What to Wear to a College Interview: A Simple Guide to Dressing to Impress
If you’re preparing for a college interview, you’ve probably thought about your answers, your stories, and your confidence… but have you thought about what to wear to a college interview? What you wear can impact the impression you make — and yes, it matters.
Don’t worry — you don’t need a full designer wardrobe or a business suit straight off the runway. But a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s my guide from 14 college interviews and years of coaching students admitted to Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and more.
Why Your Outfit Matters
You want your interviewer to focus on you and your ideas. Dressing appropriately shows:
Respect for the interviewer and the process
That you’ve put thought into your presentation
That you understand the balance between professionalism and comfort — basically, it’s a demonstration of your ability to judge a situation for what it is
The goal is simple: look polished, feel confident, and let your personality shine.
General Rules: College Interview Dress Code
Here’s the basic rule of thumb: business casual or smart casual works for most college interviews. This hits the sweet spot between looking professional and staying approachable.
For Everyone:
Clean, neat, and well-fitting clothes
Minimal, natural-looking accessories
Neutral or soft colors that aren’t distracting
For In-Person Interviews:
Button-down shirts, blouses, or nice sweaters
Slacks, chinos, or knee-length skirts
Closed-toe shoes or neat flats
Blazers are optional but can give a polished touch
For Virtual Interviews:
Same rules apply from the waist up (camera is your best friend!)
Avoid bright or busy patterns that distract on screen
Test your lighting, camera angle, and background so nothing takes attention away from you
Add a Personal Flair
Once you’ve got the basics down, you can add a small touch that reflects your personality or interests. I was applying as an art history major, so I wore earrings inspired by my favorite Mondrian artwork. It was subtle, but it gave me something fun to talk about if the conversation drifted to hobbies or interests.
Other examples could include:
A dopamine molecule necklace for a biology major
A tiny notebook pin for a writer
A mini globe accessory if you’re into international studies
The key is to keep it tasteful — just a small touch to give your outfit some personality without distracting from the interview itself.
Tips for Different Settings
Coffee Shop or Casual Location: Smart casual is perfect — a neat sweater or blouse with slacks or a skirt works great.
Formal Location (like a club or campus building): Step up to business casual. Blazers, button-downs, and clean shoes help you match the tone.
Virtual Interviews: Prioritize what’s visible on camera — a neat top and a tidy background
Final Thoughts
Your outfit is one small part of the bigger picture, but it’s worth getting right. When you dress appropriately, with a touch of your own personality, you send a subtle signal that you’re prepared, respectful, and ready to shine — letting the interviewer focus on you and your story.
When I applied to college, I was admitted to Stanford, Yale and Princeton. Since then, I’ve spent four years coaching students for their college interviews, and I’ve learned the unwritten tips and tricks for acing your interview. I’ve compiled it all in my 26-page College Interview Guide, leaving no stone unturned. Check it out to see a sample answer for “tell me about yourself,” as well the top 100 most common interview questions, my advice on how to prepare in a short timeframe, and more!