, these should be easy to answer. For example: How was the open house? How was your weekend?
    
2. What do you do? Talk about activities you enjoy, whether pickup football, soccer, drama, ballet, or jazz band. If you do something unusual (e.g., playing the accordion, raising sheep), don’t forget to say so.
    
3. Character and personality The interviewer wants to know what makes you tick—who you are, how you treat others, what your beliefs and attitudes are. These questions are harder; practice ahead of time.
    
4. Life experiences These questions tend to distinguish your background from other students’. (Schools want students with diverse life experiences to provide different viewpoints in and out of the classroom.) How would you describe your family? Have you done any community service? What’s a difficult experience that you or a family member has faced?
    
5. Forward thinking Your interviewer will want to know; your future plans. For example: What are your goals for the next school year? What do you think the world will be like for women in 100 years? How will technology affect your life in the future?

Although answering these kinds of questions may seem intimidating, don’t worry. Remember that the answers lie inside you—in your life experiences, interests, and dreams. Your challenge is to articulate this information in an honest, thoughtful way.

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