Interview etiquette

Hoo_29 · November 9, 2004, 7:53pm

Hello All! I am sure all of you smart students are sick of questions about interviews, but hopefully you won't mind answering a few questions of mine.

So, I am meeting an admissions director for a college at a coffee shop. Well, I REALLY want to make a good impression, because this isn't just an alum. interviewer, it's the guy that will actually decide my fate(happen to live in proximity of SE adcom).

I want to know what the etiquette is. Do I arrive exactly on time, early, or fashionably late(just kidding)
? Do I sit down first waiting for the interviewer, or do I stand at door? Do I pay for her coffee, or should I allow her to pay. I know she might offer, but I think this is an uncomfortable situation either way.

Also, what do I bring. Right now, I have a copy of my resume, a transcript, my senior year schedule, and my Why College X essay. I want her to read these things early, so she can have a good impression. And maybe she might fancy a look when she gets home, and gives more time to look at my EC's.

I don't have very good SAT scores, but I have strong ACT and AP scores. Should I bring a copy of that stuff, or just leave at home?

Thanks so much, and I respect the opinions of y'all so much.

And I posted this on the parents forum, but uhh...wasn't too helpful.

bettina · November 9, 2004, 8:11pm

I don't think it's a good idea to try to hand over your application packet and get her to read it. Because they will already get this stuff, you would be wasting time better spent on getting to know you beyone these things. Maybe it's ok to pull out the resume. Think more on letting him get to know you, your hopes and aspirations and why you are choosing that school. Ask questions you want to know about the school. Let him know what kind of things you like to do. Be a good conversationalist. Talk about your passions. Don't bring up scores.

aim78 · November 9, 2004, 8:24pm

I would bring it all just in case, but only whip it out if she asks about it or mentions it.

I had a surprise interview the other day with my counselor so she could get to know be better for writing the rec. It's a little scary because the questions keep coming, but somehow I managed to keep cool and be charming and end on a funny note. At one point I did blank out (she asked how my friends would describe me), I said something stupid like "I feel kind of egotistical saying this but..." but I eventually said a few things sort of sarcastically and hesitantly. I doubt that helped. But at least I'm modest.