Do College Interviewers See Your Application? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’ve got a college interview coming up, you might be wondering: do college interviewers see your application? The short answer is: sometimes yes, sometimes no — it depends on the school and the type of interviewer.
College interviews can be conducted by:
Admissions officers: These interviewers usually have access to your application, so they know your academic record, extracurriculars, and essays.
Alumni: Most alumni interviewers do not see your application beforehand. They are there to get to know you personally and assess your fit for the school.
Current students: Less common, but if a student interviewer is involved, they typically don’t see your application either.
Even if your interviewer has seen your application, remember: the interview is about adding depth to your story, not just repeating what’s on paper. And if they haven’t seen it, your preparation matters even more — you want to summarize your experiences naturally, showcase your personality, and ask thoughtful questions.
Common Questions by Interviewer Type
Admissions Officers (usually see your application):
“Tell me about yourself.” — They want to hear your story in your own words and see how you frame your experiences
“I noticed on your application that you [list extracurricular or accomplishment]; can you tell me more about that?” – This helps them verify and understand the depth of your engagement and your passion
“Why do you want to study at our school?” – They are checking that you’ve researched the school and are genuinely interested, not just applying broadly
Alumni Interviewers (usually don’t see your application):
“What are your favorite subjects in school and why?” – They want to understand your intellectual curiosity and what excites you academically
“How do you spend your free time or pursue your passions?” – This gives them a sense of your personality, interests, and how you might contribute to the campus community
“What attracted you to our school?” – They’re assessing your fit and whether you’re likely to thrive and engage as a student there
Current Student Interviewers (usually don’t see your application):
“What clubs, activities, or sports do you hope to get involved with on campus?” – They want to see if you’re prepared to participate in student life and contribute to the community
“Do you have any questions about student life here?” – This helps them gauge your curiosity and engagement while giving you a chance to show genuine interest
“What’s one thing about yourself you’d like me to know that’s not on your application?” – They’re looking to uncover your unique qualities, personality, and potential beyond the paper application
Want to walk into your college interview fully prepared? My 26-page College Interview Guide gives you everything you need to succeed.
Learn the top 100 most commonly asked college interview questions
See real sample answers that worked
Discover the unspoken rules of presentation and manners that can make or break your interview
I also show you how to prepare in the weeks leading up to your interview, with practical, no-nonsense advice from my 14 interviews and four years coaching students who’ve been admitted to Stanford, Yale, Princeton, and more. Leave nothing to chance — check it out and get ready to ace your interview.