What to Wear to a College Interview

You might be wondering what to wear to a college interview?

We’ve got some great ideas for cute outfits, from a floral print dress to overalls, for looking your best at an interview. 

University admissions are an exciting process, but they can be stressful all the same! Once you’ve narrowed it down and scheduled an appointment with an admissions advisor, you might be wondering what to wear to a college interview. 

The admissions interview is super important as it gives you an opportunity to make an in-person impression and get all your burning questions answered. If you’ve already had a job, internship, or volunteer position, you probably already have some idea of what a (semi-) formal interview entails. Luckily, most admissions interviews are fairly laid back. Of course, this will vary depending on where you’ve applied. 

Confidence is always key in any interview situation, so naturally you’ll want to find a cute outfit that helps you feel your best. When you’re applying for college, you’ve got a lot on your mind, so we’ve compiled a list of outfit ideas to help you look great on that important day.

Floral Print Dress

A pretty floral print dress is the perfect way to pull off a dressy casual look for a college interview. Interviews usually take place in early spring, so it’s a seasonally appropriate choice that exudes a cheerful vibe. If you choose to wear a dress for your interview, make sure you choose one that isn’t too revealing so it’s appropriate for the occasion. 

Choose a hemline that’s not more than a few inches above the knee. Tee or three-quarter length sleeves are ideal, but if your dress is sleeveless, you can always pair it with a cardigan. You’ll also want to avoid a low cut neckline. Stay away from anything too tight or too flowy. Since you’re opting for a more conservative silhouette, you can have fun and show your personality with the print. 

College interviews give you some license to be flexible with what you wear, since they’re not totally formal occasions. If florals aren’t your thing, try geometric shapes, abstract patterns, stripes, or whatever strikes your fancy. Pair your dress with ballet flats or low heeled sandals. 

Smart Jumpsuit 

A jumpsuit is the trendiest way to look chic and sharp for an interview. With sneakers and a denim jacket, a knit wrap front jumpsuit like this can be totally casual. Pair it with low, strappy heels, some chunky oxfords, or ankle boots and you’re interview ready. 

Jumpsuits are super versatile and give you the ability to move more than a dress, so they’re a great choice for what to wear to a college interview that includes a walking tour of the campus. Of course, black is always a safe color choice no matter what the occasion, so a black jumpsuit is an obvious wardrobe staple. 

If you want to pull off a smart look, stick to a jumpsuit in a neutral color, like army green or grey. If you want a more lively look, stripes are a great option. 

Versatile Blouse

If buying a whole new outfit isn’t within your college interview wardrobe budget, a new blouse can do the trick. We love this tie-front top because it’s cute and casual, but can easily be dressed up and styled to be interview appropriate. Depending on how formal your interview is, you could wear this with trousers, dark wash jeans, or a longer skirt. 

A knit pencil skirt or a knee-length A-line skirt would both work equally well. The formal collared button-up vibe is given a youthful twist with the tie front, so this is a perfect piece for bridging the gap between educational and professional. Pastel is a great color for bringing out the best in a variety of skin tones, but other pastel shades can work well too, depending on your preference. 

A blouse in a bright color or vivid print would also work. When it comes to a college interview, you shouldn’t be afraid to show off your personality. As we get older, jobs tend to get more formal and we have fewer opportunities for self-expression. While a college interview is certainly not your last hurrah, you should definitely take the chance to have fun with what you wear when you have the chance.

Overalls

A classic staple of tomboy fashion, overalls have been trending for several seasons now. While usually seen in variations of denim, you can elevate the look to an interview appropriate one by opting for overalls in a plaid or other more formal fabric. While denim or corduroy are decidedly more casual, so you’ll want to a avoid them; a different fabric makes this look a great interview option. 

Pair these overalls with a fitted short or long sleeve top in a plain color for a youthful and fun look. If you’re interviewing at a more arts-focused institution, you could even pair this look with some dressy sneakers. Otherwise, stick to flats or oxfords. 

Overall, the best thing to accessorize with when attending a college interview is confidence. If you’re self-assured, it will shine through and make a positive impression. Remember, as much as you want to get into a certain school, they are also competing to be your first choice. 

For optimal confidence, make sure you are adequately prepared for your interview. If it’s your first one, ask a friend or family member to help you practice mock questions. Brainstorm and write down a list of questions you’d like to ask your interviewer. Do plenty of research on the institution you’ll be interviewing at so you can ask informed, intelligent questions. 

Most importantly, believe in yourself. Ultimately, education is not about how you look but rather what’s in your mind. Know your worth and don’t be afraid to value yourself highly. Keep these tips in mind and you’re sure to ace your interview!

Having a date after a college interview? Don't worry! Read on for some tips on what to wear on a date to make the best impression!