Am I the one being interviewed or is this an opportunity for me to ask questions?
Both
Both- mostly they ask the questions, but they will expect you to ask questions as well. Do your homework ahead of time and have some ready. Note that it’s very bad form to ask questions about info that is generally available through their website, etc! Strong questions show you have looked closely at specific parts of that college- a department or programs.
Interviews- and their importance- vary a lot by school (and each college usually gives more info on the website or the email confirmation about how they see & use the interview). but in general it gives them a chance to put a 3D person together with a 2D application.
"Interviews- and their importance- vary a lot by school " One thing they may be fishing for is “How likely will this kid attend our school if we admit him/her?” This is VERY important to some schools. Know this in advance and remark appropriately. If you don’t appear VERY likely to attend, it may be held against you.
I’m not saying to lie or fabricate enthusiasm when there is none – but be forewarned. Good luck
The most selective schools often don’t offer interviews, or if they do they don’t carry a lot of weight. As @T26E4 said, many schools that are not the most highly selective will use the interview process as one way of gauging demonstrated interest, and also to see what a student would bring to the college and how the student presents themselves. But it is definitely a vehicle for you to learn more about whether YOU think you’ll be a good fit at that school. You can do a deeper dive on programs or clubs that interest you, internships, school spirit - as mentioned above, just don’t be asking things like “how many students attend here”, that is easily found on the web site.
Do you have suggestions as to what I should wear?
Nice casual – but also comfortable enough for the walking tour of the campus. Just don’t be sloppy. For instance, if it’s July in Alabama, you’re fine in a sun dress or polo shirt & khakis.
Let me hedge that one tiny bit: at some schools, it wouldn’t surprise me if your appearance/clothes makes a difference. I can imagine some areas where women are expected to have a certain style – and you come in veering off of that, the evaluator may consciously or subconsciously think “she won’t fit in here” I grew up in the midwest and attended a school in the northeast. When visiting some other campuses further south, we were shocked at what women students wore to class on a daily basis.
I’m not saying I agree with this in the slightest but be forewarned.