<p>So I had the interview for my first-choice college last night. Problem was... I was so darn nervous that my jaw was shaking the entire time, and I couldn't think straight, and now I'm worried that my nervousness really affected my ability to communicate and answer his questions. Like, I answered his questions as honestly as I could, but I left out lots of (what I felt was ) useful info.</p>
<p>Do you think it would be a little 'desparate' if I tried to explain this in a short thank you note? Or should I just lay low and relax because I'm putting way too much weight on the interview?</p>
<p>Any advice you guys can give, whether its about writing the note or just calming the post-interview jitters would be really appreciated!</p>
<p>A big no-no for the 'explanation' but you could add a self-deprecating one liner to let him know that your jaw is back to normal.</p>
<p>As for the lessons learned--now you know that your nerves can overcome your talent. That's is something to work on. Consider joining toastmasters or some other speaking group. I used to stand in front of juries for architecture critiques and the only thing running through my mind was "Don't cry. Don't cry." Thirty years later, I can cold call any damn person and dominate any meeting or review.</p>
<p>It is very appropriate to write a thank-you note. It's also appropriate in the thank-you note to mention any specific info that the interviewer conveyed that you found helpful, and it's appropriate to add any info that you neglected to mention during the interview. The sooner you send your thank-you note the better as many interviewers write their report soon after the interview.</p>
<p>Don't bother to make excuses for any nervous behavior. Most people are nervous in interviews, so it's nothing to apologize for.</p>
<p>Periodic, interviewers understand that highschool kids get nervous. If you answered his questions honestly and the interview moved along smoothly like a normal conversation most likely your nervousness didn't detract.</p>
<p>Do send a thank you note right away. Don't apologize or try to explain away your nervous behavior. (Unless it was really distracting. I read an account of a nervous interviewee whose leg was shaking so hard that her shoe flew off and bopped the interviewer!:))</p>
<p>Rather, use the thank you note to reinforce and amplify one or two points that you wish you'd made during your discussion. </p>
<p>My son didn't have any alumni/ae interviews so I'm not sure if this statement would apply in that case; however, if your interview was on campus with either a member of the admissions office or with a current student you could try to initiate an ongoing e-mail conversation with that person. It can help to to have a "friend inside."</p>