I always thought my college interviews would be the easiest part of the college application process. After all, why wouldn’t they be? I’m talkative, opinionated and loud (just ask my teachers!) and I’ve never had a problem communicating. A month ago, a college I’ll refer to as “College Z” came for an interview. Somehow, I managed to screw up “the easiest part” of the application.

These are my mistakes; learn from them!

Top 5 Things Not to Do in a College Interview

1. Never, EVER say that one of your hobbies is “watching Laguna Beach” and “Living mercilessly through Lauren Conrad’s trials and errors while pulling my split ends.” (This was supposed to be a joke; I got only pity laughs.)

Lesson learned: Know your audience.

2. When asked if you are the oldest child, do not answer, “But only in the literal sense; my younger sister is much more responsible and mature then me.”

Lesson learned: Keep embarrassing truths to yourself. They don’t really want you to be that honest.

3. If you’re asked why you want to go to their school, don’t say, “Because the other school I applied to, College X, might be too different compared to the lifestyle I’m used to.”

Lesson learned: Don’t name drop other colleges unless asked. It’s awkward for everyone involved.

4. Don’t spell your siblings’ names wrong and forget your email address on the forms.

Lesson learned: Know your basic information.

5. Don’t whine about your interviewer to your friends, not realizing she is standing right behind you.

Lesson learned: Smack talking just ain’t cool.

I didn’t have my College X interview yet, but I will keep you posted.