T-bird

[completely off-topic: I just misspelled "Interviews" 3 whole times while typing that title. First as 'Interviwes,' then as 'Intervweis,' and then as 'Intervies.']

Back on topic. Out of curiosity, have any 2014 hopefuls scheduled their interviews yet? Hopefully we can use this thread later on to share interview experiences, but I'm guessing very few people will have already had theirs.

I haven't scheduled mine; I'm kind of nervous about it. I'm thinking that I'll take the next week or two to think over what kinds of things I could talk about in conversation and what questions I should be prepared for, and then send the email to schedule when I feel prepared. I'd rather not schedule it first and scramble to prepare in time.

and for those people who will remind me to stay sane and not stress out: I'm not uber-worried. I'm just anxious to make sure I know all the answers to expected questions, and to make sure that I'm mentally ready to be myself in this interview-conversation.

molliebatmit

We talked about interviews extensively last year here: MIT: Master Interview Thread

That thread might be useful background reading for this year's applicants.

Also, your friendly local mod is happy to edit misspellings in thread titles, and is compulsive enough to do so on her own if she happens to notice.

EDIT: Incidentally, given that I have post #2 of this thread, I would like to remind everyone to contact his/her EC well in advance of the deadline to request an interview, and to notify the Admissions Office if you experience difficulties contacting your assigned EC.

T-bird

I spent a whole hour reading the Master Interview Thread a few weeks ago. Is it a sign that I'm crazy that I would spend so much time reading a thread devoted to college interviews? And you're right, it was definitely helpful background reading. I was kind of hoping that this thread would turn into something similar as far as sharing stories goes for 2014 applicants.

ooh. I might try an experiment where I "accidentally" misspell thread titles, just to see. then again, by the time I next make a thread, I'm probably going to forget. :P

by the way, mollie, you're amazingly helpful, and I know everyone here agrees. thanks so much for being willing to answer all our questions and email Matt when you're not sure and take the time to check this board and everything!

Noreen7867

I actually haven't scheduled mine either! I'm a little nervous that I will blank out and completely forget good points to talk about. I actually hoping to get another college interview before MIT's so that MIT's interview isn't my first. Hopefully that will make me less nervous!

Mikalye

Yesterday I got my first interview request of the new season.

fontaine

Hey, if you don't mind me asking, is there a list of things that an EC is required to find out from each prefrosh? Or is it only a "have an engaging conversation = recommended" type of thing?

Mikalye

Broadly speaking, we look for match. Take a look at MIT Admissions: The Match Between You And MIT and you will have some idea as to what we are looking for.

In answer to your specific question, yes to some degree.

T-bird

@Mikalye - I'm not an international, but I was curious as to how far applicants have traveled to interview with you. What's the farthest they've traveled, if you're allowed to share?

wmm8

I emailed my interviewer and haven't heard back yet, but I'm definitely nervous.

sssgol

I have some important questions about the interview
1. if we are planning on applying EA, by what date are we supposed to have the interview?
2. is it good to contact the EC to schedule an interview WAAAAY early (like now)?
3. how are you guys planning on contacting your EC? what type of language would you use to set up the interview?

CalAlum

Check out the thread above, relating to 2014 interviews.

An0maly

I read through this thread and I complied a list of important points for anyone who wants a quick summary:

- Every person with a successful interview said to be yourself. This is crucial.
- Don't stress too much or be someone you're not. The EC just wants to know what kind of a person you are and whether you'll be a "match" for MIT. The link Mikalye posted is very good.
- They don't have a set list of questions. All questions are meant to probe you and discover your character/personality.
- The interviewer does his/her best job to make you comfortable. Try to relax.
- To be safe, dress up in nice clothing instead of dressing down in jeans and a t-shirt.
- A long interview isn't necessarily good. A short one isn't necessarily bad.
- Ask your EC questions. Show that you care about MIT and ask them of their experiences.
- This is not a Q&A session. It's a two-way conversation. Try to have fun and demonstrate who you really are.
- Don't talk about academics/grades. That's covered in the application thoroughly. Talk about your ECs/hobbies. Show that you're devoted to what you like to do.
- BE YOURSELF

I have a question though. If I'm applying EA, when is the earliest a person should ask for an interview? I understand that the earlier the better, but is a couple of days after the application is online too early?

Good luck everyone. Hope we all have great interviews.

molliebatmit

I would amend this to say to dress in clothes that make you feel confident and professional. For some people, that's a suit, for others, it's khakis and a sweater, and for others, it's a t-shirt and jeans.

The last day to contact your EC for an EA interview is October 20.

Now would be fine, but any time in advance of October 20 is fine, too.
Wearing clothes that feel too dressy or too casual for you will not help you put your best foot forward.

Mikalye

You want to appear that you care, but a lot of people err in trying to look professional. If you are not used to wearing a suit, and you wear one to an interview, then you get that "the defendant" look, which does not help your chances.

Like all other parts of the interview, this can be discussed with your interviewer (usually by e-mail) prior to the interview. Questions like "I am coming straight from work, is it OK if I wear my BigBurger uniform?" are quite reasonable, and insures that the EC is not put off if you suddenly appear in your uniform.

It seems that every few years I get a candidate who tries to dress up, and who somehow manages to get out their finest nightclubbing clothes. This is almost always a mistake, particularly if they feature plunging necklines, microskirts, or the male equivalent. The goal is to try to appear professional and "studenty", and while there are certain times to wear this stuff on campus, the interview is not one of them. I attended a fraternity Toga party while at MIT. A wrapped bedsheet is also a poor sartorial choice.

A lot depends on the context. If you are interviewing at your EC's Wall Street office, then maybe a suit is more called for, you will look like you fit in, similarly, I would see as also valid a question like "Given that we are conducting the interview on the beach, is swimwear appropriate?"

Personally, I conduct nearly all of my interviews in coffee bars, which allow a wide range of sartorial choices.

Mikalye

No, I disagree with this. Anytime in advance of October 20 is acceptable, and we will work with you, but I would request the interview as soon as you are ready. Ready means different things to different people, but I would suggest that you have looked at MIT and at the application, and you know enough about MIT to ask intelligent questions about the place. When I get questions like "Where in the US is MIT?", I know that the student hasn't even done the basics of web lookup.

There are always a bunch of people who wait until the deadline. And then the EC might have quite a few folks to interview in the 10 days following 20 October. Given that most EC's are busy and successful professionals, scheduling isn't always easy. You will do yourself and your EC a favour if you are able to go before then.