<p>Um I just received a call from an alum of Cornell, asking if I would meet him at starbucks on sunday. He didn't say it was an interview, never mentioned the word or even hinted at it. Instead, he said it was sort of a "get to know Cornell" type of meeting. I could ask any questions or learn more about the school. I know this doesn't sound like an interview, but do you think it might be? </p>
<p>If it's not, and it's genuinely an informative meeting, what sort of Q's should I ask.</p>
<p>It's an informative interview, even if he didn't refer it as an interview- it's the same thing everyone else has been posting on this thread 4287892493 times about (excluding AAP and Hotel school applicants). It really is just for you to get to know the school more, and you're not being singled out. It's not evaluative, so it really doesn't count for anything. People have been saying that it can only help you, if anything. </p>
<p>Ask about things you want to know more about.</p>
<p>thanks, yousonofatree.</p>
<p>I had mine Sunday, it was great! He answered everything about Cornell. He also asked me on why I wanted to attend and anything I wanted to stress about my application so he can send a report about me to the adcoms...So pretty much it can only help you!</p>
<p>Good luck! Be sure to bring tons of questions and try to know what you're talking about so it does not seem weird.</p>
<p>had one and not only did it go very well but interviewer is sending in info i gave her and her opinion of me...which was very positive. i think it could be a very big help.</p>
<p>If it's not for AAP for Hotel, it really won't help you that much, if any. It's not fair to applicants who are not contacted by alumni, since you can't schedule them on your own.</p>
<p>DS had one, too. Went well, he asked lots of Qs, so did she. No worries.</p>
<p>Have tons of questions ready. It truly is a discussion, not an interview.</p>
<p>I had my "interview" for Cornell last week and unfortunately, it didn't go as well as I would have hoped. She asked me about the other schools I applied to, which completely threw me off. And after that, it was more like me interviewing her. She would answer my questions, and then she would ask if I had more questions. This went on for about 30 minutes, and then I just gave up. I didn't get a chance to talk about myself, or why I want to go to Cornell. So, I'm kinda bummed....</p>
<p>But, maybe, that's the whole point of the interview. I guess it ends up being US asking THEM any questions regarding Cornell.</p>
<p>So my advice: Prepare what you're going to say beforehand (don't just decide to wing it), have a ton of "good" questions (a.k.a. questions that aren't answered online), and more importantly, DON'T FEEL NERVOUS.</p>
<p>luckyducky - please don't feel down about this - the alum was probably just not good at interviewing - because I am a parent who has just gone thru the process on the other side, I know not to aks what other schools applied to - it upsets the applicant - but it is an opening line for the interviewer - they think - I prefer "How did Cornell show up on your radar?" - that gives you a chance to tell me why you & Cornell True Love Forever...but the "interview" report consists of 1500 characters - not words - not even letters - characters and they are due by Tuesday Feb 12 so there is a push to contact everyone possible...please don't fret.</p>
<p>My D's experience with a Cornell alumni was pretty lame. He went on about how wonderful her high school(it's well know in the district and county). His son went to another high school in the district. He did most of the talking. She managed to ask 4 questions but he went back to do more talking. She thought she did well, whatever well means in her definition. I think it was not an interview, more like an alumni contact.</p>
<p>great interview today. don't listen to the other bogus comments, because it is not informational at all. I didn't have many questions. So, we still managed to talk for an hour or more because she wanted to know more about me and my personality which truly did glow and sparkle! She saw my genuine character filled with determination, compassion, and maturity. It was a great experience. I wasn't nervous at all and you shouldn't be either--come on, who gets nervous when they boast about their accomplishments?</p>
<p>lucky, i know how you feel. i had the same type of interview with a different college. why didn't you applly ed? what other colleges? and then .....ask me a question. i would ask and he would say, i don't know about that....next. it wore me down. i have had 6 interviews and that was the worste! luckily it doesnt hold much weight. some people have poor interview skills. a good interviewer doesn't immediately put you on the defensive. i wish i would have had memphismom</p>
<p>I don't think your interview was the typical one rsn09. I think in most cases, the alumni are told to answer questions--not really ask. For me, it was quite informational. And it wasn't boasting. It was a nice conversation where I learned about Cornell and he learned about me. I think that's exactly what the alumni association had in mind for the discussions. I basically winged it. But, I guess I was lucky that my interviewer was so in synch with my interests.</p>
<p>5757, what terrible luck! =[</p>
<p>I know. I wish I had memphismom too.
Also, my interviewer said the only good thing about Cornell was the campus/Ithaca, and I was really disappointed with that response :(</p>
<p>Oh, well...</p>
<p>What kind of things do the interviewers write in their report? Just curious....</p>
<p>well, here I am sweetie - ask away!! it will take my mind off trying to arrange spring break for dd and some friends...</p>
<p>we get 1500 characters - not words - characters - most of my interviewers have said - this is an excellent candidate...adding something unique when possible...one of my recent candidates just got announced as a Pres Scholar candidate...two of my URM candidates particularly touched my heart because of hardships they overcame...and each was still cheerful and engaging...</p>
<p>I realize that all don't have the opportunity to get one but when it goes very well, it is a great feeling. It made my kid even more interested in cornell and for that i am happy. the interview lasted 45 mins and it was very informative. my kid was told that the interviewer would pass on various pieces of information and got the impression that the interviewer was favorably impressed. </p>
<p>Question: is it true that alumni from various regions are encouraged to pass on info to the admissions dept when they interview a good match for Cornell?</p>
<p>as previously posted, we get 1500 characters to describe our meeting with the candidate....</p>