Top 30 Admissions Counselor Interview Questions and Answers

Top 30 Admissions Counselor Interview Questions

Question 1 of 30

How do you evaluate students to see if they are good fit for our school?

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List of Admissions Counselor Interview Questions

How do you evaluate students to see if they are good fit for our school?
What are your career goals as an Admissions Counselor?
What is your educational background?
Why are you interested in becoming an admissions counselor?
What do you know about our educational institute?
Tell me about your best experience as an Admissions Counselor.
If you could choose your ideal environment would you be an Admissions Counselor in a high school, vocational college or a university?
Tell me about a time you went over and above to help a student get into a program.
Are you available to work evenings, weekends and overtime if required?
How do you handle unmotivated students?
What made you decide that you wanted to be an Admissions Counselor?
When you were a student, who was the most influential individual to you?
How important is policy to you?
Tell me about an idea you implemented at your last job.
How do you get along with others at work?
Describe your leadership skills.
Are you able to pass a criminal record check?
Do you easily connect with your students?
While attending University, what was your best course, and why?
While attending University, what was your most challenging course, and why?
Describe your communication style and why you feel it is effective.
Are you an organized individual? What do you do to ensure you stay organized throughout your day?
How would your former colleagues describe you?
If I spoke with your former supervisor, what 2 things would they say you do best?
If I spoke with your former supervisor, what 2 things would they say you could work on as an admissions professional?
Have you ever been involved in creating an outreach program to promote your school?
Tell me about any sales experience you may have.
Are you familiar with the range of programs that we offer?
You have multiple deadlines approaching with very little time. What do you do?
Why are you the best candidate for us?

Authors:

Elisabeth Walter
HR Consultant

Admissions Counselor Information

August 17th, 2017

Admissions counselors either help high school students gain admission into an appropriate college, or work in a college to recruit students. Both occupations have a wide range of responsibilities related to the college application process. High school admissions counselors work with students individually and provide guidance by advising them on which colleges are a match with their interests, career goals, and academic achievement level. College admissions counselors are expected organize recruitment events to promote the college by speaking with potential students and parents. They also provide information to applicants about financial aid and scholarships, as well as any other programs that would attract the student to the school and/or assist with successful acceptance.

Job openings for admissions counselors can typically be found on the careers website of colleges and high schools, as well as on online job boards, especially ones that attract nonprofit organizations such as Idealist.org and Indeed.com. The interview will assess your technical knowledge of the college application process and your interpersonal skills. You'll be expected to have a good understanding of how to navigate the administrative functions of institutions. For college admissions counselors, it's important to be able to attract the right applicants for the college, as well as the ability to build a strong network. For high school admissions counselors, it's important to be able to develop individualized plans for the students that are tailored for their success.

To prepare for the interview, make sure that you research the school that you're applying to. Do your best to find out what problems they're facing. Is the college trying to attract a different demographic? Is the high school trying to increase college graduation rates for their at-risk students? Start by understanding the challenges, then think of examples of your work experience that can help overcome that challenge. At the high school level, come up with examples of your listening skill. For colleges, have examples of your ability to attract and engage people.

For More Information on an Admissions Counselor Career, visit: CareerIgniter.com

Admissions Counselor User Submitted Interview Answers

Question 1 of 30

How do you evaluate students to see if they are good fit for our school?

User Submitted Interview Answers

Through questions about educational experience, career experience, goals, motivation, and life experiences. Through careful assessment, we can determine if their needs align with our school and our programs.

Students should be evalutated on same playing field. Grades, extraciricular activities in and out of school.

A group of items in respect to motivation, knowledge, interests, and the overall end goal the student wants to achieve.

I feel students should be evaluated as a whole, through grades, test scores, involvement and the curriculum of the school.

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Question 2 of 30

What are your career goals as an Admissions Counselor?

User Submitted Interview Answers

To increase erollement and hep.

