What to Wear to an Admissions Interview (Even if It’s Virtual)

You’ve done all your research, you’ve narrowed down your college options to just a select few schools and you’ve got your admissions paperwork ready. Now, you just have to survive the interview with the admissions department.

Not every school has them, but admission interviews are important to those that do. Your admissions interview gives you the chance to make a personal impression that goes far beyond the dry information contained in your transcript, and — like it or not — what you wear really does matter.

Why Does Your Attire Matter So Much at a College Interview?

You’ve probably heard the phrase that “you never get a second chance to make a first impression,” right? Well, both your verbal and your non-verbal methods of self-expression communicate a lot. Both will be under scrutiny when you head to an admission’s interview, whether that happens in-person or online.

When you take the time to dress well for your interview, you are visually communicating to the interviewer that you are grateful for the opportunity and take your education seriously. Plus, you may give yourself a little boost: Studies have shown that formal clothing encourages confidence and abstract processing, while properly-fitting, comfortable clothing can help you feel focused and stronger.

It’s Time to Understand the Meaning of “Business Casual”

Unless you’ve already been lucky enough to get an internship at a professional place, you may not have any real idea what that means. In essence, business casual combines comfort with conservative looks.

While you don’t necessarily want to lose your authenticity, you do want to wear clothing that is:

• Professional, without looking overly formal
• Comfortable, without looking overly relaxed
• Conservative, without being overly strict

What does this mean in practical terms? Essentially, if your interviewer walks away from your conversation and can remember your clothes better than they remember you, you’ve done the wrong thing. You want your personality to come through via your smile, your engagement with the interviewer and your thoughtful questions and answers — not what you’re wearing.

What Are the Dos and Don’ts of Dressing for a College Interview?

Here’s a checklist that you can use to make sure that your outfit is ready for your interview:

• Do not wear jeans, leggings, t-shirts, open-toed shoes, sandals or tennis shoes
• Do wear clothing that is well-fitted, rather than too loose or too tight
• Do not wear anything that could be considered immodest (no v-necks, bare shoulders or skirts that rise above the knee)
• Do aim for muted tones and neutrals (although an accent color is fine)
• Do not wear bold patterns, neons, plaids or graphic designs
• Do wear a dress skirt or pants, corduroys or chinos
• Do wear shoes that are easy to walk in, especially for an on-campus visit
• Do not wear flashy accessories: A watch, a simple pair of earrings or a single ring is enough
• Do not wear perfumes, colognes or heavy makeup

You should also give a little thought to your personal grooming. Sometime before the big day, make sure that your hair is neatly trimmed and styled appropriately. A manicure is a good idea — and clean, trimmed nails are a must. If you do wear nail polish, make sure that your nails are no longer than “active” length and stick with a single pastel color or classic French tips.

When you’re young, it’s normal to want to experiment with your looks and style — and there will be plenty of opportunities for that down the road. For now, however, keep your focus on letting your personality and aptitude shine.