<p>Wow. I just had to write about this.</p>
<p>Partially as a public service to all those getting interviews from UChicago and partially because it was just too fun not to bring up.</p>
<p>I had my UChicago interview and it was a blast.</p>
<p>A little story for the kids; I applied early action to UChicago as one of my biggest reach schools and was contacted by an alumni for an interview on Friday, November 16th at 7:00 PM. My interview was going to be Saturday, November 17th at 3:30 in Redwood City (roughly an hour away from my native San Jose). This also happened to be the same day as my interview with my other huge reach school that I applied ED to and had an interview at 12:30 with and these would. So basically, my very first college interviews ever were going to be with my two biggest reach schools; and within 3 hours of each other; and each planned less than 24 hours ahead of time.</p>
<p>Safe to say, I was freaking out abit, and while I’ll make a little guide for my other interview with my other reach (Cornell) I really just want to talk about the UChicago interview because it was just too damn fun.</p>
<p>While my Cornell interview went very much as expected, (tell about me, answer why Cornell, ask some questions, done in 45 minutes, etc.), UChicago was anything but. Both of my interviewers (yes I had two) showed up in completely casual clothes (one just got done working on his car and was covered in grease) to meet nervous little me in my dress clothes. What followed was the highlight of my weekend.</p>
<p>Less than two minutes into the interview, it became pretty clear that this was not meant to put any pressure on the student at all. We talked (and laughed) about basically anything and everything from breakdancing, dorm life, Chicago deep dish, evil squirrels on campus, surfing, research, Kant and just about everything in between. I can honestly say that I never had so much fun in an interview. </p>
<p>I was told by my high school guidance counselor that most do not get interviews, but if you do, roughly 30-45 minutes is expected, an hour if you are lucky. We talked for an hour and 45 minutes and enjoyed every minute of it.</p>
<p>So to all those who have or want interviews with UChicago (or any school really) here are some quick tips I wanted to share.</p>
<p>1.) Be Early. This should be pretty obvious, but I would recommend being as early as possible, I showed up to my location a good hour before the interview and was able to comfortably get some lunch, finish some work for my job and research the school without having to worry about parking, missing the interview, etc.</p>
<p>2.) Business casual is the way to go. Sure my interviewers were casual, but I felt comfortable with what I was wearing, and being comfortable in an interview helped me succeed I feel. A button up shirt/blouse and nice pants/skirt are a must, dress shoes, belt and tie optional but recommended, leave the sport coats and jackets at home; don’t wanna look too preppy.</p>
<p>3.) Bring something to talk about. For me, I was getting some work done for my job (I’m a writer for my local newspaper) it will give you something to do while you wait and serves as a good go-to conversation starter to break the ice at the beginning and to avoid any awkward silence. Also lets you explain a little bit about who you are and your hobbies/interests.</p>
<p>4.) Bring lots of questions to ask. Something I gathered from both my interviews is that surprisingly, none of my interviewers asked many questions. Ultimately, I believe that the interviews are meant to be a service to the kids rather than the school, they honestly probably already know all about you from the application, and the interview is meant to help you in case you have any questions. So bring them. Lots of them. It will show an interest in the school and that you have done your research appropriately.</p>
<p>5.) Be yourself. Cliche, but I seriously cannot stress this enough. No structured responses, don’t talk about your GPA or SAT (unless it is brought up), or any of that BS. If anything, this is a chance to geek out and be exciting in a way you may not have been able to on your app. In my interview, we talked about everything from the campus social scene, to the econ department, to star trek. All of it was relevant in context and fun to talk about.</p>
<p>6.) Send a thank you email. The interviewers will contact you directly so you will know who to send it to, so a quick thank you email sent a day or two following the interview will allow you to relay your enthusiasm and ask any follow-up questions you weren’t able to ask in the alotted time.</p>
<p>If you have gotten an interview from UChicago (or any school really) consider it a blessing. Don’t freak out, ultimately, just have fun with it and you will do great.</p>
<p>Good luck everybody :)</p>