College scholarship is a big deal for most students who really want to attend college yet do not have the financial resources to do so. The amounts offered by various college scholarships differ and most scholarships that offer the highest payout require that its applicants undergo at least one, if not a series of, interview.

One mistake that most students commit during their college scholarship application is failing to prepare for the interview. Yes, they have filled out the college application form in detail yet, they do not realize that it’s the interview that really counts. So, how do you prepare for the interview? Here are some tips:

Practice your interview skills by simulating the interview. Ask your friend or roommate to act as the interviewer and ask you a couple of questions. Interview questions can vary from your academic achievements to your extra-curricular activities. You can search online for possible questions that might be asked during your college scholarship interview.

Never be late for a college scholarship interview. One way to assert yourself and show that you are serious about getting the scholarship is by being on time. Arriving on time creates a good impression and, whenever possible, arrive a couple of minutes early.

Watch yourself during the interview. Be very conscious and avoid being fidgety as this may make you look nervous. It would be best to sit still and maintain eye contact all throughout the interview yet not appear to be too frigid. What’s important is that you project a calm posture and appear professional.

You need to dress appropriately for the interview. You are not expected to wear very formal clothes but smart casual can always do the trick. For men, a suit and tie would always be appropriate clothes for a professional look while a dress or skirt with a fitting shirt or blouse would be perfect for a young lady. Avoid wearing clothes that easily wrinkle and, of course, make sure that they are clean and free of any stain.

Other than being aware of what you wear and how you project yourself, it would also be good if you are conscious of what you say. If you are faced with a question that you can’t answer, you can simply say that you don’t know rather than faking an answer which may be obvious to the interviewer. Remember, college scholarship is not just about what you know, but also about having the courage and honesty to accept things that may be beyond your comprehension.