@TopTier Told them that unbidden and outright.
Just to clarify, their first one is still at least two or three years out, so I think they are just ‘researching’ the process some.
ETA: I just cut out the name of the school because I didn’t want anyone to even possibly ‘imagine’ a connection between a particular school and the anecdote I related.
Thank you so much for all your replies. I know this is interview is less stressful than many will be in the future, so I have decided to just go ahead and do it, and replied to the email. Can’t wait for the the terror I’ll feel beforehand though…yikes. Thanks again to everyone who gave great advice and wasn’t rude about it!
I have recently interviewed for Penn, Harvard, Princeton, Rice and Duke. Out of all of them, the Princeton interview was actually the most laid-back. I honestly felt the alumni rep for P’ton was more interested in helping me understand why Princeton is a great option than trying to decipher my fit for the school. I say take your chances with the interview… But, as a very strong interviewee, public speaker, etc. my two cents are certainly not without their bias
Of all my Ivy interviews last year and this year (I took a gap-year), only one was extremely formal, rigid, and tasteless. All others were friendly. They are literally the same people who you pass by the grocery isle every day.
Step up and face the challenge. Trust me, it should be the least of your worries.
@purgatoryandpie Have you looked into hypnotherapy as a way of helping you with this? Some people think it might be hokey, but I know some very professional hypnotherapists who have great results.
I highly doubt hypnotherapy is the answer here, sounds like more trouble than its worth. @purgatoryandpie your head is in the right place as is, I’m glad you’ll take the interview… Best of luck! The terror will be temporary
@JustOneDad (re #20): I thought that was probably the reason (and that’s okay); however, I’m sure you understand why I generally disfavor this practice.
Based on…?
@purgatoryandpie, it’s going to be fine. Really. I can’t speak to Princeton specifically but most of these interviews count for very little. They’re done by alums who love their alma maters and are intended to keep the alums engaged with the school as well as to allow candidates a chance to gain more information about the school. My friends tell me that they have enthusiastically recommended candidates only to find that they’ve been denied and they’ve not recommended candidates who were later accepted. This is the least important piece of your application.
My suggestion to you is to practice with someone you trust, especially practice meeting the other person’s eyes, and overprepare for the interview by writing out lots and lots of questions for your interviewer. Anticipate some typical questions (there have got to be threads on cc laying these out!) and come up with answers. You don’t have to use the answers or the questions but it will give you a cushion that will help you to feel more confident.
@JustOneDad Based on my personal experiences with hypnotherapists after several severe head traumas. Of course my reasoning is anecdotal and so this is just my personal opinion, I’m not trying to say it’s gospel or anything, but personally I just don’t think hypnotherapy is all that effective
Good luck, Purg. You can do it!!!
@Pikidikitiki “Severe head traumas”? We’re talking a little simple behavior modification here. It’s very effective and can be very helpful.
@JustOneDad …yeah severe head traumas, that’s what led to my dealing with hypnotherapy in the first place. I realize that’s not the OP’s situation, but you asked what my reasoning was based on and that’s my personal experience so I don’t see why you just quoted that in question… And as far as the relative effectiveness of hypnotherapy, we’ll just agree to disagree lol
I just had my interview, and it went decently. The interviewer was extremely friendly and pleasant to talk to. As usual, my nerves were horrific beforehand, but evaporated immediately as soon the interview actually started. Thanks again everyone!! 
Good for you! You conquered your fear and could soon be a Tiger, good luck!
Great news! Just read through the thread – so glad to hear that your nervousness vanished as you got involved in the interview. That is really good experience for you – as many people have noted, there are many more interviews to come in your life and now you know that even if you are nervous ahead of time … YOU CAN DO IT!
@purgatoryandpie: Good for you, congratulations, you’ll find the overwhelming majority of individuals with whom you will meet (interviews and many other occasions) sincerely want to be friendly and helpful.