The Thread for College Interviews

[Honestea]

Also, should I bring notes with me during the interview listing various topics I think I can discuss if there is a long silence? One of my interviewers wants to meet at a diner. Does that mean I'm actually suppose to sit down and eat with the interviewer? (it's in the early evening) Maybe I should bring money in case. It wouldn't be good to go to interview w/o eating and become hungry later on or become really full if I have to eat again..

[asdfjkl1]

1. YES. It also makes you seem much more interested and serious about the place you're applying to (unless you memorize the questions).

Yes, you should actually EAT. Bring money and probably offer to pay but most likely, they'll pay.

[vitttec]

I had an MIT interview a few months ago... overall it was more like a discussion than anything else. Basically he just told me about an Indian friend of his (I am Indian). I tossed in little tidbits when I could that validated me as a potential MIT student (leadership, life experiences, being a geek, etc). It was an alum interview and it was at his condo... very laid back. Toward the end his wife said, "They have to take him, he can talk!" My numbers aren't the greatest, but I think as far as the interview went it was a good experience (although preparing for it was a little bit stressful).

[Northstarmom]

When it comes to my college, Harvard, with a few exceptions, the only info the alum interviewer has are: name, e-mail, address, phone #, high school, whether the parents attended Harvard as an undergrad, race, and possibly prospective major. That's why it's a very good idea to bring an activity list or resume.

The exception is in some areas like Long Island where apparently the interviewers get more extensive info from Harvard, but since that's not the typical way things are done, always bring a resume/activity sheet and offer it to the interviewer. They can always politely decline if they don't want it, but it can make things easier for most interviewers: They get a quick overview and can concentrate more on what you're saying instead of taking extensive notes.

[Honestea]

Should I pay myself if the interview offers to pay?

[Honestea]

^ Nevermind that question.

[Honestea]

Should Thank-You Notes be by email or letter?

[easonh89]

I did a lot by emali because a lot of interviewers contacted me by email and did not give a home address.

But I have only have 1/6 interviews at the person's house. The rest were at public places or offices, so I guess my situation is a little different than most, since most of my friends had their interview's at houses.

[alwaysinsession]

Ok well I have a Duke interview tomorrow at Starbucks, and I'm not quite sure what to bring/do/say. I'll have some questions lined up, but wouldn't it be weird if he knew I was just reading them off a sheet? And how long do they usually ask? Anyone have experience with Duke alumni interviews? What did he/she say?

[TheF]

i'm not so sure you should even memorize a response. If this is anything like i've experienced, interviews are kept quite casual and more like a conversation between two highly educated people.

My suggestion would be to line up some directions where you could go to respond then simply act like you're talking to an adult in a serious, educated, however not contrived or evaluative conversation

[Northstarmom]

"I'm not so sure you should even memorize a response."

You are right. An interview is a conversation, not a play. Memorized answers sound fake and sound like you've had pay a high priced college consultant in order to attempt to come across as if you're worthy of being admitted.

[thesmiths]

does an interview really carry significant leeway in the admissions process?

i had an interview with an unnamed school on saturday and i decided to "wing it" without eating or anything before going. i guess it went alright, although maybe i should have prepared in advance...

[socalfreak4life]

My Harvard interviewer lives 2-3 hrs from where I live an my parents cant (bad cars, have to drive through a desert to get there) drive me there. I just called her. Will the fact that I was offered an interview and couldn't attend adversely affect my chances??

[Hemp]

When you interview, be prepared to answer the following questions: (1) What are you passionate about? Warning: do NOT suggest several things because it won't be believable. Concentrate on ONE thing; (2) What would you consider to be your favorite book and why? Warning: do NOT suggest a book that was written about the history of the college or anything written by Howard Stern. Instead, give a title with an explanation that demonstrates substance and depth in your answer; and (3) the fantasy question of all questions: Why do you want to come here? Warning: do NOT mention amenities like the school's state-of-the-art gym, its Olympic pool, and its hot babes. Simply rattle off 3 items (from their website) that relates to what you want to study. For example, "Professor Dork has written 4 books in the field I want to major in, and he's just the guy I want to study under." The environment and geography should be mentioned as pleasant coincidences but should have no real value in your decision. Be aware that college interviews are not meant to be interrogations. Some colleges will use them as marketing opportunities to convince you to come to their school, or they will use the interview as one last look at you to determine if they really want to decide in your favor.

[eternitygoddess]

What kind of format should thank-you notes take?

Is it basically: thank you for your time. I had a great time at the interview.