Unique Questions to Ask in a College Interview
Distinctive and thoughtful questions to ask during college interviews to demonstrate your genuine interest, stand out from other applicants, and gather valuable insights about the school.
1What's something about this college that you think most applicants don't know, but should?
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What's something about this college that you think most applicants don't know, but should?
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Why this works
This question shows you're looking for deeper insights and helps you learn unique aspects of the school that aren't widely publicized.
2If you could change one thing about this college, what would it be, and why?
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If you could change one thing about this college, what would it be, and why?
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Why this works
This question demonstrates your critical thinking and helps you understand the school's self-awareness and areas for improvement.
3What's the most innovative or unique program or initiative happening here that excites you?
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What's the most innovative or unique program or initiative happening here that excites you?
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Why this works
This question shows your interest in innovation and helps you learn about cutting-edge programs that might align with your interests.
4How does this college handle failure and setbacks, and what support systems are in place for students who struggle?
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How does this college handle failure and setbacks, and what support systems are in place for students who struggle?
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Why this works
This question shows your maturity and helps you understand how the school supports students through difficult times.
5What's the most meaningful conversation you've had with a student here, and what did you learn from it?
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What's the most meaningful conversation you've had with a student here, and what did you learn from it?
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Why this works
This question demonstrates your interest in human connections and helps you understand the school's community and values.
6If a student came to you with a completely unconventional idea or project, how would the college support them?
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If a student came to you with a completely unconventional idea or project, how would the college support them?
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Why this works
This question shows your creativity and helps you understand how the school supports innovative and unconventional thinking.
7What's something this college does differently from other schools that you're particularly proud of?
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What's something this college does differently from other schools that you're particularly proud of?
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Why this works
This question demonstrates your interest in what makes the school unique and helps you understand its distinctive qualities.
8How does this college prepare students for careers that don't even exist yet?
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How does this college prepare students for careers that don't even exist yet?
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Why this works
This question shows your forward-thinking and helps you understand how the school prepares students for an uncertain future.
9What's the most challenging aspect of being a student here, and how do most students navigate it?
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What's the most challenging aspect of being a student here, and how do most students navigate it?
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Why this works
This question demonstrates your realistic expectations and helps you understand the school's challenges and support systems.
10If you could give one piece of advice to an incoming student, what would it be, and why?
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If you could give one piece of advice to an incoming student, what would it be, and why?
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Why this works
This question shows your desire for guidance and helps you understand the school's values and priorities.
11What's something this college has learned from its mistakes, and how has it improved as a result?
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What's something this college has learned from its mistakes, and how has it improved as a result?
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Why this works
This question demonstrates your interest in growth and helps you understand the school's ability to learn and adapt.
12How does this college balance tradition with innovation, and what does that look like in practice?
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How does this college balance tradition with innovation, and what does that look like in practice?
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Why this works
This question shows your interest in balance and helps you understand how the school honors its history while embracing change.
13What's the most unexpected way a student has used their education here to make a difference?
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What's the most unexpected way a student has used their education here to make a difference?
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Why this works
This question demonstrates your interest in impact and helps you understand how the school's education translates to real-world change.
14If you could create a new course or program here, what would it be, and why?
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If you could create a new course or program here, what would it be, and why?
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Why this works
This question shows your interest in academic innovation and helps you understand the school's priorities and vision.
15What's something about this college that you wish more people knew, and why is it important?
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What's something about this college that you wish more people knew, and why is it important?
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Why this works
This question demonstrates your interest in understanding the school's values and helps you learn about its most important qualities.
Standing Out in College Interviews
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Effective College Interview Strategies
Be Genuinely Curious
Ask questions that show you're genuinely interested in learning about the school, not just trying to impress.
Show Critical Thinking
Ask questions that demonstrate your ability to think deeply and critically about education and your future.
Be Authentic
Ask questions that reflect your genuine interests and concerns, not just what you think they want to hear.