How can having a theme song help ace the college interview?

Application Process

Our Counselors Answered:

How can having a theme song help ace the college interview?
Scott Herrmann-KeelingCollege Counselor

How can having a theme song help ace the college interview?

That’s an interesting question. I can think of two ways having a theme song can help. First, if your theme song is one you can turn to for strength or inspiration internally, or somehow use as a mnemonic that can’t hurt. Second, if you’re willing to sing it for your interviewer, you can be pretty sure you’ll be remembered.

Reecy ArestyCollege Admissions/Financial Aid Expert & AuthorPayless For College, Inc.

How can having a theme song help ace the college interview?

If the interviewer is a frustrated tenor perhaps! At least they could do a sing-a-long with you.

It’s a little different if you’re having an audition to enter the College of Music.
Sterling Peterson

Music answers the question

A college wants to interview you to find out if you will fit the college. They want to know that you will bring diversity to their campus. Knowing who you really are will help you answer questions and respond so the college interviewers get to know the real you. Finding a theme song helps you understand who you really are. The more definition you have to who you are, the better you will interview. Just be sure to refrain from singing the song. It might not go so well for you.

Peggy WallaceFounderMaking Conversation, LLC

How can having a theme song help ace the college interview?

Music enables us to remember information—think of “Now I Know My ABCs.” Music can calm the wild beast or encourage us to purchase in shopping environments. For the college/scholarship/job interview, it can be an energizing and positive attitude booster. So find your own theme song. One you can listen to, sing or just hum to yourself, right before the interview to get you geared up for the “Main Event.” You can go with show tunes, “I Believe in You” from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying or “I am the Starlight” from Starlight Express or older classics like “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong and “I’ve Got the World on a String” by Frank Sinatra.

Peggy WallaceFounderMaking Conversation, LLC

How can having a theme song help ace the college interview?

Finding your own song that makes you feel good about yourself! You can use any song that makes you feel confident and strong. A recent client’s pep song was “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. Some upbeat songs are  “I Feel Good” by James Brown, “Don’t Stop (thinking about tomorrow)” by Fleetwood Mac,  “You are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder, “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and The Waves and “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” (from Monty Python).

Peggy WallaceFounderMaking Conversation, LLC

How can having a theme song help ace the college interview?

In addition to a song, try a catch phrase! You can repeat that phrase to yourself to give you courage. Many actors use this technique before big auditions. Remember, your goal is to give yourself the confidence and enthusiasm to present your best self during the interview or in any stressful situation, so start with finding a theme song or a catch phrase and go from there!

Patty GibbsVice President for Student Affiars & Dean of StudentsWesleyan College

Theme song

A theme song focused on things that pertain to you, can help you stay focused during your interview. Remember the person interviewing wants to get to know you as a person and as a student.

Nina BerlerFounderunCommon Apps

How can having a theme song help ace the college interview?

I have never been aware of an applicant having a theme song. I’m actually not that sure how receptive I would be if a student were to sing me a song unless it were so clever and not in the least bit offensive. That does not mean, however, that another interviewer wouldn’t think it a clever tactic or conversation starter! The way a candidate does extraordinarily well with me – and I have conducted so many interviews – is to show respect and exceptional preparation. I want to know that the student really knows and cares about Brown, for example. If he or she conveys that in words and not in song, I am going to be pleased. If a student displays excellent critical thinking in the interview, I will be even impressed.

Catherine McCarthy

Having a Theme is Great…

but you need some substance, too.

