Mit Interview Secrets!!

jwtheman · 10-20-2005, 07:56 PM

lol, I have an interview tomorrow and im kindof paranoid. What interested questions could I ask? Lets all come up with a list of questions to ask the interviewer when he asks the dreaded question:" Do you have any questions?"

lets do it guys!!! (please, lol)

Ben Golub · 10-20-2005, 09:00 PM

Does there exist a continuous function from [0,1] to the reals that has uncountably many local maxima?

maverach · 10-21-2005, 02:59 PM

I asked what were his favorite/least favorite things about MIT, and whether or not he would have gone knowing what he knows now.

It turned out, however, that I came up with questions and asked them along the way.

¡Buena suerte!

tetrahedr0n · 10-21-2005, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Does there exist a continuous function from [0,1] to the reals that has uncountably many local maxima?

Huh... I tried explaining my research paper to my interviewer. We couldn't get through more than the first few lines.

Ben Golub · 10-21-2005, 06:37 PM

Well it's a good question, but not one that I suggest asking per se

umm · 10-21-2005, 07:41 PM

My interview is this weekend and from what I am hearing, it sounds like a very intimidating experience. JWTHEMAN how did everything go? Anyone else?

Thanks

cookiemom · 10-21-2005, 07:46 PM

You can't prepare for this, but don't be surprised if you're asked a question about how you solved some sort of math/science problem.

imiracle911 · 10-21-2005, 08:40 PM

yeh my interview is this sunday. I'm so scared. Any advice? What kind of questions do they ask?

tetrahedr0n · 10-21-2005, 10:11 PM

My advice - don't worry about it. They make it pretty comfortable on you by telling good stories (based on others' and my experiences.) Expect some typical questions (what major and why, why mit, where do you see yourself in 10 years.) Also have a few things to ask your interviewer.

mootmom · 10-21-2005, 10:18 PM

Advice on how to approach your interview, by Stu Schmill (MIT Admissions officer), from the guest MITBlog.

easternboarder · 10-21-2005, 10:43 PM

My interview was very casual at a cafe that was cool. My interviewer wasn't afraid to say words like sh1t or "damn"...I sound like a 3 year old. Anyway, my advice, be yourself and have a firm handshake.

maverach · 10-21-2005, 10:54 PM

The 3d shape has it right, just chill, it's extremely comfortable and they just make you talk. A lot =)

StepIntoThisReality · 10-22-2005, 03:44 PM

I'm going to be interviewing at a small restaurant. I've never been in this situation before; do I pick up my part of the check? And what's it like talking to a professional while eating? It's just something I've never experienced.

Ben Golub · 10-22-2005, 04:00 PM

When the check comes, you should take out your wallet/purse and politely say some version of "I'd like to pick up half of it". Typically, the senior person in the situation will refuse the offer, at which point you should probably say "are you sure? it would really be no problem." Either they will let you pay half or insist on getting all of it.

As for eating with a professional, the main thing is don't worry. There are a few good online guides about table manners, but the major thing is don't feel like you have to obey a huge set of unwritten rules. Just don't talk with your mouth open, but do talk enough so they have time to eat. Much of the conversation will take place while waiting for the meal, etc.

Mikalye · 10-24-2005, 11:21 PM

Hmmm.... I've never interviewed anyone at a restaurant, this comment tells me never to do so. I have done the coffee bar thing, and I invariably pick up the tab, for no other reasons than:
1) I probably have more disposable income than most 18 year olds.
2) Anyone thinking about the Institute will need all the money they can get.

Seriously, I try to keep my interviews as light as possible. I am trying to find out who the candidate is, and I expect them to be nervous. I definitely try to get them to relax, because that is an integral part of my job as the interviewer. As to what I am looking for, I guess the easy answer is that I am looking to find out who the candidate is in ways that are unlikely to show up on the application form (except maybe in the essays).

I have had students reel off their achievements at the interview, almost straight off the application, and that's fine, if it helps them to relax, and reminds them that they have much to be proud of, but little or nothing of that usually makes it into any interview report that I write for the admissions office.

I'm just trying to get a sense of who the candidate is, and why they want to go to MIT. One concrete hint, a candidate should be able to talk about why they chose to apply to MIT, what attracted them to the Institute, and possibly what concerns they might have about going there.

But the interview is nothing more than a conversation, and a bad interview (and they can exist) is quite unpleasant for the interviewer as well as the interviewee, so most interviewers do work hard to avoid them. [And of course, your milage may vary, etc. ]