Kelsey1704

Okay....my early decision application got there today and I just don't think I will have a very peaceful couple of weeks while I wait for the decision....

I am a transfer student, and had an off-campus interview a few weeks ago. I really do think it went well. I had my resume and college transcripts with me so she saw my grades and ECs, etc. My interview lasted over an hour, and at the end she said while it was all she could do, she definitely recommends admission and would love to see me there. Do they say this to everyone?! Am I okay to hope?! I was very happy with the essays that I turned in. My only bleh feelings come from the fact that I had a bad college semester when my dad had cancer (which I discussed with the interviewer. She recommended writing a supplement essay, which I did). I also had near perfect scores on the Writing and Language parts of the SAT, but a significantly lower score on the math.

Just wondering what the general feelings were for people after their interview.

momoftwins

Kelsey,

My son's interview was with the Admissions rep on campus. She was very realistic about what he would have to do to be competitive. She was very honest.

I'd hate to think the interviewers would misrepresent (ok, lie) about their recommendation.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

fencersmother

I think the ad reps will tell you exactly what you would need. I wish you the best of luck!

Have you toured Hillsdale yet?

Kelsey1704

Hi! I live in California, so no, unfortunately, I haven't visited the campus -- though for monetary reasons more than anything else

I hope that what you guys say is true. She really didn't tell me anything that I needed to do except write a supplement essay about my "bad semester." I guess being a transfer student just adds pressure. I took a year off after high school to live in France, and have been doing general ed at my local community college since. Now I'm 22, and I guess I'm just really anxious to get going. Though I've looked at a seemingly endless list of colleges, Hillsdale is literally the only one I really feel a connection with. Now that my application is in, I just can't seem to think about anything else!

Thanks again for the comments

YAHA

What do you guys mean when you say that they will tell you what you need? :/ I wasn't told anything in particular except that the interview is going really well (a few times). Afterwards, I was also told that the interview for merit scholarships and admissions is the same one. I thanked my interviewer for saving it until the end and not making my knees tremble haha

kentuckymom

Hillsdale may have changed their admission procedure from last year. As I recall, my daughter had a short interview during her first visit, which she felt was more informational than formal. She was told, at that interview, to submit her application Early Action so that she could compete for a merit scholarship.

In February, she was invited, along with about 25 other applicants, to the Distinct Scholars weekend, where a very formal and lengthy interview, with a panel consisting of administration and professors, was conducted. Advanced reading in preparation for the weekend was required, and attendance at lectures and a timed essay was part of the competition. It was my understanding that among these participants, the main merit scholarships were awarded. I believe that these scholarships are discussed on their website. An outstanding interview is indeed part of the determination of the level of scholarship awarded. I am not sure if other merit scholarships are awarded to others not attending.

YAHA

How short was the admissions interview? Also, towards what was the formal scholarship interview geared? Life story? Philosophy? Religion? I haven't even applied yet, but I am so curious.

Kelsey1704

YAHA, was your interview off campus?

My admissions interview was an hour and six minutes

YAHA

No, it was at Hillsdale. It must have gone on for at least an hour and twenty minutes.

YAHA

P.S. Frankly, I think it doesnt really matter where you had your interview because one way or the other you are interviewed by an admissions person. The only downfall is that you dont get to see the college itself, so you would have to take our word for how great it is.

Kelsey1704

I have looked at tons of colleges, and there are no words to describe the feeling I felt at finding Hillsdale. I don't have to physically stand on the college campus to know that I would be happy there. I hope you are right in that it doesn't make a difference where your interview is. I only worry because there is a question on the application that asks if you have visited the campus. Even though, I would have if I were able to!

Bleh....I think I am just at that point where the application is in, and I hate that feeling of everything being out of my control! Well...only eleven days before the letters are sent....:/

kentuckymom

Best of luck, Kelsey and Yaha. Keep us posted.

The campus is beautiful. The student center is amazing. The library is first-class. The professors are awesome. Everything there is wonderful. Especially the student body. My daughter has not had one regret about her decision to attend Hillsdale, and she had offers from several other higher-ranked institutions.

Hillsdale is a truly remarkable place.

audreygirl

Hey Kelsey1704, so what's the news with your admission?

fencersmother

My son had many friends from the West coast, and from Florida, who attended Hillsdale Col sight unseen and absolutely love it. No worries!

Kelsey1704

audrey... No news yet. Letters are apparently sent December first.

Fencer... That's good to hear. I was worried that they would see I didnt visit the campus and think me not serious enough.