Remember to make the points you want to make about what matters to you and what experiences and expectations you can bring to a college. If a theme song helps you stay focused on that message, then great. But, great interviews frequently go “off script” and you need to be prepared to discuss other topics in a thoughtful and genuine way.
Ginger FayPresidentFay College Counseling, LLC

You’re not Ally McBeal, but…

OK, none of you are probably old enough to have ever seen the legal dramedy that made Calista Flockhart famous, so here’s the upshot – Ally used to imagine she had her own personal theme song (I think it was “Tell Him”) and it gave her the confidence she needed to go into court or on a date or whatever. While I don’t recommend breaking into a song and dance number in the middle of your interview (unless, of course, you are auditioning for a musical theater program), finding your own personal theme song can be a good exercise to help you prep for an interview. The point is that in order to interview successfully, you have to know who you are and how to introduce that to someone else. If a theme song doesn’t work for you, you can go with something simpler, like, What are the three or four things someone needs to know about me in order to know what’s important to me? These things could be both values you hold and accomplishments of which you are proud. If you can set those ideas to music in your head, great, but either way what you want is the confidence that comes from knowing who you are.

王文君 June ScortinoPresidentIVY Counselors Network

mock interview is necessary and recommended

if you consider yourself inexperienced with interviews, you should consider mock interview practice with counselor or someone else. a theme song may not help you at all if you need the skills to be competitive.

王文君 June ScortinoPresidentIVY Counselors Network

mock interview is necessary and recommended

if you consider yourself inexperienced with interviews, you should consider mock interview practice with counselor or someone else. a theme song may not help you at all if you need the skills to be competitive.

Helen H. ChoiOwnerAdmissions Mavens

Sure!

If it makes you feel more comfortable and relaxed, then go for it!

王文君 June ScortinoPresidentIVY Counselors Network

mock interview is necessary and recommended

if you consider yourself inexperienced with interviews, you should consider mock interview practice with counselor or someone else. a theme song may not help you at all if you need the skills to be competitive.

王文君 June ScortinoPresidentIVY Counselors Network

mock interview is necessary and recommended

if you consider yourself inexperienced with interviews, you should consider mock interview practice with counselor or someone else. a theme song may not help you at all if you need the skills to be competitive.

Willard DixDirector of ProgrammingChicago Scholars

Stand Out from the Crowd

A theme song can help you stand out by being memorable, but not in a good way, unless you are applying to a performing arts program or musical theater school. Otherwise, it will be embarrassing and gimmicky. You will make your interviewer uncomfortable, and if it’s an alumnus you’ve met in a coffee shop, well, you’ll both probably want to slink away before you’ve finished. Of course, I assume the question is about performing a theme song. If you just want to mention it, that’s probably OK although I’m not sure why it would come up.

Juliet Giglio

A theme song will help you ace the college interview

College interviews can be nerve wracking. If you create a theme song for yourself, you’ll be more likely to remember the important points about yourself

CollegeCounselor McSellerson

test

test

Lisa BleichPresidentCollege Bound Mentor, LLC

The Music of Your Life

Just like Ally McBeal, having a theme song can help you nail the college interview because it can keep you focused on what makes you unique. Your theme song should correspond with who you are and what common threads run through your life. For someone who likes a challenge your theme song can be “Ain’t no Mountain High Enough.” This can be running through you head and you can give examples of how at each turn, you have challenged yourself and kept pushing forward. For someone who is a bit quirky or different, but has stayed true to himself, his theme song could be “Just the Way You Are.” by Bruno Mars to keep you grounded and realize that your difference is what makes you special and you can center your interview around all of the ways that you have shown this through your creativity, your determination, or your acceptance of self. So think about songs that speak to you and figure out how the theme mirrors your own life philosophy. Then when you are in the interview, sing out strong.

CollegeCounselor McSellerson

ksdafbsjd sadkhf sadjhf

lsakdf oashdf sadjfh

Jay Counselor2

asd

asdasd

Peter Ratzan

Have an Agenda

When approaching the college interview, it is important to be prepared with specific experiences, characteristics, or qualities about yourself that you want to express to the interviewer. I call this “having an agenda”. A typical college interview will last about 30 minutes, perhaps less, so you have very little time to express yourself. An interview is a give and take – you need to make sure you uphold your end of the bargain, er, conversation. So go in knowing what you want to express to the interviewer. If you speak 3 languages and want that to be known, somehow work that into the conversation. If you are an expert illustrator, or you have written an iPhone application find a way to work that in. Be conversational – interviewers loathe those awkward silences and love students who give full answers to questions. Avoid simple yes/no answers by elaborating on your responses. And if you do come across an awkward silence, take initiative by using it as an opportunity to ask a question. More than likely, the interviewer will conclude by saying, “Do you have any questions?”. Try to have an ‘extra’ question prepared, so that you can ask it at the end. Finally, be sure to get a business card and follow up with a hand-written thank you note.

