Arizona State University Interview Preparation
Master the interview process with expert tips, sample questions, and proven strategies from Dr. Karan Gupta
Interview Format
Format
Not offered. ASU does not conduct admissions interviews for undergraduate applicants. As the largest public university in the US by enrollment, admission is based on academic criteria and application materials.
Duration
N/A
Interviewers
N/A — no interview component in standard undergraduate admissions
Interview Style & Expectations
N/A. ASU processes over 60,000 applications annually with a broad access mission. Admission decisions are primarily GPA and test-score driven for standard admission. Barrett, The Honors College, has a separate, more selective application process.
What ASU Looks For
Sample Interview Questions
Personal
N/A for standard admission. Barrett Honors College requires a separate application with essays about intellectual growth and leadership.
Tip: Barrett essays should show depth of thought — they're looking for students who will take advantage of the honors thesis, study abroad, and small seminar experiences within ASU's massive ecosystem.
Fit
For Barrett: How would you take advantage of being at a large research university while maintaining the intimate honors experience?
Tip: This is Barrett's core value proposition — show you understand both the scale advantage and the honors community.
Academic
For competitive major applications: What specific experience or preparation has readied you for this program?
Tip: W.P. Carey, Fulton Engineering, and Cronkite (journalism) are all competitive. Show relevant preparation and genuine interest in the specific school.
Character
For scholarship applications: Describe your most significant leadership or community impact.
Tip: ASU's New American University model values impact and community engagement — tie your leadership to making a difference, not just holding titles.
Preparation Strategy
Do's - Preparation Tips
- No interview means your application materials — especially essays for Barrett or competitive programs — must be strong and specific.
- ASU's innovation ranking (most innovative university, per US News, for 9 consecutive years) is real — understand what this means in terms of programs and opportunities.
- Apply early for competitive programs like Barrett, W.P. Carey, and Fulton Engineering — these fill up.
- ASU's scale is an asset if you're proactive — research specific labs, centers, and programs rather than speaking about ASU generally.
Don'ts - Common Mistakes
- Dismissing ASU because of its acceptance rate — Barrett Honors and competitive programs within ASU are genuinely selective
- Writing generic essays that don't specify which ASU school or program you're targeting
- Not applying to Barrett if you're a strong student — the honors experience transforms the ASU experience entirely
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