The Thread for College Interviews

[intlstudent2016]

Just thought I'd share...my child had an alumni interview from UPenn and Dartmouth. the alumni from Dartmouth was in a hurry to finish the interview, it was short and "snappy", not because she was disinterested but she was in a hurry for her next job meeting, that's all she cared about!
The UPenn alumni went very well, he ended up like a a "mentor" to my child, and still communicates up to now even though my child accepted the NYU offer, which the UPenn alumni suggested to also apply.

P.S. of course I wasn't there at the interview, just a feedback from my child! Both interviews were at a coffee shop in town! :-)

[thirrdplanet]

I am sure this has already been asked, but I am wondering how you go about setting up off campus interviews. During the fall, we often have admissions counselors come to our school to give little presentations and we have an opportunity to talk to them. However, I don't really know how to set up interviews for private schools. Should I email the admissions counselor for my area and ask this summer? Or should I wait until i see when/if they are visiting my school? If they are having a reception in my area this summer, should i email and ask if they have time to interview?

Mainly i am thinking about small liberal arts schools like whitman, colorado college, reed, and pitzer. Thanks!

[Lakemom]

Email admissions because you may have to travel some away from your school to go to the interview depending on where all the school is doing presentations. My son traveled an hour to go to an interview for one school.

[rwhitefangs]

Experience with Columbia:
Setting - Starbucks 7pm-10pm, the glorious (boring) area of central New Jersey
Interviewer - Columbia college alumni, sports physician, 50 years old, lived near area
Outline - We greeted each other WITH FIRM HANDSHAKES WHILE LOOKING AT EYES. I offered him a drink just to be courteous. We started off with me listing 3 of my hobbies/fav discussion topics (WWII, Politics, History) for about 15 mins, shared great memories of war shows on TV (thank you Spielburg and Hanks). Spent next hour and a half talking about the economy, politics, global issues; I loved it, and he visibly did too. Ivy leaguers are generally pro-democrat, if you study political science. Spent another good hour discussing how the Columbia required courses give alumni closeness, personal development, essential critical thinking. Also shared some nice stories we had living in the area (10-15 years).
End - The alumni said that I made an excellent impression. Apparently my thoughts were "parallel" to the Columbia way of thinking. He wished me good luck on my app and that he hoped to see me at the Univ when he visits.
College Decision - Rejected prob because of my SAT (2240) and GPA (3.85) and ranking (28/460)
Future - studying Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Rutgers University, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy

[rwhitefangs]

IMPORTANT TIP: The longer your interview, the better your interviewer thinks of you (generally). Have some good conversation topics beforehand, and practice with a buddy.

[a226263]

I'm doing a practice interview with an alum from my top-choice school who I met (but don't know well; we've spoken once) over skype. The anxious-person inside of me wants to prepare for it. How should I prep for it? I'm planning on reading over common interview questions and brainstorming answers to them.

Things I should do to not be overly nervous?

Does anyone have advice on alumni interviews over skype? (have you had one before, how was it different from a normal interview, etc)

[a226263]

Ah, no need to answer that. It went well.

Does anyone know what an alumni interview write-up, the one that's sent to the college, includes? Like grades, extracurriculars, what you talked about, etc.
Can the current alum interviewers here answer this? (if possible, a sample/generic write-up would be appreciated)

[blankk]

This is probably a dumb question... But is arriving at interviews awkward if you can't drive? Cuz I don't have a license... And probably won't for a while :-/

[thirrdplanet]

Oh I hadn't even thought of that. But I am totally interested if they judge you for not driving...

[fran]

My daughter has some interviews w small private schools next week. What is the proper attire? She is traveling from California, to the wester Boston area. She is a "California casual" ( jeans, shorts, t shirts) type of girl. What is appropriate?

[ingrid8]

My interview at Bowdoin went terribly. I was basically interrogated the entire time and put on the spot. My interviewer was very young and intense and gave me difficult questions, does this ruin my chance of being accepted?

[akebias]

Interviews are a small part of the admissions process. For some colleges, it is part of demonstrated interest. For the most part, they shouldn't make or break your admission chances unless you are a marginal candidate. As I have advised before, when you go to an interview, you are expected to look like what you are: a high school student. You should be clean and neat - this is not a job interview - you can wear jeans and top or a dress, be the best version of yourself.

[ealdi94]

Interview for Wesleyan was very casual and laid back with a current senior at Wesleyan. Basically just talked how I was spending my summer, hobbies, politics, family, etc.

[Amphear]

When asked, "Tell me about yourself," is it best to talk about your experiences and accomplishments, or should this question be used as an opportunity to describe your personality.

[Lakemom]

By talking about your interests and accomplishments you are describing your personality without having to say out right what kind of person you are. Good luck!

fran, Your daughter does not need to wear a dress or skirt but I would avoid shorts. She can wear nice pants and a plain blouse or shirt that does not have writing on it. When in doubt always go more conservative.

Good luck rwhitefangs! I understand the Pharm school at Rutgers is good.