Quote of the day:
“Life is like playing a violin solo in public and learning the instrument as you go along.” – Samuel Butler

Hi everyone – it’s Holly O’Brien, founder and owner of The College Concept.  It is my goal to reveal important and useful information on all matters concerning your student’s high school years and college application strategies. Why not send this link to a friend who may be able to use the information.

I invite you to contact me at 214.535.4393, holly@thecollegeconcept.com or www.thecollegeconcept.com

Many seniors apply to colleges that offer a personal interview, either with an admissions representative or a volunteer alumnus of the school.  If an interview option is available for your student, I HIGHLY recommend that your student take advantage of it.  It provides the school with information about the student that is not readily apparent on the application forms; the interviewer gets to discover how truly special, charming, witty, well-spoken, etc. your little angel is.  Especially if your little angel has some brass tacks interview skills, that is!  A few pointers for students;

  • Phrase everything in a positive light.  No complaining about high school, teachers, or really anything else for that matter.
  • Dress nicely. I would say “upscale casual” would suffice in most situations.
  • Research the school ahead of time.  Your student should be able to bring up a few details about the school in the interview.
  • Have an insightful question or two prepared for the interviewer.
  • Bring any information on the student to the interview (résumé, transcripts, awards, etc.).
  • Be easy to talk to.  That means no single syllable answers!  Use at least one sentence, two would be better!
  • Look the interviewer in the eye.
  • Write a follow-up thank you note as soon as the interview is completed.

Here are a few of the areas I can offer expertise in to your student –

  • Writing a stand-out essay; take it from ordinary to extraordinary
  • The Common Application; how to be a “must have” applicant
  • The College Interview; get savvy with insider tips
  • The Selective College Application; differentiate yourself