By Sam Goodykoontz

Getting into a good college is tough. You have to keep your GPA high, study for the SAT and ACT for hours, participate in many clubs and events, and write many essays.

However, there is something about the application process that for some people is the scariest part: getting colleges to know you. An effective way to make that happen is by an interview. But interviewing can also make people really worried.

I have done a few interviews this year for colleges, and I remember thinking, “What if they ask me a question and it stumps me? What if they don’t think I’m smart enough? What if I don’t know enough about the school?”

In reality, I was terrified. Well, here’s the thing: Interviews shouldn’t be scary. I know that sounds counter-intuitive, but it’s true. In interviews the schools are essentially trying to get to know you as a person. It is not all about grades or accomplishments or work. They’re not trying to trick you.

If you’re not sure about a question, just say that. If you are worried about not knowing enough about the school you’re being interviewed for, do some research on their websites. If you still cannot find enough information, ask the interviewer your questions.

To me, an interview should feel like a nice, insightful conversation. Interviews are now my favorite part of the application process because it’s about all of you, not just what you have accomplished or what you’ve written.

Senior Grace McQuaid appreciates interviews, as well. “I think interviews are a great way for the school to get to know you, but most importantly for you to get to know the school,” she said. “The interview goes both ways. It is your turn to ask questions about the school and familiarize yourself with the school. No matter who interviews you, they will know a lot about the school! It is a hard, tedious process but it has some great benefits!”

Even though I said that interviews shouldn’t be scary, nervousness is totally expected. Grace remarks how she “was extremely nervous!!! These were a big deal and some of the interviews took over an hour!”

However, she was able to overcome this. “I know that multiple people have done this and have felt the exact way I did,” she said. “So I told myself if many others could do it, then I can, as well. In addition, I made sure to have notes ready about the college and have some basic answers about myself. Finally, I would stand like Superman for about 3 minutes before the interview to help calm myself down and get excited for it! It is an exciting step into the ‘big world.’”

In fact, Grace found a positive in her apprehension.

“If you’re nervous, that is great!” she said. “That means that you care about it, and if you care about it, you will do great in the interview.”

She had some tips for preparing for a college interview.

“Have some notes ready about the main reasons you are applying to that college,” Grace said. “I would also know your resume and some key characteristics, troubles, and events in your life. All interviews ask basic questions about you and your life and other interviews get obscure with their unique questions.”

Finally, keep it all in perspective.

“Yeah, interviews are important, but they are not a make or break situation,” Grace said. “Don’t beat yourself up over these interviews!”

For all those going into the college process, don’t stress. You need to prepare. But remember, taking a quiz is scarier than a college interview.