Alumna Interviewer Notes

Colleges and Universities A-Z Tufts University
1

<p>Hey y'all,</p>

<p>As some of the regulars know, I do alumni interviews for Tufts. I'll be happy to answer questions (if I can) and will post some general information on the process (the things that I've been asked in years past).</p>

<p>*How much it matters:
IMO, the interview doesn't matter very much in most circumstances. I would love to think that all my work means more, but I don't think that is the case. My guess is that it really matters as confirmation of other things seen in the file (are lukewarm recommendations because you are completely antisocial? do you really radiate passion for medicine? were you coached through the process or are you doing this on your own?), or if the interview really adds something. There's only so much stuff that you can get into an application - the interview might bring out something about your family background background that is relevant but doesn't have a "box" on the application.</p>

<p>*What we know.
I'm given name, address, phone number, and a list of the ECs that y'all provide on your Part I. I don't know your grades, SATs, and courses - and I don't care about the first two. </p>

<p>*What we ask.
Tufts evaluates across academics, ECs, and the personal stuff (drive, motivation, honesty, "fit"). Therefore, I ask about those things... and some other stuff. Be prepared for questions about your favourite courses, teacher, what you are planning on studying, why you did a certain EC, what your family is like, what you did over the summer, and why Tufts. I don't care WHAT the answers are... but I deeply care about the WHY. </p>

<p>I get really excited about (and highly recommend) the students who are really enthusiastic. I'm not asking for enthusiasm about everything, just the stuff you really like or have chosen to do with your spare time. The more detail you can give me, the better. While some stuff obviously won't make it to the interview report, it's good for me to hear - "He's so excited about medicine - we even talked about rigor mortis" is a lot better than "He wants to be a doctor." Give me detail!</p>

<p>*What you should wear.
Every interviewer is different, but I just want to see you looking nice. I'm taking my time for the interview... so I just want to see that you are taking it somewhat seriously. Clean slacks, sweater, and combed hair is fine. No need for girls to wear skirts and heels. </p>

<p>*We call you. :)</p>

<p>*Miscellanea
I'm young... but every alum interview LOVED the college and is interviewing for that reason. Keep that in mind. Also, I can say (recalling alum interviews) that students are much more worried about it than we are. If I write something down, that's a good thing - it's something that I want to remember to put in my report. I'm not analyzing body language or trying to pick up hidden meaning or to wonder why you didn't do things... much more interested in meeting the kids who are applying to Tufts. In my experience, they are all smart, engaging, and warm people - we really want to like you guys. </p>

<p>*Timing
Interview season ends in February. Reports are submitted online, so if you interview on the 20th, the report will probably be written and submitted that day. </p>

<p>*Questions
Not mandatory, but always welcomed. Good ones are what the interviewer liked (and disliked) about the school; what he/she studied and how did she enjoy it; if you can't tour the campus (I understand - it's about an 11-hour drive away from where I interview), questions about stuff that you would learn on a tour are fine - or if you want to know about the campus, the dorms, the classrooms, the labs, or whatever.</p>

<p>Anyway... that's about it for now. Best of luck to everyone.</p>

2

<p>You're the best. Thanks.</p>

3

<p>Very helpful, Ariesathena. Wish my D could interview with you. She is applying ED and since she hasn't been contacted for an interview yet, I guess it is time for her to follow up and contact the local alumni chair.</p>

<p>So from what you posted, since you file a report, I guess you would have to term the interview "evaluative" although you seem to be saying it's not a make or break situation, right?</p>

4

<p>I contacted Tufts 4 times for an interview and I never got one when I applied ED. Sometimes they've already made up their decision - I remember calling the day before decisions were let out for an interview and the admissions lady told me it wouldn't have made a difference anyways :)</p>

5

<p>Snuffles, if I recall correctly, you were an ED acceptance, right?</p>

<p>Hope that means that they already know they want my D!!! I guess I will encourage her to call the contact person but time is running out. She is so psyched about Tufts--hope it works out for her.</p>

6

<p>Drop me an email, DCMom.</p>

7

<p>Thank you for the info. I had my Tufts interview about a week ago, and I applied ED I, so I assume it will get there now, he said he recommended me, had "no qualms recommending me" Hopefully it looks okay, I so desperately want to go to Tufts. :)</p>

8

<p>its so weird...i sent just my common app in yesterday, and some guy already emailed me asking me if this coming monday is find for an interview. im not prepared at all, and i have work that night! what do i do!?</p>

9

<p>Jvhowube:</p>

<p>Well, we tend to be understanding. If you have to work that night, he's not going to take it personally. No one expects you to drop everything!</p>

<p>The only problem, IMO, is if you don't respond to the email promptly (esp. if this is from a work account - any phone number on there so you can call?) and state your concerns.</p>

<p>Just email back and:
1. Thank him for emailing;
2. say that you are working on Monday night; and
3. suggest two alternative times to meet. </p>

<p>If you are EDII, you'll have to get that done soon - he's probably trying to give himself enough time to write up the report. Otherwise, ask for one time this week and one time next week. A call might be best, if you feel comfortable.</p>

10

<p>alright i sent him an email explaining why i cannot come on monday</p>

<p>i thanked him, told him i had work, and told him dates.</p>

<p>and im not EDII, im just RD, so i've got plenty of time. thanks for the help ariesathena!</p>

11

<p>Will it reflect poorly on me if I decline an interview? I'm plenty interested in Tufts, but I asked tons of questions at the tour/Jumbo chats, so I don't really have any burning questions.</p>

12

<p>It most certainly will. It's not a way for you to find out about Tufts, it's a way for Tufts to find out about you - turning down an interview would work very much against you regardless of your perceived intentions.</p>

13

<p>So it doesn't matter very much according to an interviewer... but would look really bad if I didn't do it? Hmm...</p>

14

<p>I applied ED I and have not yet been contacted for an interview. I guess its too late at this point. </p>

<p>Three weeks from receiving my application receipt in the mail, I E-Mailed the chair of the local Alumni Admissions Committee. She told me that all interviewers had been assigned and I should just sit tight and wait to be contacted because there was nothing I could do. Another week or two has gone by since then so I guess I won't be interviewed. Maybe there are too many kids applying from Long Island this year that interviewers can't keep up?</p>

<p>I was looking forward to the interview to display my interest in and knowledge of Tufts. Fortunately I was able to attend nearly every info session/college fair/etc. when the LI admissions rep came down here. I have visited campus and done all of that kind of stuff. The LI rep is awesome and by now knows me very well. Im sure she'll be able to relay my strong interest to the admissions committee. </p>

<p>I hope everything works out for us real soon!!!! </p>

<p>hopefully Tufts '10</p>

15

<p>Cool. I still haven't gotten my Tufts interview, but hope all goes well.</p>

16

<p>hey, im going to have my alumni interview next month. My question is whether the interviewers get to see my personal statement, and all my short answer questions, as I would like mine too. My interviewer is also a family friend who knows me somewhat. do you think this will help me a lot that he knows me?</p>

17

<p>No they won't stonecold but you are welcome to bring them to the interview and ask if your interviewer would like them. The interviw is to add another dimension to your application so it is not recovering what the admissions committee already has. It is just an opportunity to let your personality shine through and to tell the admissions committee more about who you are .Good luck!</p>

18

<p>Thanks for the tips, I have my Tufts interview on Sunday!</p>

19

<p>i live a block from Tufts, who here applied RD?</p>

20

<p>I did--sent in my optional essay & photo a few days ago</p>