Boring Questions Equal
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Here are 100 interview questions spanning 10 common themes in higher ed that may elicit deeper responses and storytelling.
Tip: Always send your questions list to your interview subjects ahead of time. Many of these questions ask for specific examples of impact, and it helps to not put your subjects on the spot with those.
Why [School]?
1. What was the moment you knew [school] was the right place for you? Can you describe what it felt like?
2. If you could take me back to your first visit to [school], what stood out to you the most, and why did that make a difference in your decision?
3. How has [school] surprised you since you started here? What’s something unexpected that’s made it special for you?
4. Can you share a time when you felt particularly proud to be a part of [school]? What was happening, and why did that moment resonate with you?
5. What’s one word that best describes [school], and can you tell me a story that shows why you chose that word?
6. How has your experience at [school] shaped who you are today? Can you tell me about a specific moment that contributed to that growth?
7. Can you think of a challenge you faced at [school], and how did being here help you overcome it?
8. What’s something unique about the [school] community that you haven’t found anywhere else? How has that impacted your experience here?
9. What’s one experience at [school] that you think you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life? Can you walk me through that moment?
10. If you had to explain to a friend or family member why [school] is so special to you, what would you say?
Professors
11. Can you tell me about a professor who made a significant impact on you? What did they do that left such an impression?
12. Was there a moment when a professor helped you see a subject or topic in a completely new way? Can you describe that transformation
13. How have your professors at [school] supported you beyond the classroom? Can you share an example?
14. Who’s one professor you’ll always remember? Describe the impact they made on you.
15. Has there been a time when a professor challenged you in a way that helped you grow? Can you describe that moment and what you learned from it?
16. Can you think of a time when a professor’s passion for their subject really inspired you? What was it about their teaching that sparked your interest?
17. How have your professors at [school] shaped your career aspirations or life goals? Is there a specific conversation or moment that stands out?
18. What’s one way a professor at [school] has gone above and beyond to help you or your classmates succeed?
19. Has a professor at [school] ever given you advice that has stuck with you? What was it, and why did it resonate?
20. If you could have dinner with one of your professors, who would it be and why? What would you want to talk about?
Small Class Sizes
21. How have small class sizes at [school] changed the way you learn? Can you share a specific example where the intimate environment made a difference?
22. Can you describe a moment when the smaller class size allowed you to connect more personally with your professor or classmates?
23. How do you think small class sizes have helped you get more out of your education here at [school]? Is there a particular instance that comes to mind?
24. Can you tell me about a time when the smaller class environment allowed you to participate in a way you wouldn’t have in a larger class?
25. What’s one way having fewer students in your classes has allowed you to build stronger relationships with your peers?
26. How has the small class size contributed to your confidence in speaking up or asking questions during class? Can you think of a moment when this made a difference for you?
27. How do you think the intimate class setting at [school] has shaped the way you collaborate with others? Can you give an example of a project or discussion that benefited from this?
28. In what ways do you feel that your professors are more accessible because of the small class sizes? Can you describe a time when this personal access made a difference?
29. How have small class sizes made your learning experience more personalized? Was there a moment when a professor tailored the learning to your needs?
30. What do you think you’ve gained from the smaller class sizes that you wouldn’t have experienced in a larger university setting?
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Student Life
31. Can you describe a typical day in your life as a student at [school]? What activities or moments make your day feel unique?
32. What’s one experience outside the classroom that has really shaped your time at [school]? Can you tell me about it?
33. What’s one of your favorite things to do on campus when you’re not in class? How does that activity contribute to your overall student experience?
34. Can you share a moment where you felt a strong sense of community at [school]? What happened, and why did it mean so much to you?
35. How have you been able to balance academics and student life here at [school]? Is there a specific moment where you felt this balance pay off?
36. What’s been your most memorable student life experience so far, and why does it stand out to you?
37. How have the friendships you’ve made at [school] influenced your overall experience here? Can you tell me about one relationship that’s been particularly meaningful?
38. Can you think of a student organization, club, or event that really made a difference for you during your time here? What was it about that experience that impacted you?
39. If you could pick one moment that represents the best of student life at [school], what would it be and why?
40. What advice would you give to incoming students about how to make the most of student life here? Can you share a personal story that illustrates this advice?
Personal Growth and Self Discovery
41. What’s something you’ve discovered about yourself since starting at [school]? Can you share the moment that led to this realization?
42. Was there a time at [school] when you stepped outside your comfort zone? What happened, and what did you learn from it?
43. Can you share a moment when you realized how much you’ve grown since your first day here?
44. How has [school] influenced the way you see the world? Can you describe a specific experience that shifted your perspective?
45. Was there ever a time you doubted yourself here? What helped you overcome that doubt?
46. How has [school] encouraged you to explore interests or talents you didn’t know you had?
47. What’s one way you’ve changed as a person since you started here? Can you think of a specific moment that shows that change?
