Years ago, many highly selective colleges and universities required that all applicants complete an interview with a staff member and/or an alumnus.

Now, far fewer educational institutions insist on an interview, although a significant number do. And, although other institutions do not use the word “interview”, they often rate applicants after conversing with them. At some institutions, even students participate in applicant evaluations.

You would be well advised to assume that anything you say to an institutional representative may influence your admission decision. Here are ten ways to help yourself.

1. Never indicate that a college or graduate school is not your first choice: if you do, you may put your chance of admission at risk.

2. Do not express doubt about continuing your education. Graduate school applicants should not express doubt about wanting to pursue the degree program in question. For grad school applicants, expressing doubt can be the kiss of death.

3. Dress appropriately for all meetings with institutional representatives.

4. Read the printed literature and websites of the institutions to which you are sending applications. Do not brand yourself as lazy by asking a question which can be answered after five minutes on the college/university website.

5. Never make a comment to a student tour guide or anyone else that you would not want the Dean of Admission to hear. If you do, he or she will.

6. Send thank you notes to anyone who spends significant time with you. The less generic they sound, the better.

7. If a family member accompanies you on a campus visit, which can be a good idea, be sure he/she knows not to be a “helicopter” parent or spouse.

8. Have a few well-conceived questions prepared to underline your interest. The critical phrase here is “well-conceived”.

9. Do not make statements that assume your admission, regardless of your qualifications. Humility is a virtue…if you don’t have it, fake it until you do.

10. Meet with representatives of your top choices only after you have had practice with a few of your back up choices. It’s a good strategy.

Essentially, successful interviewing is a combination of good manners, well developed listening skills, reasonable analytical ability, and practice. You can do it.