Students preparing for college interviews will likely focus more on questions they might expect to encounter, like "Tell me about yourself", "Why do you want to go to this college?", and, "What are your strengths and weaknesses?". Yes, these questions do exist but what could be the unusual questions that might reveal your character, creativity, or critical thinking? The reality is that these questions can be common when interviewing, and knowing how to conquer them will help you rise to the top of the applicant pile as they become more regular occurrences in interviews.
In these subsequent sections, we will explain why colleges ask strange questions, cite some of the most difficult ones, and offer recommendations (including sample answers) of how to respond even when not preparing for the expected.
Why Do Colleges Ask Unusual Interview Questions?
Unusual interview questions have multiple purposes:
To test your poise: Colleges want to see how you will respond when you do not have a prepared answer
To test creativity and problem-solving: Your answer can show your ability to think laterally and come up with new ways for tackling challenges
To show authenticity: Unusual questions can allow for the interviewer to see who you are as a person outside of your canned answers and reveal values and Interests.
To check for quick-thinkers: If you answered quickly and thoughtfully, you can demonstrate to the interviewer that they are able to process thought and respond quickly and intelligently on their feet.
The Curveballs: Examples of Unexpected Interview Questions
Here are some real questions students have reported facing—along with analysis of what interviewers are looking for and how you might answer them.
1. What have you read recently that changed your perspective?
Why they're asking: To gauge your level of thoughtfulness, interest and intellectual curiosity, as well as some critical thinking skills
How to answer:
Identify a book or article or even a movie that profoundly influenced you.
After a quick recap, explain how this piece of work impacted your thinking or a different course of action.
For example: "I recently read Susan Cain's book Quiet," which looks at the strengths of introverts. It allowed me to re-think about the traits of a leader as being reflective and attentive listening as traits, rather than being vocal.
2. If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?
Why they ask: To see your priorities, values and level of accountability
How to answer:
Tell them the truth, but do it consciously.
Show some intention more broadly beyond themselves when possible.
Example:
"I would first set aside funds for college and my family and then put into local STEM education programs that would give access to underprivileged students with money and mentors."
3. Tell us three things about yourself that you didn’t include in your application.
Why are they asking it: To evaluate your self-awareness and multidimensionality and to give you the opportunity to highlight something memorable.3
How to respond:
Brainstorm a few unique, positive facts or stories that didn't fit somewhere else
Invite the reader to connect at least one to your interest in the college or intended field.
Example: "I built a cardboard kayak for a local race, I am learning Japanese, and I volunteer as a dog walker at the animal shelter. Each experience taught me my own perseverance, the willingness to learn new things, and the importance of a community."
4. Can you tell me five things you could do with a pencil other than write?
Why they ask: To measure your level of creativity and quick thinking.
How to respond:
Be spontaneous—try to have fun and be creative with your answer.
Examples:
“I could use it as a drum stick, a book mark, a window stop, a hair accessory and to work out my ideas in the dirt while hiking.”
5. How do you make a slice of toast?
Purpose: To determine your capacity to communicate a process in a clear, logical way.1
How to respond:
Divide the process into clear, simple steps.
Be very specific.
Example: "I would take a slice of bread, put it in the toaster, turn it to medium and wait until it pops up and then spread butter or jam while still warm."
6. If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Reason for the problem: This exercise is designed to see how you think in relation to inspiration and influence, ideas and legacy6.
How to answer:
Choose a mixture of people from personal life, history, and aspirational figures.
Tell them a story or rationale.
Example:
"I would choose Ada Lovelace for her pioneering work in computing, Malala Yousafzai for her courage in advocating for education, and my grandfather, who sparked my love of science."
7. If you were an animal (or utensil, or fictional character), what would you be and why?
Why they want to know: To measure your degree of self-awareness and ability to draw abstract connections.
How to answer:
Select something that truly represents you, or your ambitions.
Be honest with your logic.
Example:
"I'd be a border collie- spirited, loyal, and happiest when being a part of a team that is solving something together."
8. What’s a weakness in your college application, and why?
Why they ask: To assess your level of self-awareness and honesty, and ability to grow.
How to answer:
Focus on an actual area of improvement.
Think about what you've learned, or how you're actively working on improvement.
Example:
"My standardized test scores aren't as high as I had hoped, though I have focused on building strong research and project experiences, which I think shows my dedication to learning outside of the classroom."
9. If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be?
Why They Ask: To consider your observation ability, proactivity, and whether or not you are aware of community improvement.
How to answer:
Be constructive not negative.
Provide a solution or describe how you've attempted to change things.
Example:
"I would endorse a collaboration between arts and science projects. I have witnessed how one can ignite innovation and create by way of another."
10. If you were to give a TED Talk, what would your topic be?
Why they ask: To understand your interests, and to evaluate your ability to convey ideas clearly in an informative manner.
How to respond:
Choose a topic that you enjoy discussing and that related to your area of study.
Present an outline of what you'd like to say, and why it matters.
For example:
"I'd speak to the power of citizen science, how anyone can engage in real science, and the significance of democratizing science in general for human progress."
Strategies for Answering Unusual Interview Questions
1. Take a Moment to Think
It's acceptable to pause and reflect. Interviewers prefer well-considered responses to ones that are hurried.
2. Be Sincere and Genuine
Avoid speculating about the interviewer's preferences. A "perfect" response is not as impressive as sincerity.
3. Express Your Individuality
Show off your eccentricities, sense of humour, and passions. Remarkable responses frequently result from sincere passion or original viewpoints.
4. Return to Your Story
If at all possible, connect your response to your larger objectives, values, or interests. This gives the interviewer a more comprehensive view of you.
5. Don't memorise, but practise
Learn how to answer sample curveball questions, but stay away from pre written responses. To gain confidence, practise thinking aloud with loved ones.
Final Tips: Making the Most of the Unexpected
Stay calm: When asked a bizarre question you can present yourself, it is an opportunity, not a trick.
Embrace creativity: The responses to these questions only reveal you; there isn't a 'right' answer.
Think & Ask Questions back: if you are really stuck it is fine to ask for some clarity or a moment to think and collect yourself. It is a mature way of responding
Following the Interview, Think: Take a record of any odd questions that were presented and how you responded. You will improve your interview skills for your next interview
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Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE Research helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE research and take your college preparation to the next level!
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