Williams Interview

newsie143 · 06-24-2009, 11:06 AM

I was wondering if anyone knew what an interview at williams is like. I know it is non-evaluative but i'm still a little nervous. Will they just answer my questions or ask me about myself? What would be appropriate to wear?

ctyankee · 06-24-2009, 11:49 AM

Interviews at any top LAC is about being prepared and realizing that they want to get a sense of you not to put you on the spot. There are many threads, which can tell you how to dress appropriately.

Ask a couple questions that highlight what makes you tick and then let them explain how Williams can help with your interests. Body language is much more important than your choice of words so make good eye contact and be easy with a smile and an affirmative nod of your head. Keep your initial answer short. Take a breath and then follow up with a second point if you have one. Say for example, they ask you what your intended interest in study are. Smile and say ... 'I'm trying to decide.' With an immediate follow-up with 'my key interests lie in ...' This will be much more engaging than starting off with 'my key interests lie in' ... hopefully that makes sense.

Also, I know the Williams grad in my neck of the woods that handles/coordinates Alumni interviews. So (if that hasn't changed recently) that means there is probably a like person in your neck of the woods. Find out who that person is and network your way to them (perhaps with the help of your folks). Bottom line is that influential alums can be quite helpful and perhaps much more helpful than an on-campus interview.

Hope that helps.

irunoninsulin · 06-24-2009, 12:09 PM

If it's completely non-evauluative, then what's the point?

I can understand the "non-evaluative" interview being helpful for someone who didn't know much about the school and wanted to talk one-on-one with a student/alum, but otherwise don't waste your time and energy. Certainly don't be nervous. In all likelihood, when your application is being read by the committee they won't even know whether you interviewed or not.

mini · 06-24-2009, 12:26 PM

It is completely non-evaluative. Twenty years ago, when Williams came to that conclusion, they found that interviews helped grease an "old boys" network, precisely what they didn't want. So they are very strict about it being non-evaluative, and will note even place in your file that it took place.

newsie143 · 06-26-2009, 12:42 PM

In a non-evaluative interview will they be asking you a lot of questions about yourself or will they let you guide the conversation based on what you want to know about the school?

mini · 06-26-2009, 01:28 PM

No. YOU should be taking the lead with questions.

bigp9998 · 06-26-2009, 01:47 PM

I agree that these are more so that you can get first-hand information about the school than a way to present yourself. It's a good opportunity for you to clear up any questions that you might have, particularly if your interviewer is younger. I had interviewers spanning from 25 to something over 60.

mattmom · 06-26-2009, 01:54 PM

I've never heard of Williams doing off-campus interviews, since its interviews are nonevaluative. I thought the point of such interviews, which are essentially one-on-one info sessions, was primarily to help applicants "show interest" and have a chance to see what the campus looks and feels like. (And as far as having a local influential Williams alum be of help to an applicant, I think it is highly unlikely unless that alum also happens to be a close relative whose relationship to you and ongoing very generous donations make you a desirable legacy.)