sarucane

So I've got an on-campus interview on Friday. From what I've heard on here, in the past interviews have been really laid-back. Is that still true? What sort of things are they going to ask me? Do they do tricky questions?

SoCaDad

No tricky questions for S. Straight forward questions about him and his background, and to ascertain whether he was the right fit for Grinnell and academically capable. Do your homework and be prepared to tell them what it is about Grinnell that makes you want to attend. Also, be ready to ask them questions. While his interview was informal, there was still a proper demeanor and importance attached to it.

M's Mom

Yes, very laid back. S was in there for over an hour and he came out grinning. They spent quite a bit of time on his ECs, one of which was unusual. The interviewer (an admissions officer, in his case) was also very up front about his eligibility for merit aid. I assume this was because he was an attractive candidate.

A friend of S's who was interviewed by a student says he ending up talking a lot about a school project he did because it was in a subject area that the student was majoring in. He too came out feeling good-but was wait-listed (and later admitted). So interviews aren't stressful, but neither are they a guarantee of anything.

d'smom

Hi Sarucane!

We just got back recently(mid-oct) from a trip to Grinnell. My son loved it and really felt comfortable in the interview. His interview went on for quite a while and the interviewer answered tons of questions. We have no clue whether the interview really helped, but my s got a very nice letter from the guy who interviewed him as a follow up. He was very personable and put s at ease.

They talked about all kinds of things i/e coursework, EC's, sports, music, what my s was into. Then the parents get to come in and be included in the discussion. This part of the interview was more for us to ask questions about the school. There were no trick questions whatsoever and it went very well. I think Grinnell does take seriously whether a student is a good fit for the school as they should. From what we can tell, many of the kids self select Grinnell. It's my sons top pick right now and he can really see himself there. It was worth the trip.

Good luck and just be yourself and you will do fine.

Youdon'tsay

Ds was there alone this summer. He thought it went well, lasting more than an hour. He loved the campus then and just got back from a second visit and still loves it. Right now, Grinnell is his no. 2. Good luck!

d'smom

Youdon'tsay,

That is great. What is the other school your son like a lot? Hope he gets in to either of them. Good luck!!!!

Youdon'tsay

I'll PM you.

bethievt

As d'smom says, just be yourself, but a little forethought doesn't hurt. I agree with SoCa Dad too. Have a question or two ready. Know Grinnell (and yourself) well enough to say why you might be a good fit for each other. Before a visit, you would get that understanding of Grinnell through books like the Fiske guide and looking at the website and coming to this site. The understanding of who you are as a person will probably emerge through visiting colleges, writing essays and doing interviews. They will not try to trip you up at Grinnell. My son loved his interview there too.