Inserting Politics into College Interviews

myriad
Sun, 07 Jan 2007 21:26:19 +0000

I’m breaking my New Year’s resolution by posting; so be it. I’d like to answer the 3 questions that I proposed at the beginning of this thread based on what I’ve read so far and on my own personal opinions and biases.

Do you think opinions on current politics and political figures are appropriate interview questions?

In an “ideal” world where interviewers and their colleges/universities are impartial, these questions would be appropriate and interesting. But in the “real” world as I see it, the answer would be no.

What is the best response if you suspect that your opinions may clash with those of the interviewers?

I am particularly fond of HImom’s answer, where she suggested debating both sides of the issue and not appearing dogmatic.

If you agree or disagree with the interviewer’s opinions, do you think that will help or hurt you in the admissions process?

Here I tend to agree with apumic who sugested that interviewers tend to prefer those who agree with them.

I’d also like to thank the “conservative” students who posted. It is relatively easy to write heartfelt posts when you know that you are in the majority; but it takes a lot more courage to post when you are in the minority.

People in this country are allowed to form their own opinions and should not be penalized from expressing them as long as they do it in a respectful manner; that is my opinion.