Some scholarships require a personal interview as part of the process. Interviews usually last 15-20 minutes and involve a small group of people. You will most likely find interviewers to be pleasant and focused on you at your interview. Chances are they’ll try to put you at ease and make you comfortable, because they want to judge you at your best. Remember, they want you to succeed.

Tips for a successful interview

It is very important that you come prepared to your interview. Know as much as possible about your course of study, job outlook and the college you plan to attend. If you have not yet made these decisions, discuss your areas of interest, as be prepared to explain why you applied to a particular college. Don’t be afraid to bring notes with you and to use them. Be sure to have one or two questions in mind that you might ask the interviewer.

Do:

• Practice interviewing with a friend in advance.

• Be punctual. Get directions to the interview location before leaving your home. Check in when you arrive.

• Dress appropriately, as if applying for a job. This means don’t be too casual nor too dressy.

• When you meet the interviewer, introduce yourself, make eye contact and use a firm — but not too hard — handshake.

• Listen to the interview questions carefully and think about what you’ll say before replying.

• Be brief and honest with your answers.

• Maintain eye contact with the interviewer.

• Demonstrate interest and confidence.

• Thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration. Send a thank you note after the interview.

• Remember to smile. Don’t be shy.

Don’t:

• Assume the interviewer knows about you and your background, even if you’ve included the information in your application.

• Be negative or critical about teachers, school, or friends.

• Be afraid to say, “I don’t know.”

• Expect the interviewer to make a decision on the day of the interview.

• Use political, racial, ethnic, religious or other sensitive statements.

• Chew gum, bite nails, smoke, yawn, stretch or slouch.

Information that may be asked of you:

• Your college choice, career goals and any other information included in your application.

• Your background.

• Obstacles or personal circumstances that were described in your application.

• Personal matters, such as how you plan to finance your education, your future plans, and your hobbies and interests.

• Your personal values, including the things you think are important in your life.