How to Ace Third-Party Interviews for US College Admissions

The US remains a popular destination for international students. An Open Doors Report revealed that the US had 948,519 international students in 2022, reflecting a four percent increase compared to the preceding academic year. HolonIQ forecasts that the US will see 1.2m+ international students by 2023. Amid this influx, US universities face a new challenge while holistically assessing international students. With the rise of AI-writing tools like ChatGPT and Bard, admissions committees need more than the written essay to evaluate applicants’ authenticity, English proficiency and writing skills. Therefore, many US universities are now reviewing third-party interviews as a part of the application evaluation process. 

Understanding third-party interviews for US undergraduate admissions

Third-party interviews represent a distinctive approach to university admissions, offering college applicants an innovative way to present themselves to institutions. To fully grasp the significance of third-party interviews, it’s essential to understand what they entail. To begin with, they comprise unscripted, unrehearsed recorded interviews that can better reflect the multidimensional essence of an applicant’s character, communication skills, and readiness for university life. Rather than testing knowledge in any area, the interview questions help admissions officers learn more about an applicant’s personality, interests, and approach to challenges.

Typically, a short digital writing sample accompanies the interview. While the interviews capture the college applicant’s unscripted responses, the writing sample highlights their capacity for structured and coherent written expression. Together, these elements act as a bridge to connect international students to US colleges and strengthens their mutual understanding through unconventional means. Applicants may submit one interview and writing sample to several universities. 

Vericant and InitialView: Types of third-party interviews for US undergraduate admissions

Unlike traditional university interviews, which institutions plan, an external organisation conducts third-party interviews. US universities widely accept interviews from InitialView and Vericant. Apart from creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, both organisations are known for their integrity, which resonates with the value of the holistic admissions philosophy of US institutions. While Vericant is affiliated with SAO, TABS and the International ACAC,  InitialView is a member of NACAC and the International ACAC. These affiliations ensure that they adhere to a global code of ethics. 

Vericant third-party interviews: 

Vericant is a part of ETS (the administrators for TOEFL and GRE). The organisation conducts and evaluates applicant interviews using the Spoken English Evaluation (SEE) method.  Behind the scenes, two experts assess SEE test scores through a methodology that breaks down language proficiency into five categories: range, accuracy, fluency, interaction, and coherence. Furthermore, Vericant allows students to review and compare all their interviews before selecting which one to send to each college. They can even highlight specific video sections for admissions officers to view first. A fee of $230 covers the interview and its delivery to colleges the applicant selects.  

InitialView third-party interviews 

Unlike Vericant, InitialView does not evaluate the interview, creating an environment where universities can assess applicants without third-party influence. The interview questions are based on personal experiences, goals and behavioural descriptions. InitialView recruits former admissions officers and counsellors as interviewers. One advantage for students using InitialView is the opportunity to review their interview video and request a redo within 15 days if they are dissatisfied. A fee of $245 per attempt covers the interview delivery to unlimited colleges.

Vericant vs InitialView in a nutshell:

US universities accepting third-party interviews for undergraduate admissions 

Third-party interviews are not new to the US education system. They have historically been widely used for boarding school admissions. However, with the rise of AI tools and an increase in international applicants, these interviews have permeated the college application process. Major universities and liberal arts colleges in the US are now considering third-party interviews as part of their application review process. While 100+ universities accept the undergraduate Vericant interview, InitialView claims that their interviews have been a part of applications to over 400 academic programmes. Here’s a list of popular universities accepting applications: 

Disclaimer: These are just some of the colleges that consider third-party interviews. Names of colleges are sourced from Vericant and InitalView websites. Always check with individual universities about whether they consider third-party interviews. 

Benefits of third-party interviews for US undergraduate admissions 

Third-party interviews do not replace any application component and aren’t mandatory. US undergraduate applicants can also participate in university-specific interviews and must duly submit application forms like the Common App, transcripts, optional SAT or ACT scores, Letters of Recommendation, essays like the Common App essay and supplemental essays. Third-party interviews are optional but have several advantages. Here are some benefits: 

1) Third-party interviews enable holistic evaluation

Third-party interviews allow admissions committees to understand an applicant better, showcasing qualities that may not be evident in written materials. Nick Igo, Assistant Director at Johns Hopkins University, says: “As institutions are looking for the way you go about your work rather than just your academic and professional achievements, [the third-party interview] is oftentimes a very helpful part of the application.”