48. Has there been a time when you felt really proud of how you handled a situation here? What happened?
49. How has your definition of success changed since you started at [school]? Can you trace that change to a particular experience?
50. What’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self, and how does that advice connect to your time here?
Diversity and Inclusion
51. How has [school] helped you understand and appreciate different perspectives? Can you share a moment when this stood out to you?
52. Can you tell me about a time when you learned something meaningful from a classmate whose background was different from yours?
53. How has [school] created opportunities for you to engage with people from different cultures or experiences?
54. Was there a specific event, organization, or experience here that made you feel more connected to others?
55. How has the diversity of the [school] community shaped the way you approach challenges or conversations?
56. Can you share a story about when you felt particularly included or supported by the [school] community?
57. What does “inclusion” mean to you, and how has your experience here shaped that understanding?
58. Have you had the opportunity to share your own background or culture with others here? What was that like?
59. What’s one thing about the [school] community that makes it feel like a safe space for you to grow and learn?
60. How has being part of a diverse campus community changed the way you approach relationships or teamwork?
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Campus Resources and Support
61. What’s one campus resource or service you couldn’t imagine your experience here without? How has it helped you?
62. Can you share a moment when a staff member, advisor, or support team made a difference for you?
63. How has the library, student center, or another key facility impacted your experience at [school]?
64. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from a counselor, advisor, or mentor here?
65. Was there a time when you felt overwhelmed, and [school’s] support system helped you get through it?
66. Can you describe a moment when you realized how much [school] cares about its students?
67. What’s one resource or program at [school] that you wish more students knew about?
68. How has a specific support system or resource here helped you pursue your goals?
69. What’s one small gesture from someone at [school] that made a big difference in your day?
70. How have campus resources supported your well-being, whether academic, emotional, or social?
Social Life and Connections
71. Can you tell me about a friend you’ve made here who has had a big impact on your experience?
72. What’s one memory with your classmates or friends that perfectly captures your time at [school]?
73. How have the connections you’ve made here shaped your college experience? Can you share a specific example?
74. Was there ever a time you felt like you truly belonged here? What made that moment special?
75. How has living on (or off) campus influenced your friendships or sense of community?
76. What’s one club, event, or activity that helped you make meaningful connections at [school]?
77. Can you describe a moment when a stranger or acquaintance on campus did something kind for you?
78. How have your friendships here helped you grow as a person? Can you tell me about a specific moment that shows this?
79. What’s a shared tradition or ritual you’ve developed with your friends here that feels special to you?
80. If someone were new to [school], what’s the one thing you’d tell them to do to feel part of the community?
Careers After Graduation - Current Students
81. How has [school] prepared you for your future career? Can you share a specific example of something you’ve learned that you’ll take with you after graduation?
82. Can you tell me about an internship or work experience you’ve had while at [school]? How did it influence your career goals?
83. What’s one skill you’ve developed at [school] that you’re most excited to apply in your career? How did you gain that skill?
84. How have your professors or mentors helped guide your career path? Is there a conversation or piece of advice that stands out, or a particular industry connection they’ve helped you make?
85. What’s one resource or opportunity at [school] that has helped you feel more prepared for life after graduation?
86. How has your experience at [school] shaped your confidence in pursuing your career? Can you describe any transformation you experienced?
87. What are your career aspirations after graduation, and how do you think [school] has set you up to achieve those goals?
88. Can you tell me about a project or assignment at [school] that helped you discover what you want to do in your career?
89. How has networking or connecting with alumni through [school] impacted your plans for your future career? Can you share a specific connection that made a difference?
90. If you could look ahead five years, what do you hope your career will look like, and how will your time at [school] play a role in that journey?
Careers After Graduation - Alumni
91. How did your time at [school] open doors for your career that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise? Can you share a specific opportunity that made a difference?
92. What’s one connection you made at [school]—whether a professor, mentor, or classmate—that had a lasting impact on your career? How did it help shape your path?
93. How did [school] prepare you for success in your industry? Can you think of a moment where you realized just how valuable your education was?
94. What’s one experience or project at [school] that directly contributed to your career growth? How did it prepare you for what you’re doing now?
95. How has [school’s] alumni network supported your career development? Can you share a time when an alumni connection helped you advance?
96. What’s one skill or strength you developed at [school] that you use every day in your career? How did you learn or develop that skill?
97. Can you share a time when the reputation of [school] or its network gave you a leg up in your industry? How did it create an opportunity for you?
98. What’s a career opportunity you wouldn’t have had without [school]? How did the education or connections you made here make it possible?
99. How has being part of the [school] community continued to influence your career long after graduation? Can you describe the impact of staying connected?
100. If you could talk to a prospective student, how would you explain the role [school] played in setting you up for career success? What would you say to them about the opportunities it creates?
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