An Interview with Andrea Clark

Hillsdale College has become far more selective in its admissions process over the course of the last few years. As more and more applications come in each year, simple statistics dictate that the College must turn a larger number of students away. As prospective students seek to make themselves appear as qualified as possible for admission, the question inevitably rises of how best to go about this. Who better to answer such a question than Hillsdale College’s Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, Andrea Clark? I had a chance to sit down briefly with Ms. Clark and talk to her about what she looks for in the ideal Hillsdale College prospective student.

“It all goes back to motivation—students who want to change their corner of the world.” Clark made it clear that ambition and character are two of the top traits sought after by Hillsdale. Students who recognize their own talents and push themselves to be the best that they can be are going to succeed and are more likely to be admitted. Clark’s most important piece of advice to a prospective student is to be sure to get an interview with Hillsdale’s Admissions Staff: “The best thing a candidate can do in the application process is go through an interview in order to set themselves apart.” Every individual at a campus as small as Hillsdale’s has a drastic impact on the culture of the school; Clark notes that the interview process is “key in understanding” how a student will contribute to that culture should he or she be admitted. The interview ended with perhaps the most definitive statement of all, “Push yourself to be your best; don’t get comfortable.” At a school where the mission statement calls students to pursue Truth and defend Liberty, ambition, hard work, and sound character will serve any prospective well.