In the near term, I would like to develop myself to become the best admissions counselor possible, learning as much as I can about the role and about how I can best serve the needs of the department and NAU. In the longer-term, I would like to become a subject matter expert in an area of greatest need within my role. I would like to develop to the point that I become that go-to person whom others rely upon for the most current information.

My goals is that improved my skill and get new idea.

If given the opportunity I would make it a goal to increase student retention, since we have to make sure that when they arrive here they continue to thrive and finish their degree.

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Question 3 of 30

What is your educational background?

User Submitted Interview Answers

I have passed my 10 class on 2010 and 10+2 on 2012

I have an Associates of Art Degree from Collin College.

I started my college career at Simpson College, where I initially majored in Marketing and Management while I played for the volleyball team. I transferred halfway through my sophomore year to UNI where I switched my major to Communication Studies, but kept an emphasis in marketing. I felt that studying communications helped me understand how to effectively reach others unique ways and also got me very comfortable with speaking in front of people. It helped me grow as an individual and prepared me for professional settings and networking in the real world. I completed 3 internships throughout college, all focusing on the marketing and promotions area. These experiences also helped me develop, both personally and professionally.

My college experience was great in terms of both character development and learning about the various aspects of higher education and psychology. They seem to complement each other. MY experience really prepared me well for success in higher education.

I am an Economics Honours graduate from Delhi University, with nearly 3 years of experience in the field of Career Counseling, Advising, International Education and Training.

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Question 4 of 30

Why are you interested in becoming an admissions counselor?

User Submitted Interview Answers

I see myself as Admissions Counselor because I have a passion for helping students figure out thier future and help them know what is out there for them. They sometimes need guidance on what the next step is and I feel I can help them with that.

Because of the potential to help students and change their lives.

To see a positive growth in students, and to eventually grow my career to achieve the goal of becoming an Director of Admissions.

I want to be a face and representative for students who may not typically go to college. I want to get students excited and informed about higher education and the opportunities that they have.

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Question 5 of 30

What do you know about our educational institute?

User Submitted Interview Answers

NAU is a public university that offers undergrad, graduate and professional degrees that have high value. Faculty and staff are dedicated and passionate about their work. NAU has 3 main campuses: online, flagstaff, and extended campuses through Arizona. It is also a high research institution. Tuition rates are guaranteed to stay the same for 4 years. Students have 25% less student loan debt than national average.

Very well, I recieved my AA from here and was a student ambassador while I attended school here.

I know it very well, I feel that I align with the mission statement and could use that to excel the admissions department.

I've certainly done some preliminary research and I know there is still much to learn. However, I am very willing and have already began taking the steps.

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Question 6 of 30

Tell me about your best experience as an Admissions Counselor.

User Submitted Interview Answers

When I met one of my students for the first time after helping her receive a financial scholarship. It was wonderful to put a face to a name which truly brought to life the difference and impact my work can have on individual lives.

At the end of the day, or looking back, knowing you believed and made a difference in students lives.

Question 7 of 30

If you could choose your ideal environment would you be an Admissions Counselor in a high school, vocational college or a university?

User Submitted Interview Answers

I would work at a university because I love college campuses and the infectious environment of continued learning.

Question 8 of 30

Tell me about a time you went over and above to help a student get into a program.

User Submitted Interview Answers

While at Kaplan, I assisted a military spouse who had received her high school diploma from the UK. She did not have a copy of her high school credentials nor did her school still have her records. In order to attain her high school credentials, I emailed the Head Master of the school to request a formal letter stating that the student had indeed attended the school and when she had done so. Thankfully the Head Master was cooperative and sent the letter from the UK with a notarized signature to fulfill the admissions requirement.

Student with disabilities. Parent phoned me in tears. The Deot that helps Students with disabilities, basically said you might as well face the fact your son will just work for McDonald's. Disgusted I said tell your son to come see me. He has asberger syndrome. Amazing. He lacked confidence, I would go with him to make introductions to other depts (financial aid, CSD faculty) Throughout his schooling I advised him about reducing course load a bit to make it easier, I'd read his thesis or just offer encouragement. He completed his course in 3 years, not two but went on to get his degree at a collaborative university. He and his family took me out for lunch and invited me to his graduation which I wouldn't have missed for the world.

