Q: When do we set up college interviews? What should I do to prepare?

A:  Early on, it is a good idea to take a look at the interview policies at each of the schools that you are seriously considering applying to.  Why?  Not all interviews are “counted” as a part of the admissions decision.  "The Fiske Guide to Colleges" spells out each college's interview policy.  For example: “Campus interviews: recommended, evaluative.  Alumni interviews: optional, informational.”  This tells you that if you do an on-campus interview, the interviewer will take notes and put them in your file.  If you interview well, this can help you in the process.  You can also interview with an alumnus in your local area, but, in this case, these interviews are only to provide you with information on the college.  In an informational interview, nothing about the interview will be used in the decision-making process, with the exception of the knowledge that you had an alumni interview. 

Also, know the timing of interviews.  Generally, the more applications the school receives, the more restrictions that they will have about interviews.  Some large state universities do not interview at all.  Many of the elite and Ivy League colleges will only interview students who have submitted an application, or at least the first part with the application fee.  Many schools only offer interviews to prospective students between April 1 of the junior year and January 15 of the senior year.  After that, they are reading applications and making decisions.