Admissions Counselor Mock Interview
Practice 35 Admissions Counselor interview questions covering recruitment strategies, student engagement, and enrollment goals.
Question 4 of 35
Walk me through your approach with students who are undecided on their major.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Example Answer
Entry Level
Experienced
Community Answers
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
This behavioral style question will help the interviewer to better understand your coaching and counseling style. They want to ensure you have the skills and experience necessary to help guide students through this critical decision-making process. As an admissions counselor, you will likely be working with a wide range of students with different backgrounds, interests, and goals. You must have a thoughtful and effective approach to helping these students explore their options, weigh their interests and skills, and make informed decisions about their academic and career paths. By sharing your approach with the interviewer, you can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to supporting students in this important journey.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"I refer to my undecided students as 'open to exploring' so they do not feel the guilt associated with being in a rut or undecided. I will take these open students through a cycle of exercises, including a written exercise that walks them through their interests, life expectations, and how they view themselves. I will also set up opportunities for them to job shadow in various careers that interest them."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"If I were to come across a student who was undecided on their major, I would start by figuring out what they do not like and also administer a personality test if that was a resource available to me. From there, I would encourage a student to job shadow a few family members or friends with interesting careers. There are many ways to help spark a new interest in an undecided student."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"Sure, I'd love to walk you through my approach with students who are undecided on their major. First, I like to get to know the student and their interests. What are they passionate about? What do they enjoy doing in their free time? This can often provide clues as to what field they may be interested in pursuing.
From there, I like providing resources for students to explore different majors and career paths. This can include informational interviews with professionals in various fields, attending career fairs, and utilizing online resources such as career assessments and job outlook reports.
I also encourage the student to take a variety of classes in different subject areas to get a better idea of what they enjoy and excel at. It's important to remember that it's okay to be undecided and that many students change their majors multiple times before finding the right fit.
My approach is focused on helping students explore their interests and passions while providing them with the resources and support they need to make an informed decision about their major and future career path."
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Anonymous Answer
I would schedule as many meetings as possible to get to know the student better. My interest would be to learn more about the student's qualities, interests, and strengths. I would show the student that his/her decision is important to our team and that they are not alone in making an important decision.
I would explain to the student the importance of making a smart decision, to save money and time during their college career. I would provide different career options and the career plan for each degree. I would ensure the student feels comfortable with the courses offered and would remain supportive at all times.
Rachelle's Feedback
Very well thought out response! Try compacting it further to help the interviewer follow along.
"If a student were undecided on their major, I would do three things. First, I would get to know their qualities, interests, and strengths. Next, I would make sure they felt supported by the admissions team while reflecting on their important decision. Then, I would provide the student with data regarding career options and paths for each degree they were contemplating. It's important that I would remain supportive and helpful through all stages of the decision-making process."
Anonymous Answer
As a recent graduate, I know what it feels like to not know your specific career path. For some students, it is difficult to see the path you want to go until the student experiences it. I would talk with these students to gain knowledge about their interests and strengths. Also, I would help them look for opportunities to job shadow in a variety of careers that may interest them.
Alexandra's Feedback
Great answer!
Anonymous Answer
If I were to come across a student who was undecided on their major, I would have a discussion with them to get to know what their interests and strengths are and get an idea of majors they are considering. I would supply them with data for the majors being considered and show them potential paths they could take to pursue them. I would make sure that they feel like they have my support in their decisions.
Rachelle's Feedback
You are taking a multi-faceted approach here that includes data and the emotional side of decision making. Well balanced - great work!
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