Kimberly Davis

How can having a theme song help ace the college interview?

It is certainly an intriguing idea. Given the recent music video put out but the Yale Admissions office, and the willingness at Tufts to watch offbeat YouTube videos, an interview theme song does not seem so far-fetched. That said, If I were your interviewer, I would probably call security if you jumped on the desk and starting belting out Celine Dion songs. Ok, so seriously, I think its a great idea of having a theme for your interview. Know what you want to convey to the admissions office, things that you know they can’t get from just reading your application. Rather than acting like a deer in the headlights, take some control over the process and engage your interviewer. Whether you are just asking salient questions (not the things you could have had answered by a quick glance at their website), or steering questions to your intended subjects, this is your chance to make an impression. Use it wisely.

Brian D. CrispFounder and PresidentCrisp Consulting + Coaching; Burton College Tours

Someone Like You

It may be more of a mantra than an actual theme song. Students engaging in an admission process where alumni or on-campus interviews are critical should be true to themselves. This may sound a bit trite, but it is true as interviewers are looking for someone like you. Interviewers desire to know what makes you unique and how such uniqueness will contribute to the school community. Therefor, do not recite your application and highlight your activities sheet. Instead, spend some time on a significant passion that highlights your personal attributes while showing depth and breadth of subject matter. Discuss your love of origami, Contemporary Appalachian Literature, or cross-country skiing. There are no set rules for interviews and each school will embrace its particular nuances. Yet, universally, showing your unique qualities and passions will serve you well. After the interview, remember to highlight these passions in a brief hand-written thank-you note.

Francine SchwartzFounder/ PresidentPathfinder Counseling LLC

Students should begin creating a theme as soon as they start high school. Having a theme means tying

Creating a theme song means that you tie your interests, activities, volunteer work, community service and course work together around a topic that really interests you. For example if you are concerned about the environment you could take environmental biology courses, start a compost center at your school, help younger students learn about recycling etc. Start exploring your interests early in your high school career and continue to pursue those things that you are truly passionate about verse selecting something that you think will impress an admissions officer. When it comes time for your interview you will be able to have an engaging and comfortable conversation. Admissions officers will take note because you will show that you truly are passionate about what you do. You will ace the interview. Good Luck.

js

How can having a theme song help ace the college interview?

test

CollegeCounselor McSellerson

How can having a theme song help ace the college interview?

it helps you focus

Patricia KrahnkePresident/PartnerGlobal College Search Associates, LLC

OMG R U KDDNG?!

A college admissions interview is not Facebook. It’s not a place to talk about lyrics that resonate with you. If lyrics help you to focus your thoughts, fine. But don’t talk about a song unless you are asked.

Want to impress a college admissions interviewer? Express yourself like a grownup; accept responsibility for anomalies in your academic record (no excuses); make it clear you have done your research on the college, including its social scene, location, faculty, and academic programs (do this by asking carefully considered questions based on your research, connecting your interests and needs to what you believe the college may offer you); express articulately why you would be a good fit for their student body; behave with good manners when you arrive, while you are there, and when you leave; and send a handwritten thank you note to the individual that interviewed you. That is how you ace an interview. Not sure you can pull that off? I’ll bet you can. Practice with someone who loves you enough to want to see you succeed.
Nicholas Umphrey

Theme songs

This is a relatively new trend. I’ll be honest, as a child of the 80’s I find it upsetting because it makes me realize that I am older and out of touch. Why? Because my kids choose songs from new artists I’ve never heard of. Take something from the AC-DC Back in Black album, some classic rock from the 60’s or 70’s. Just don’t use anything by Justin Bieber or any of the new trendy artists. Chances are, if I don’t know the song, the admissions committee will not either.

