I have an interview with Duke on Sunday. My religion is a central part of my life and I have heard conflicting opinions about how much to talk about it during my interview if I even talk about it all. My interests, hobbies, summer plans, weekend plans, and hopeful minor in college all revolve around my faith. I do not want to hide that part of me during an interview. My college counselor encouraged my not to hide my faith during the interview, but my parents told me to not mention my religion because it might make my interviewer uncomfortable. If it matters, I am a Greek Orthodox Christian. I feel like my interviewer would not get the entire picture of who I am without mentioning it. I am not going to preach my faith. I just want to use it as a gateway to explain my interests and involvements. How much should I mention my religion? Or should I stay away from mentioning it at all?
I think your parents are selling the interviewer and you short. If he/she is uncomfortable, I’m sure you’ll be able to detect it.
Your parents shouldn’t assume that people are made uncomfortable meeting new people – especially interviewers for Duke. I think it’ll be a non-matter and perfectly fine for you to discuss your faith.
It is fine to discuss it as a background for some of the things that make you tick.