“My favorite thing about Saint Martin's is the strong community environment. The classes are small and the teachers are friendly and always available to help. I soon realized that the professors here at Saint Martin's want to help; they want to see students succeed.”

— Taylor K. Wonhoff
Saint Martin's University

Application Components: Interviews

Interviews are a great way for colleges and universities to get to know you. Most colleges don't require interviews, but small, community-centered colleges may recommend that you interview with one of the college's representatives. This person might be an alumnus of the college, an admissions officer, or even a current student. Interviews will usually last between 30 and 60 minutes.

These interviews can strongly increase your chance of acceptance if you do a few simple things:

• Dress professionally.
• Make sure you arrive on time.
• Conduct yourself in a respectable and confident manner.
• Be yourself. These colleges are interested in the kind of person you are. Show them.
• Emphasize your outside activities. Tell your interviewer about the groups you volunteer for or the sports you play.
• Ask questions about the school. Show your interviewer how interested you are in the college they represent.
• The interview can be a time to explain any inconsistencies in your academic record. For example, if your studies suffered one year because of personal problems, it might be good to explain why to your interviewer.