RD Applicants: Interview Advice - Page 38

dstfan · 11-06-2009, 03:11 PM

^Why would I want another interviewer?
I think a friend interviewing me would be great.

T26E4 · 11-06-2009, 03:15 PM

I'm not speaking of what the applicant would want. I'm speaking of having above board ethics for the interviewer.

AdmissionsAddict · 11-06-2009, 05:03 PM

The "linking" refers to some ASC territories where only certain high schools are "linked" to alumni interviewers. I don't think it has to do with interviewers who have an alumni connection, but with schools that have lots of application and therefore have assigned interviewers. See the sticked FAQ about interviews for more details. My ASC region doesn't do linking, it's just something I heard about on the Yale forum.

Interviewers are supposed to recuse themselves if they know the applicant according to the Yale guidelines.

Objective789 · 11-06-2009, 05:08 PM

Once again, if interviews with admissions counselors are required or recommended, fine.
Interviews with alumni or students are a waste of your time. If you have questions ask for an informal meeting with someone in admissions. The latest brilliant scheme, the interview with a parent of a student, goes far beyond all of it into the realm of absurdity.

T26E4 · 11-06-2009, 05:24 PM

Well objective789: some of the other schools whose forums you post upon may have a plan for students' parents to interview but Yale doesn't.

From my experience, I think most alumni volunteers know that the interview is an extremely slender or even non-consequential part of the application. Certainly Yale re-iterates that to us constantly. I'm certainly under no illusions that "my pull" is inordinate. Of the last two years, I interviewed 20 kids or so and none were admitted. Although I felt most were extremely viable, I wasn't surprised either.

However, I also know that the admissions officers DO read every interview report and it goes into the factors that help them decide -- however small.

I also know for a fact that information gleaned from an informed but objective source (such as an alum) can be a determining factor. It happened last year with two urban applicants from my area. Their LORs were bland and uninformative. But both alumni write-ups were the tipping factor for the kids where grey areas existed.

If you've read to any depth of this thread, you'll see that I and admissionsaddict constantly chime in to the students not to stress over the interview and don't mis-represent it for what it is. Objective789, I don't know why you would offer your advice as such since you don't seem to have any first hand knowledge of how Yale views the interviews (they WANT all students to have them). I know you're a parent whose son is applying to selective colleges. I'm not sure what's the source of your interview distaste.

However, I would contend that your statement that Yale interviews "are a waste of time" run counter to my first hand experience. Certainly applicants shouldn't stress over them but to say they're inconsequential would be too much, and frankly, poor advice.

If your son decides to apply to Yale and is offered an interview, I'd encourage him to sit for it.

peacelovejulie · 11-06-2009, 10:54 PM

I had my interview a couple of weeks ago (for EA). It was with a girl who had just graduated this year, and it was actually very enjoyable and informative! The first half was more "interview-style," but after, we were just able to talk about school and Yale and other things we had in common. It was a great experience and I learned a lot about Yale, not as a highly esteemed institution, but how interesting and unique the people there are. Good luck to everyone who is interviewing!

tossedinabasket · 11-08-2009, 09:29 PM

Quick question - I have an interview on Sunday at the alumnus's house. What should I wear? I was thinking more on the formal side?

Stupefy · 11-08-2009, 10:00 PM

omg my yale interviewer is a partner in a law firm and he wants me to come to his office :O

T26E4 · 11-08-2009, 10:18 PM

What to wear? It's covered

Alumni/On-Campus Interview FAQ

HMJ · 11-10-2009, 06:04 AM

For either AdmissionsAddict or T26E4 or both:

I got contacted for an interview by my interviewers assistant a few days back. She asked when a good time was for me to meet with the guy. I gave her a few times but she responded saying that he is busy till Nov 30th and so if it would be possible for me to have the interview that week. Naturally, I responded with a yes since I am in no place to choose. However, I was wondering, by when are the interview-reports due (since I am applying EA). Would having it during that week be too late or is it still okay? Does the interviewer know I'm an early action applicant -- as in do they get info about whether you're (I am) applying EA or RD? If not, should I email his assistant again and tell her that since I'm early action, I should probably have the interview sooner. I'm kind of hesitant to do that though, I feel it may be rude. Don't want to tick them off.

T26E4 · 11-10-2009, 08:40 AM

The soft deadline for EA is Dec 1. I assume your interviewer is planning on submitting right away (as I'm sure his area coordinator and probably Yale regional rep will be tapping on his door). I'd say schedule close to Nov 30 as possible. Good luck to you.

AdmissionsAddict · 11-10-2009, 05:44 PM

As T26 says, the soft deadline is Dec. 1. In past years, the "really real" deadline has been Dec. 5.

cadillac · 11-11-2009, 01:25 AM

I got a confirmation e-mail from a Yale alum after talking on the phone. This will probably sound ridiculous, but am I expected to be super formal in my reply? For example...

Cadillac:

Thank you for agreeing to interview me.
I will see you [scheduled date time place].

Sincerely,
Cadillac

I feel like this isn't me at all, and I'm hoping interviewers won't mind if we are a little more... friendly/casual? (Not to the point where I'm like Yo Cadillac, I be there. Peace."

AdmissionsAddict · 11-11-2009, 11:36 AM

Cadillac-Be yourself, but be respectful and you'll be OK. Take cues from your interviewer when you meet him/her in person. If s/he is the more formal type, be yourself but adjust to a little more formality. I can't imagine what a "bad" email would look like, aside from the obvious.

co2010 · 11-12-2009, 01:35 AM

Just had my interview today. It was awesome! We met at a Cafe and talked for 1.5 hours. We talked about my activities and interests and I gushed about Yale and we checked out the science fiction stacks at the bookstore nearby. She was really friendly, but asked some 'forbidden' questions about my AP and SAT scores. If she puts this in the report sent back to Yale, will it cause them to disregard her evaluation? Because I think it went really well.