Many college scholarships require more than just the written application and documentation before they decide who the winner is. An interview is becoming more and more popular as part of the process. It gives the judges much more to work with than just a pile of papers. If you are contacted for such an interview you should congratulate yourself. It is certainly a step in the right direction and it shows that what you have done so far have grabbed their attention.
There are several different ways in which an interview for college scholarships may be set up. A face to face interview is often desired but it may not always be possible. The cost of getting someone from their current home to the location of the college can be both expensive and time consuming. Therefore other methods of conducting the interview may take place. For example they may give you the questions and ask you to send in a video tape of yourself. You may have a live interview conducted through the use of a web cam. Another option is for a phone interview to take place.
Always be on time for any interview scheduled for college scholarships. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive there. If you are asked to call in, do so at least five minutes early so you can be queued to the right place. If they will be calling you then make sure you are available on time by the phone when that call comes in. You want to dress nicely for such an interview as well. You don’t want to have a hairstyle or clothing that is going to be distracting. You don’t have to dress fancy either but do have on clean clothing that has been ironed.
Do everything you can to properly prepare yourself for an interview relating to college scholarships. While it is normal to be nervous you need to get those feelings under control. By practicing what you will say you will be able to focus on the key points you wish to share with the interviewers. You do want what you say to sound natural though rather than rehearsed. Take your time to talk slowly and clearly as well. This way they will be able to concentrate on what you have to say.
While you may not know all of the questions that will be asked in a college scholarship interview, there are some common ones to be ready for. They include what your goals are, your strengths and weaknesses, and why you feel you deserve to win the scholarship. You will be asked about your academics, your extra activities, and your passions. Make sure you share all you can with them without rambling about insignificant aspects. If you have a nervous habit of doing so then work hard at controlling it.
You will also find that many organizations that offer scholarships want to know what your level of knowledge is about them. You should at least know who they are, their history, and why they offer such scholarships for college. Take your time to focus on what is really being asked too. A common interview mistake is having an answer developing in your mind while they are still talking. This can backfire though because you may answer with something that is completely off target.
Keep in mind the interviewers are going to be patient with you. Should you need a moment to think of an answer or to get a drink they will allow it. They want you to be as comfortable as you can during the interview. Do your best to radiant confidence and to leave them with a very good impression of who you are and what you can accomplish. The fact that you have made it to this step for the college scholarship should be exciting. Don’t let it get away from you by not being fully prepared.
