<p>Scholarship interviewers are like bankers, so it’s in your best interest to present yourself as a “good investment.” You should appear serious, industrious, and ambitious. (You must not appear as though you are planning to attend college to party or to earn your “Mrs.”) Showcase your intelligence, academic achievement, and educational and career goals–not your physical appearance. This is especially important if you intend to major in math, science, engineering, business, pre-med, pre-law, criminal justice, or any other academic discipline in which female students are still underrepresented. The fact that the interview has a dress code suggests that interviewers might evaluate how conservatively candidates dress and still feel “comfortable.” </p>
<p>I strongly advise against the bright pink v-neck sweater, because it is bright (too garish), pink (too traditionally feminine–think of the character Elle Woods from the film “Legally Blonde”), a v-neck (too form-accentuating), and a sweater (too casual). </p>
<p>The pants, shirt, and jacket sound good. Wear the jacket into the interview and keep it on, regardless of the room temperature; the jacket will help you look professional, and will also hide sweat stains which could show through your white shirt. Your shirt should be absolutely clean, and conservatively buttoned (almost to the top). Make sure your bra cannot be seen through your shirt. If necessary, tape your bra straps to your shoulders to prevent annoying slippage and the need for awkward adjustments. If your pants have belt loops, wear a simple black belt.</p>
<p>Your shoes should be dark (preferably black) and low-heeled, and they should fully enclose your feet. Long black socks and either dark or flesh-colored stockings are appropriate. Bare legs are inappropriate. Your purse, briefcase, or folder should be conservative and neatly organized. Have a small notepad handy. Your pen should have black ink, and should be plainly styled. </p>
<p>Do not wear any jewelry except a classic wristwatch. If you have pierced ears, wear one pair of your smallest buttons in either plain goldtone or plain silvertone. Small hoops (in plain goldtone or plain silvertone) are an acceptable alternative. Conceal multiple ear piercings (if any). </p>
<p>Make sure your hands are clean and your fingernails are conservatively clipped and shaped (no bitten-to-the-bone stubs and no cat claws). Do not wear nail polish unless it is clear. Remove all rings. Cover hand blemishes and/or tattoos (if any) with concealer and a dust of powder. </p>
<p>If you don’t need makeup, don’t wear any. Otherwise, keep makeup to a minimum–just enough foundation and/or powder to smooth a blotchy complexion and/or to conceal blemishes. Clear lip balm (not lip gloss) is fine for moisturizing. Do not wear fragrance or strongly-scented grooming products; the interviewer could be allergic to or otherwise distracted by strong fragrance.</p>
<p>Wear a classic off-the-face hairstyle to keep your tailored look consistent. (Upswept hair looks good with conservative clothing.) Hair accessories should be conservative in color and design, and should be used to keep your hair in place, not to unnecessarily decorate your hair. If you color your hair, either touch up or style your hair to conceal any visible light or dark roots.</p>
<p>Remove your hat, gloves, and/or sunglasses well before entering the interview room.</p>
<p>Keep some clean, folded tissues and a few loose breath mints in your jacket or pants pocket. Pop a mint a few minutes before entering (neither just before nor during) the interview. No gum. </p>
<p>Your visual presentation should be that of a successful college graduate, because you want the interviewer to envision the place you intend to be four years from now. Your visual presentation might provide the interviewer with (visually subliminal) motivation to help you reach that place. </p>
<p>Best wishes.</p>