Ah, you’re planning for your college interview—a pivotal event that can shape the trajectory of your academic and professional career. Whether you’re a high school senior who’s eager to impress your dream school or a transfer student looking to make a positive impression, what you wear to your college interview can impact how you’re perceived.
Let’s dive into the basic recommendations and pro-tips for how to dress for an interview, so you can be prepared to score a spot at your school of choice.
How to Dress For an Interview
First, we’ll start with the basics. Whether your interview is in-person or virtual and no matter the field of study you’re planning for, some general guidelines can help you put your best foot (or outfit) forward:
1. Keep it casual—business casual.
Business casual attire is your friend when you’re figuring out how to dress for an interview. A nice pair of pants paired with a collared or button-up shirt is a safe bet for making a good impression. A dress or skirt that is knee-length or longer can also be dressed up professionally. Blazers and cardigans can add a touch of professionalism without overdoing it. Avoid wearing jeans, low-cut tops or dresses, or any clothes with holes or tears.
2. Choose neutral colors.
Beige, brown, gray, navy, and white are typically safe colors. Neutrals tend to exemplify professionalism and sophistication. Choosing neutral colors over bright colors can prevent distractions from your interview process.
3. Avoid fashion statements.
Expressing your personal style is an important way to express yourself, but a college interview isn’t necessarily an appropriate place for bold statements or experimentation. Remember that first impressions are important, and you want to show the interview committee that you are serious about attending their school.
Leave flashy accessories at home. Avoid accessories that represent polarizing opinions or political stances, and avoid clothing that may distract your interviewer.
4. Hygiene is important.
Good personal hygiene is a non-negotiable aspect of making a good impression. For example, don’t come straight from the gym without washing and combing your hair. Make sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free. Trim your nails and facial hair, if applicable.
This shows that you care about the details of your appearance. It is equally important not to go overboard with perfume, scented lotions, or cologne. Some people cannot handle strong scents, and you don’t want your interviewer turned off by the scent you’re wearing.
5. Dress for (comfortable) success.
You’ll want to look polished and professional, but you’ll also want to feel comfortable. The more comfortable you feel in your clothes, the more comfortable you will be in your interview. Choose outfits that make you feel confident and at ease. Opt for clothing items that are the right size—not too small, not too large. You don’t want to be adjusting your outfit when you should be answering questions!
Should You Change Your Outfit Based on Industry?
When you are deciding how to dress for an interview, you may be wondering if your fashion choices should reflect the field of study you’re entering. The short answer: not necessarily. This mostly depends on the specific college or industry you are interviewing for. Be sure to research the specific college or program to see if they have certain preferences or expectations for candidates so that you can present yourself as their top choice.
Ivy League vs. State School
If you are interviewing with an Ivy League university, you may want to dress more business-professional than business casual. Even if the college or program doesn’t specify whether they prefer this, showing up professionally can make you more memorable to the interview or admissions committee. A tie or suit can set you apart, as can a pantsuit with heels or a formal dress. State schools may be more relaxed in their fashion expectations, though you should still present yourself in a polished, professional manner.
STEM, Pre-Med, or Business
A more conservative and formal outfit is usually preferred in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, pre-med, and business-related fields (STEM). A well-fitted suit or a polished dress with subtle accessories can make a strong impression. If you want to go the extra mile, opt for more business-professional attire. It’s better to overdress than underdress because it shows that you are taking the interview seriously, and demonstrates that you are concerned with presenting and performing well.
Liberal Arts and Humanities
For interviews in fields such as education, literature, history, or philosophy, a slightly more relaxed approach may be acceptable. However, you should lean towards business-professional rather than business casual if you want to convey a higher sense of professionalism.
Creative Arts
If you’re pursuing a degree in the creative arts such as fine arts, music, or theater, there may be more room for self-expression. While maintaining a level of professionalism, you can showcase your artistic side through carefully chosen accessories or unique clothing items. This can look like adding a pop of color to your wardrobe or adding subtle accessories.
High Schoolers vs. College Students: Should You Dress Differently?
It doesn’t matter if you are a high school senior or transfer student; it matters how you show up. Interviewers may expect transfer students to dress more professionally since they have a little bit more academic and professional experience than high schoolers.
However, interviewers know what they are looking for in a candidate which has less to do with your age and more to do with how you present yourself. Present yourself with an essence of maturity so interviewers know you are serious about your academic pursuits, and opt for clothing that is more classic than trendy. Show up well-groomed in business-casual attire at the very least.
What you shouldn’t wear also matters! Despite your age, avoid wearing these items to a college interview:
- Flip flops
- Athletic or athleisure wear
- T-shirts or shorts
- Anything with profanity or political terms
- Hats, sunglasses, or flashy accessories
- Denim of any kind
Overall, what you wear to your interview is just one piece of an important experience. Your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and other accomplishments will also speak for your work ethic and character. Deciding how to dress for an interview is not about conforming to a certain expectation or culture, but it is about finding a balance between your professionalism and personal expression. Choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and look like the professional you want to become.
Are you still trying to find your school of choice? Our 2024 Best College Rankings can help you find the best fit for your goals and interests!
