Coffee Shop College Interview?

LINYMOM
Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:54:42 +0000

I just did alumni interviews for my (top 20) university this past weekend. I would agree with most of what has been posted here. The dress tips are spot on. However, I think it is more than just a casual conversation for the student to learn about the college. The student also needs to present themselves maturely, confidently, articulately. Be prepared to converse, not just answer questions. Have an opinion, if asked, and be able to back it up. I’m sure that there are various places on line that provide typical alumni interview questions. Although they are very basic in most cases, the student should really think about their answers. One of the students I interviewed this weekend was very passionate about his subject area (academic, ECs, research), but stated neutrality in an issue related to this, and that was really disappointing. Another volunteered a significant shortcoming to me and, the more he talked, the deeper hole he dug for himself. I don’t even think he realized it. In this competitive environment, he didn’t do himself any favors.

So, yes, it’s a casual conversation. But don’t take it too casually. The interviewer is watching and listening. It’s sort of like being interviewed by a reporter - nothing is “off the record.”

The weight the interview has in the admissions process is probably not a lot - as pointed out here before - but we were asked to rate students and I can’t imagine that a bad rating would help.