Question 9 of 30

Are you available to work evenings, weekends and overtime if required?

Question 10 of 30

How do you handle unmotivated students?

User Submitted Interview Answers

If a student is unmotivated, I would want to understand what is motivating them to apply in the first place. Do they want to attend the school or do their parents? Why do they want to attend college? Have they thought about their reasons for applying? I would reverse engineer the conversation and find out what the end goals were for the student to understand how best to motivate them.

I offer empathy. I tell them it's an adjustment, everyone goes through it, and also see if they're in the right course for them If they are still interested. Also get teachers help that's what they're there for, options - courseliad too much? Drop a course or two make it manageable.

Question 11 of 30

What made you decide that you wanted to be an Admissions Counselor?

User Submitted Interview Answers

Education has brought about positive changes in my life and I want to give back to others who are pursuing their academic and career goals.

Question 12 of 30

When you were a student, who was the most influential individual to you?

User Submitted Interview Answers

My Mom. She went back to school when I was a sophomore in college. She had never finished college but always told me as a kid that she would go back to school when I was in college, and she did. I knew that if she could motivate herself to finish school, I could do it too.

Question 13 of 30

How important is policy to you?

Question 14 of 30

Tell me about an idea you implemented at your last job.

Question 15 of 30

How do you get along with others at work?

Question 16 of 30

Describe your leadership skills.

Question 17 of 30

Are you able to pass a criminal record check?

Question 18 of 30

Do you easily connect with your students?

User Submitted Interview Answers

I do find it easy to build rapport with students. The most important thing is to listen and empathize with any challenges they may be facing.

Question 19 of 30

While attending University, what was your best course, and why?

Question 20 of 30

While attending University, what was your most challenging course, and why?

Question 21 of 30

Describe your communication style and why you feel it is effective.

Question 22 of 30

Are you an organized individual? What do you do to ensure you stay organized throughout your day?

Question 23 of 30

How would your former colleagues describe you?

Question 24 of 30

If I spoke with your former supervisor, what 2 things would they say you do best?

Question 25 of 30

If I spoke with your former supervisor, what 2 things would they say you could work on as an admissions professional?

Question 26 of 30

Have you ever been involved in creating an outreach program to promote your school?

Question 27 of 30

Tell me about any sales experience you may have.

Question 28 of 30

Are you familiar with the range of programs that we offer?

Question 29 of 30

You have multiple deadlines approaching with very little time. What do you do?

User Submitted Interview Answers

I take a step back and understand the order of the deadlines and the amount of time required to complete each project. I then start to tackle the larger projects first, especially if they entail collaboration with multiple departments, and then understand what projects I can accomplish myself all while keeping in mind what deadline date comes first, second, third, etc. If need be, I am not afraid to ask for assistance or advise about how to most efficiently and effectively complete a task. Especially when doing something for the first time.

That is the norm in admissions. We would work long hours, come in on the weekend, as the deadline es have to be met. We couldn't delegate to any one because all admissions staff were just as busy. But every intake, we met or exceeded our targets.

Question 30 of 30

Why are you the best candidate for us?

Admissions Counselor Pros

1. I would say at the end of the day an admissions counselor obtains satisfaction when they know that they have successfully planned the career plan of a prospective student, that or they know they have led them in the right direction. May 30th, 2012

2. I believe the pros of being an Admission counselor include being a resource for students who are looking to find their way in the work and finding an institution that will help them to be productive well rounded citizens. You have the ability to be an active participant in their success. July 3rd, 2012

View all Admissions Counselor Pros and Cons

Questions to ask at Interview

What is your enrollment expectations each year?

What is my recruiting territory?

How soon will you make your decision?

View all Questions

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