gashergina

Hi! I have an on-campus interview scheduled in early November!

It's my first college interview, so I'm getting pretty nervous about it.. I don't really know anything about college visits and interview either.

I've been reading some posts on CC about Pomona interview and it's apparently casual and not as intimidating as I had expected. Still, these are some general questions I want to know about before going. Also, some might sound stupid because I'm paranoid or whatever about doing well, so just bear with me. Thanks!

1. Since it's an on-campus interview, what exactly happens when I get to Pomona? My interview is at 10 AM. Do I get there exactly at 10 and start off with the interview?

2. How do I know where on campus to go for the interview? Do they take you to a classroom? or is there a specific room/space reserved for interviews?

3. For people who specifically had a POMONA interview - what were some of the questions they asked?

4. How long did it last?

5. How "formal" should I dress? I was thinking of just wearing my dress pants and a collar shirt.

6. anything important I should know?

twomules

I would get to the campus by 9:45, just to take some time to calm down, get a drink of water, etc. The admissions building is off of Bonita Ave - take a left after the Harwood dorm and then a left into the parking lot. This will be opposite the Oldenborg dorm which looks very modern.

Dress pants and a shirt are good, maybe even your "best" jeans and a nice shirt. The interview will be in an office there or in a small room (my best guess after going to other campuses). My kid didn't interview at Pomona because of distance.

Think of this as a chance to interview them too, not just them checking you out. Find out how they would differentiate themselves from other LACs you are interested in. Be curious and engaged. Don't wait passively for them to ask all the questions. If the person interviewing you is not the representative for your region, find out who is and introduce yourself. If you think the interview went well, include a photo with your ap so that your face jogs their memory. Be sure to write a quick thank you note.

Have you seen this? http://pomona.edu/admissions/visitin...tsBrochure.pdf
This will give you the times for any campus tour you want to go on as well as a campus map. They will feed you lunch if you want.

If you are interested in sitting in on a class, contact the admissions office to see if there is a class that interests you earlier in the day or after lunch.

Have fun. Hope Pomona impresses you.

FauxNom

Great advice from twomules. Not much to add, but... my D did an interview last month, and it was with a senior rather than an admissions officer. She wore nice jeans and a nice shirt; she felt fine about that, but slightly dressier would probably be more typical. (She had a bunch of activities that day and didn't want to be all dressed up.) The interviewer asked her about her interests and what she'd been doing during high school. I don't know the specific questions, but it sounded like a good conversation about what Pomona has to offer, and where my D saw herself participating in campus life.

journey919

Good luck on your interview! You will do fine.

My D had one last month and she enjoyed it very much. Noone from her high school has gone to Pomona (we are on the opposite coast) and she noted that the interviewer asked her many questions about her school. That is something to keep in mind and actually was a very good opportunity for her to provide information. She was also asked a lot of questions about her activities and her coursework. It was not at all intimidating. She wore a dress, but that is her style. I don't think it was necessary.