The college interview has no set rules about what a man should wear. In general, college interview are less formal than a job interview, so a suit and tie are not required.
1. A Suit Usually Isn't Necessary:
If you're applying for a job, you should definitely get out the suit and tie. For a college interview, a suit is often overkill. White collar professionals often wear suits and ties, so the dress is appropriate for the interview. College students almost never wear a suit, and the admissions counselors who interview you won't expect you to wear one. A suit and tie can even be detrimental if you're not comfortable wearing them and you don't feel like yourself.
That said, in a few cases a suit might be appropriate. If you are applying to a business school, you'd do well to look business-like. Also, if you're applying to a very conservative college you might want to err on the side of over-dressing.
2. The Shirt:
3. The Tie:
A tie never hurts, but it isn't always necessary. On the one hand, a tie shows respect for the college and the interviewer. On the flip side, college admissions officers know that most 18-year-olds never wear ties. The tie would be a good idea if you're applying to a business program or if you're meeting with an alumni interviewer near your home. For an on-campus interview, a nice shirt and pair of pants will usually suffice. If you do wear a tie, make sure the pattern fits the personality of the school.
4. The Pants:
Here, as with the other parts of the interview outfit, the context will partly dictate what you wear.
5. Shorts? Only in Rare Circumstances:If your interview is combined with a campus tour and it's 100 degrees outside, a pair of shorts might be appropriate. In fact, the college will question your common sense if you're sitting there sweating profusely in a wool suit. Shorts should be neat and hemmed. Save those ratty cut-offs and athletic shorts for another day.
6. The Belt:Whatever pants or shorts you wear, don't forget the belt. It dresses up an outfit and keeps your pants in place. The interviewer doesn't want to see your boxer shorts.
7. The Shoes: Black or brown leather is your best bet. You don't need shiny patent leather shoes, but you should avoid ratty sneakers and flip flops. In hot summer weather, a pair of nice leather sandals can be okay if the school has a fairly casual atmosphere.
8. Hair: Plenty of men have been accepted to colleges with blue hair, long hair or a shaved head. The interviewer wants to get to know you, so if you typically have a purple and green mullet, you shouldn't feel you need to change your hair style for the interview. At the same time, the campus culture should inform your decision.
9. Piercings: No interviewer is going to be shocked by the metal stud through your tongue, nose, lip or eyebrow piercings are common sights on college campuses.
10. Tattoos: As with piercings, tattoos are a common sight on college campuses and they aren't going to shock most college admissions officers.
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