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Borrowing Tip

Never borrow more than you need. Remember, you're not required to borrow the full amount of loan aid your child has been offered.
More loan tips

Expert Advice

"The essay portion of the application is one way to find out if prospective students have one of the basic skills they'll need when they're here."
A. Stewart, Former Assistant Director, Hope College

Interview Checklist

Transcript? Check. SAT scores? Check...

Print out this checklist to make sure your child is absolutely, positively ready for the interview.

Before
Make an interview appointment at a college in which I'm interested
Mark the date and time on my calendar or datebook
Learn what type of interview to expect -- such as a student interview vs. an alumni interview
Research the college by reading its brochure and course catalog and visiting its Web site
Make notes about why I want to attend this college
Try several practice interviews where I've taken turns being the interviewer and interviewee
Review the questions an interviewer might ask and think about what my answers will be
Prepare questions I want to ask the interviewer
Get directions to the college's campus and admission office
Lay out an appropriate interview outfit
Gather any documents I might need, such as my test scores and high school transcript
After
Make notes about the conversation, for thank-you note material or future reference
Pick up financial aid forms
Take any business cards that are offered, for contact information
Schedule a campus tour (if didn't tour before the interview)
Ask if I can sit in on a class
Breathe a sigh of relief