This question might seem a little silly, but I have a question about maintaining eye contact at an interview (on campus). If I am thinking/pondering a question, is it acceptable to shift my gaze/look down a bit? I just think it’s a little odd to continue looking directly at my interviewer while having a blank expression as I try to think about the best way to answer the question.
Thanks.
if you maintain eye contact continuously, you’ll come across as a creepy stalker and your eyes will dry up!! Just BREATHE and RELAX, be yourself and avoid ‘no eye contact’.
It’s fine to look down from time to time. Just make sure you do have some sort of eye contact. However, as Britmom5 said, don’t stare at them creepily.
Benefit of Skype interviews: they can’t tell if you’re making eye contact. 
Seriously though, you’ll be fine. Remember to breathe.
Kind of late, but I agree with the other responses here. It is acceptable. An admissions officer asked me a question I wasn’t expecting, and I asked her if I could think about it for a bit (think fast though!) and she said it was totally okay and even encouraged.
It’s the same with other admissions officers, they want you to think and answer the question thoroughly and honestly, and they’re totally okay if you don’t stare into their soul while doing that!
Thanks guys. I relaxed and did “natural eye contact” throughout my interviews. 