Dynamic Interview for Marquis Awards

persona25
Tue, 21 Feb 2023 22:33:21 +0000

I don’t know if it’s six people per group this year, but my year we were four per group. It was virtual, so that may have impacted it. They will probably go over the process and various steps during the introduction part.

1. We were not given a topic, but just told to find a problem and solve it. It didn’t need to be a real problem, I believe some groups talked about a zombie apocalypse or other fantasy issues. Other years may be different. We decided to do something related to the pandemic because we understood the issue well and could apply our experiences. All of us had some tutoring experience, so we decided to do a virtual education thing.

2. The task is to see how you work in groups and problem-solve. The actual solution isn’t the main focus. That being said, your experiences do matter, in that you can show how your experiences would contribute to laf and how you use your experiences to problem-solve.

3. Probably in the icebreaker section once you’re sorted into groups. The admissions team (not the shepherds) already knows a lot of the answers, so it’s partially for the shepherds but mostly to get to know your teammates. Don’t be afraid to show your personality or use humor if that’s your thing.

4. No. When I did it everyone presented and we also talked about how each person contributed to the solution. We found it helpful to share a google doc and comment who would cover each part of the presentation. The google doc was also helpful in moving ideas around and sharing contact info.

5. Tbh, I prepared a short snippet talking about my love for ___, but when others talked for 1 minute I extended it. Now, I wish I didn’t cave to peer pressure and just stuck with my short intro. I would do 1-2 sentences about name, hometown, and maybe clubs. Don’t spend too long on that because the admissions team already knows that, they want to see what makes you different. Then, focus on one thing/interest that makes you special. Again, don’t just rehash your application but talk about one aspect of yourself.

6. I don’t completely understand the question, so lmk if you meant something else. Basically, try to be a good teammate, and don’t think about it as a competition. If focus on making the team work/gel, it not only makes to experience more fun but also shows leadership. Ex. I tried to make sure everyone was included in the discussion and asked quieter individuals for input. I also tried to not interrupt, to listen, and to build off of others’ ideas. Also, don’t be afraid to offer constructive criticism. I like the sandwich method: something you like, criticism, and potential solution or calls for other input. Ex: I like how you want to ______. However, I think ____ is impractical because ______. Maybe we could try _______. Does anyone have another solution or input?

7. Be prepared to show your personality. If you want, you can practice answers or prepare responses beforehand. During the actual thing though, don’t read off a response or recite from memory, be natural. If you do write down potential responses, try to keep them to bullet points so you still talk like you.

The process is nerve-wracking, but they already like you, so try to relax. Don’t procrastinate like me, prepare as much as you think you need a day beforehand. Then, before the event, make sure your technology is all working (if you’re virtual) and do whatever ritual to calm down and be confident. Superman poses, breathing exercises, and pep talks help me. Again, they aren’t trying to get you, this isn’t a test you can fail. They just want to get to know you more and see how you could fit into the class they’re building.

Honestly, fake it until you make it. Everyone else is probably nervous and faking it too. I was shaking during it, but I tried to project confidence and I think it helped. The team knows you are nervous and will try to make the process as easy and fun as possible.

You’re going to meet a lot of driven, academically strong, and involved candidates. You’re at the event not because of a mistake, but because the college sees something special in you. Don’t let imposter syndrome scare you, tell you you don’t belong or prevent you from talking. You do belong and your contribution is valuable.

Final note: It’s okay to need rest after a social and stressful event like this, so feel free to rest and treat yourself afterward.

Hope this helps!

PS. Hi mom. Not sure why you’re still reading these threads, but you’ll probably read this. Love you <3