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Old 02-09-2007, 06:26 AM   #158
pigmitten
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 6
I've done a Harvard and a Northwestern interview, thus far.

Northwestern said outright that the interview meant less than recommendation letters do, but I still think it helps to have a good interview.

I guess just sort of get a feel for the person you're talking to? With both interviewers I felt comfortable enough to joke a bit (tasteful joking, not the kind that sends them into uproarious laughter but the kind that warrants a genuine giggle or two). I think the best advice is to be truthful...don't try too hard or anything. I had "Science Camp Counselor" down on my resume, both people asked about it, and for both I simply said, "well, it was sixth grade science camp, so the sciencey part of it was limited to small activities like hiking and some scientific nomenclature for plants. a lot of it was just fun activities for the kids, and my job as a counselor was to blah blah blah."
Don't try and play small things like science camp up as like, "well we went into the physics of it, and I calculated the velocity of..." because these people are actually human and they can usually tell when you're lying, or when something sounds fishy.

Everyone I've interviewed with has been incredibly laid back and "chill", so I think there's more stigma around the interview than there needs to be.
My UPENN interview is on Saturday--I've already talked to the guy on the phone and he seems very laid back...one of my friends who already interviewed said that the guy said, first thing, "Yeah this is less of an interview and more just me making sure you're not a crazy person..."

So...just act normal!
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