Admissions Counselor Mock Interview
Practice 35 Admissions Counselor interview questions covering recruitment strategies, student engagement, and enrollment goals.
Question 10 of 35
What would you do if a student on your academic roster was failing a course?
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.
The interviewer would like further insight into your style when counseling and helping any failing students on your academic roster. Give a brief overview of what you would do to help a struggling student. For example, you could provide guidance on how to approach the course material and suggest study strategies that may be more effective for the student. Additionally, you could connect students with resources such as tutoring or study groups that can provide further support. Describe how you work with students to develop a plan for improving their grades, setting achievable goals, and monitoring progress along the way.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I believe that when a student is failing, there are usually some underlying issues that need to be dealt with. I will collaborate with that student and the professor of the course to create an action plan for success. I will also openly ask the student what they need from me to feel supported."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"If I were to have a student who was failing a course, I would want to take a more personal approach by sitting down with the student to find out the source of their struggle. I would then help develop a plan of action to address the issue. However, I am always eager to learn. What is your most preferred method when helping a struggling student?"
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"I certainly want all of my students to succeed, so if they were failing a course, I would meet with them and ask, 'What can I do to make this easier for you?'. It's amazing how well students will open up when they know they are being listened to. I will also review their academic history to see if this is a pattern or a one-time issue. From there, I would work with the student and their instructors to develop a plan for improvement, which may include tutoring, additional study time, or adjusting their course load. Ultimately, my goal would be to help the student succeed and ensure their academic progress remains on track."
Interview Coach
Jaymie
A real coach, not AI. I read every answer myself and write back with personalized feedback.
Typically responds within 24 hours.
0 - Character Count
Anonymous Answer
I would sit down with the student and discuss what is going on in their life to try and figure out why they are failing their course. I try to get the student to open up without prying too much, and by being respectful. I would provide them with relevant information and suggest they set up a meeting with their professor to discuss potential options or put them in touch with the writing center or tutoring center. I would follow up and stay connected to keep encouraging and finding a solution.
Rachelle's Feedback
The steps you mention here are significant and come from a place of respecting boundaries, which is very important. You sound highly prepared - well done!
Anonymous Answer
I would check in with the student and try to assess why they may be failing, without being too confrontational or making them more anxious than they already may be.
I would also let them know that there are resources in the school, such as tutors and office hours for professors, and really just encourage them to seek some help from those resources.
Stephanie's Feedback
Your response is very student-centered, which is wonderful. In the "Revised Answer" section, I have suggested a way to slightly restate this response to enhance clarity and highlight your strengths.
I would check in with the student to try to assess why they may be failing, practicing compassion and active listening skills. I would listen to their perspective on what their obstacles to success have been, gently reminding them of resources available on campus, such as tutoring services and office hours for professors. I would encourage them to utilize these resources, asking what support they would like from me in facilitating this process.
Unlock All 35 Admissions Counselor Questions
Master questions about yield rates, recruiting territories, and student conversations that interviewers prioritize.
Get StartedJump to Question