Choose a song that is a classic, that people sing in the shower, the men serenade their lady with, that everybody knows. Then try to connect these lyrics to your personal life and who you are. As you do this, show that you have reflected on the process. Songs not to use: I’m Too Sexy by Right Said Fred; Baby Got Back by Sir Mix a Lot; I Touch Myself by the Divinyls; you get the idea. Nothing to racy or raunchy.
Benjamin CaldarelliPartnerPrinceton College Consulting, LLC

How can having a theme song help ace the college interview?

The same way that politicians use talking points to get across what they want regardless of the question asked, students who convey a consistent message can control what the interviewer records, however it may also backfire in the same way as when a politician comes off as unresponsive or evasive.

Pamela Hampton-GarlandOwnerScholar Bound

Theme Song

NO, do not go into an interview with any song unless you are applying to a performance school where your talent is singing. Take college interviews very seriously and dress appropriate being prepared to answer questions; not wasting the persons’ time with minutia.

Helen Cella

How can having a theme song help ace the college interview?

The words of a college theme song usually mention important details of the school

Claire Law

How can having a theme song help ace the college interview?

It’ s important for students to understand whether the college is offering them an “informative” interview OR an “evaluative” interview. The most selective colleges typically have their alumni conduct interviews with students. If everything looks great on paper in the admission office, an interview may be granted. Students should realize this is going to be an “evaluative” interview. They should be prepared to put their best foot forward and have a theme song that is consistent with who they are. Best advice: be yourself!

Reecy ArestyCollege Admissions/Financial Aid Expert & AuthorPayless For College, Inc.

How can having a theme song help ace the college interview?

If the interviewer is a frustrated tenor perhaps! At least they could do a sing-a-long with you.

It’s a little different if your’re having an audition to enter the College of Music.
Lynda McGeeCollege CounselorDowntown Magnets High School

How can having a theme song help ace the college interview?

This just sounds a little on the weird side. The main problem is that it sounds gimmicky, and finding the best college for you is too important to treat like a game show. I would stay far away from this kind of thing. It could really turn off your interviewer.

Bill PrudenHead of Upper School, College CounselorRavenscroft School

How can having a theme song help ace the college interview?

Unless you are looking to be a music major or planning to go into advertising, such an effort is far more apt to undermine your effort than to help you ace the interview. Indeed, such an effort is apt to come off sophomoric and gimmicky. While your musical skills—and perhaps an element of creativity–might be showcased through such an effort, they can probably be best highlighted through other means. Rather, you should remember that the interview is a forum that offers an opportunity for an applicant to add a human dimension to the other more sterile parts of the application. Don’t let yourself be obscured by a gimmick.

Tam Warner MintonConsultantCollege Adventures

How can having a theme song help ace the college interview?

If you have a theme song, the theme is probably YOU, what type of person you are, what you like to do, what you want to do. It can remind you of who you are. Truthfully, I’ve never had a student with a “theme song” (at least not one you could tell an interviewer about!), but it could certainly be helpful, particularly for students interested in the arts.

Chuck SlatePresidentCollege Advisors,LLC

How can having a theme song help ace the college interview?

Well if you can stand on the admission counselors desk and sing like Kelly Clarkson, then you might impress them with your talent.

SERIOUSLY, I’ve never recommended a”theme-song” for any of my student. I guess if someone was serious about recommending that, what they are trying to get you to do is THINK about WHO you are and convey it in a sentence or two, thus “Think of a theme song that tells them who you are…..” Honestly, the best way to think of who you are is to draw a line down the middle of a page of notebook paper and on the left side list all the things you have done and enjoy doing. On the right side list all the things you HAVE YET to Do and WANT to do. Practice talking about these two lists. (Remember people like to hear WHY YOU LIKE something or would like to try something. Remember, YOU ARE YOUR THEME and NOT the other way around.