<p>What kind of facts do interviewers expect interviewees to know about a specific program an interviewee is interested in? </p>
<p>thanks!</p>
<p>generally, if you’re interested in a specific program, they don’t ask you what you know - they let YOU ask the questions. at least, that’s how it went in mine.</p>
<p>in my interview, my interviewer didn’t harass me or test to see if I had the Yale viewbook memorized cover to cover. the interview is SUPPOSED to be very conversational (or so my interviewer said). Yale just wants the interviewer’s synopsis to add a 3rd dimension to someone they only know on paper. It’s not a competition to see who has the facts memorized and who doesn’t. you are def. not expected to know everything that is yale.</p>
<p>You should be able to speak intelligently on your interests and if that includes a specific program it would make sense that you can talk about it.</p>
<p>^ Yeah, agreed. If you mention a program, you should know what you’re talking about. Probably not everything; you’re not a student yet. But, at least what the viewbook/website says about the program.</p>
<p>If they mention a program that you don’t know, then let them know you don’t know what they’re talking about.</p>
<p>kinda stupid question but whats the difference between a program and a major?</p>
<p>In this discussion, it’s interchangable, imp. You aren’t expected to know what is required of a Chem or English degree. As an interviewer, I’d be curious as to what may have led to your decision to pursue your general area of study (not even specific major) – but this is only to see what makes you tick. Is one pursuing Classics because of a great HS teacher? Perhaps a pre-med course b/c the student’s single mom is a nurse. etc. As far as facts: none in particular besides an explanation of why you’ve arrived at your particular likes/dislikes. That is not to say you should be ignorant of current events if you say you’re planning on studying polisci or completely in the dark about general facts of science if you say you’re intent on being a Physics major. I’d like to have a reasonable chat w/you on current goings on without your looking back at me blankly – again, not that you need to be versed on anything – but can you carry on a conversation if I spoke about current news topics.</p>
<p>Certainly not, as another post has said, to see if you know fine details of what Yale College has to offer its undergrads.</p>
<p>I certainly couldn’t recite to any student major requirements. Why should I expect the student to do so?</p>
<p>On the other hand, don’t let this happen:
“Why are you interested in Yale?”
“Because of its great theater program.”
“What about the program attracted you?”
“Uhhhh…”</p>