2) Third-party interviews show a demonstration of interest

Unlike academic achievements, test scores, and extracurricular activities, demonstrated interest is not an application component but rather an act that shows willingness to go beyond the required application process. Since third-party interviews are optional, they tell the US admissions committee that the applicant has gone the extra mile to present themselves. 

3) Third-party interviews humanise the application process

A third-party interview adds a dynamic and personal dimension to the college admissions process. It goes beyond the static information presented in essays and application forms, offering a living, breathing portrait of the applicant. They even allow applicants to highlight unique qualities, interests, and experiences. For instance, someone who wants to study at a US liberal arts college can now discuss their passion for interdisciplinary learning through this interview. Akshaya, an applicant who secured admission at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaing, says, “I could talk about all my passions. There were no word limits to reach. It was just me expressing myself.”

4) Third-party interviews assess communication skills

Effective communication is about what is said and how it is said. Third-party interviews enable US admissions committees to observe non-verbal cues, body language, tone of voice, and the applicant’s verbal responses. These observations provide a more comprehensive insight into the applicant. 

5) Third-party interviews help identify the “right fit”

Third-party interviewers often delve into specific aspects of a student’s academic and personal life. They may inquire about academic interests, extracurricular activities, career goals, and personal values. This deeper exploration helps US admissions committees decide whether applicants will adapt to their unique campus environment. 

Tips to ace third-party interviews for US undergraduate admissions 

1) Know yourself

A third-party interview’s objective is not to assess your knowledge or academic prowess but to enable universities to see and understand you better as a person. Therefore, knowing your goals, understanding your strengths and weaknesses, and having a clear picture of all that you’ve achieved and the obstacles you’ve overcome is essential. 

2) Avoid rehearsing 

While you can review a few talking points, rehearsing your answers can be detrimental. It can also reduce your ability to spontaneously respond to an unexpected question and make interactions feel scripted. Additionally, it’s time-consuming and can heighten stress, which will be visible during the interview. 

3) Be authentic 

While telling interviewers what you think they want to hear may be tempting, focus on honest answers that reflect your true self, interests, and motivations. It builds authenticity and trust, aligns with your values, highlights your unique qualities and fosters effective communication. For example, don’t avoid discussing a failure or an obstacle you overcame. Instead of going against you, it will highlight your problem-solving skills. 

4) Highlight your soft skills

In addition to academic abilities, universities are interested in your soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Third-party interviews are a perfect way to showcase these skills. Discuss your achievements by providing real-life examples and making a solid case for your potential to excel inside and outside the classroom.

5) Use the STAR technique for behavioural questions: 

To succinctly answer questions about specific situations or experiences, use the STAR technique. It’s a great trick to help you avoid rambling on. Here’s how it works: 

• Situation: Start by describing a particular situation or context you’ve faced to set the stage for your response and help the interviewer understand the circumstances. 
• Task: Next, explain what you had to accomplish or the problem you had to solve. 
• Action: Then, discuss how you addressed the situation or task. Be specific about the steps you took and why you took them.
• Result: Finally, discuss the outcome or result of your actions. Use quantifiable data when possible to highlight your achievements. 

6) Prepare in advance for online interviews

If your interview is virtual, make sure you test your equipment and internet connection ahead of time. Whether it’s Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, or another platform, ensure you have the latest version and are familiar with its features. This includes knowing how to join a meeting, sharing your screen if needed, and using chat or presentation tools. Selecting an appropriate environment is equally critical. Find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted by background noise or distractions. Inform family members or roommates about the interview time to minimise disruptions. A clutter-free and well-lit area with a neutral background (such as a plain wall) enhances your professional appearance and eliminates potential distractions for the interviewer. This interview preparation will greatly assist you in performing seamlessly.

Third-party interviews represent an innovative approach to university admissions, allowing you to showcase your personality, communication skills, and readiness for university life in an unscripted and unrehearsed setting. Please read our blog on how to ace college interviews and our guide to shortlisting US colleges. For more information on third-party interviews or assistance with your application to US universities, please get in touch. Our undergraduate experts look forward to hearing from you.