What should I say in a UConn interview?

Focus on being clear, specific, and personable rather than trying to sound impressive. For a UConn interview, the most useful content is why UConn fits you, what you actually do outside class, and how you would contribute to campus. UConn interviews, when offered, are generally evaluative but conversational, so a natural, grounded answer style usually works better than polished speeches.

Be ready to talk through four things well. First, your academic interests: what subjects you enjoy, how you’ve explored them, and what you may want to study at UConn. Second, your activities: not just a list, but what you cared about, how you grew, and where you made an impact. Third, why UConn specifically: mention concrete reasons like a program, research area, honors opportunity, school spirit, campus environment, or student organizations that genuinely match your goals. Fourth, your personal qualities: curiosity, initiative, resilience, leadership, or community-mindedness, shown through short examples.

For “Why UConn?”, avoid vague lines like “it has a great campus” unless you add detail. The exact details should match your interests.

You should also prepare for common questions such as “Tell me about yourself,” “Why this major?”, “What are you looking for in college?”, “What activity matters most to you?”, and “How do you handle challenge?” Keep each answer centered on one or two specific examples instead of covering your whole life story.

The biggest mistake is sounding generic or over-rehearsed. Know your main points, but do not memorize full answers. If you can explain what you care about, why UConn makes sense for you, and what kind of student and community member you are, that is the content that matters most.