As we head into interviewing season, I wanted to share my experience as a Yale interviewer for over 25 years. Others are welcome to supplement their experience here or post questions they may have. A good place for any candidates to start is the podcast on interviews https://admissions.yale.edu/podcast-transcripts#Interviews
What does getting an interview mean?
Yale has in recent years limited the number of interviews granted. The official position is they conduct interviews for students for whom they need more information/context. There are students who get in without interviews and most of the students who get interviews do not get in. However, given that Yale now prescreens applications https://admissions.yale.edu/podcast-transcripts#reloaded, if you get an interview, you have made it past the prescreens. There are about 9,000 reports submitted annually, so getting an interview means you are at least part of 9,000± applicants still in the running for 2,200± spots. Donât give up hope if you didnât get an interview, but understand your chances were less than 5-6% to begin with.
What do Interviewers look for?
We are able to conduct interviews however we want, but the AO has asked us to look for several traits:
- Intellectual strengths/energy. Was this person thoughtful, insightful on complex topics?
- Academic interest. We look at depth and breadth of interest. Breadth is important because one thing that is asked is if this person will make good use of a liberal arts education.
- Flexibility/openness in thinking. How receptive is the person to differing viewpoints and opinions.
- Expressive abilities. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
- Nonacademic interests. How committed are they to their ECâs. How will they contribute to the Yale community outside of being a student. I always consider empathy and willingness to give to others (would include own family).
- Personal qualities. How do they engage with other people, quiet/shy, assertive, friendly, easy natural interactions?
- Distinctive, unusual talents or circumstances.
Note, we are not given a resume of the student or any stats. We are given their indicated area of interest. The AOâs are not interested in us getting a list of awards/achievements since that is already in the application. They want to know level of commitment and interest.
What happens at an interview?
A live interview with an alumni should occur in a public place, such as a Starbucks. Interviews should not take place in the interviewerâs home or office. If you are uncomfortable with the venue, suggest somewhere you would be comfortable. Interviews with Yale students and AOâs (and some alums) will be virtual unless conducted on campus. They will take between 30 minutes to an hour typically. Dress comfortably but appropriately â canât go wrong with pullover sweaters, poloâs, blouses/button downs. Jeans are ok as long as they are not ripped. Khakis definitely work.
Every interviewer has their own routine. Here is mine, which is probably not atypical.
I start by asking how the studentâs year is going and what is taking up most of their time. This hopefully is an easy start for them because they can talk about what they are interested in. I try to spend some time probing this, whether it is an academic or non-academic interest. I try to make this a conversation and may challenge the student with questions or contrary views. I will do this throughout the interview.
I will ask about their favorite classes and teachers and will want to know why. Often I will connect this with their intended major. I will ask how they think Yale will benefit them in this pursuit.
I will also ask about their major non-academic interest if they have not already covered it. I will ask about what they actually do and what gives them joy.
There is not a set script or order. The interview will be driven by where the conversation naturally takes us. I will at some point give the student a chance to ask me questions about my or my sonâs experience at Yale.
Afterwards, when I compose my report, I try to connect the traits listed above with what I saw in the interview and will use examples from the interview to support my view.
How important is the interview?
IMO, with the reduction of interviews granted, the interviews are probably more meaningful than in the past because every interviewee is still in the âballgameâ. This is not to say that a ânoâ becomes a âyesâ or vice-versa, but it does give the applicant an opportunity to put color and context to their application. Treat this as a conversation about things you are interested in. Be prepared, but not robotic. Listen to what the interviewer asked/said and be interactive. Have fun with it. The vast majority of alumni interviewers want to submit a positive interview report.