Expert Admissions in the News

ASK THE COLLEGE ADVISOR

Be your best self at interviews
BY BARI MELTZER NORMAN
Special to The Herald

Q: My daughter is scheduled for an on-campus admissions interview. How do you suggest preparing, and how do interviews factor into the admissions process?

A: The first thing you want to do is find out from the admissions office if the interview is evaluative. If it is, it means that your daughter will be evaluated in the interview and that the interview will be a factor in the admissions decision-making process. If, however, the interview is informative, it is intended more as an opportunity for your daughter to learn more about the university and to have her questions answered.

A write-up is usually completed in either case, and that summary will make its way into your daughter's admissions folder; however, the interview will just be a supplementary piece of information after an informative interview and not something that will affect her admissions decision.

To prepare for the interview, I suggest having your daughter participate in a mock interview with an adult. She should dress as if she were going on the interview (no shorts, midriff-baring blouses, flip-flops or gum chewing!) and practice as if she were on the actual interview. I even videotape mock interviews with my clients. We then review things such as word choice, responses, eye contact, posture and overall etiquette. Students are often surprised at how much they say ''um'' and ''like'' as they watch themselves on videotape.

Unless an interview is required, if your daughter is not comfortable talking to adults, she shouldn't interview. Don't force your child to interview at a school just because an interview is offered. In fact, many schools -- due to increased requests -- no longer offer on-campus interviews. A nice alternative is an interview with a local alumni representative (if available). Students sometimes feel more comfortable on their home turf and with someone who is not a part of the admissions committee. Either way, the same rules apply: Put your best foot forward -- this is your time to shine.

Q: My son has handed in his college applications. Besides wait, is there anything for us to do now?

A: First of all, congratulations! It's a nice feeling to have the applications out of your hands and into the hands of the people who will review them. While the waiting now begins, there is still much to be done on your end. This is not the time to be idle.

Students should continue to work hard and earn the best possible grades. Most colleges require a mid-year school report, which lists the grades earned by the applicant through the middle of the year. Senior year grades are extremely important. Students shouldn't assume that because they've applied (or even if they've been admitted) they can fully embrace senioritis. I've seen offers of admission rescinded due to significant dips in senior year grades. Students may also be put on academic probation for their freshman year because of a drop in grades. And if your son finds himself on wait lists come spring and he's interested in those schools, lower grades will not help his case for admission.

Students applying for financial aid will now want to turn their attention to the forms and documentation necessary for that process. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and the website is surprisingly user-friendly and clear. The FAFSA is required of all students seeking federal financial aid. Some private colleges and universities also require the CSS Profile, available at www.collegeboard.com.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with financial aid deadlines and be sure not to miss them. Federal, state and institutional deadlines may vary, so check all of them in advance. If you don't have your final numbers available, estimate to the best of your ability and still file on time. It's also a good idea to get your financials in order now. On the FAFSA website you can go through a preapplication work sheet, which will tell you all you need to complete the form.

For those students who qualify, the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship registration begins Jan. 1. Bright Futures can be applied to tuition at public and private Florida universities. Become acquainted with the different requirements for the Academic Scholars, Medallion Scholars and Gold Seal Vocational Scholars awards. Most important, make sure you register for Bright Futures, as students lose their eligibility if they do not register by the stated deadline during their senior year of high school.

Finally, sit back, relax and reflect on your many accomplishments.