<p>I have my MIT alumni interview later this week and I've heard that the MIT interviewers are known to ask confusing questions... Can anyone tell me what to expect?? I know each interview is different, but I'd just like to hear about people's experiences... Pleeeease help! I am SO nervous!</p>
<p>I was really nervous, too, to the point where I wouldn't have gotten one if it weren't for a talk that an MIT admissions person gave in my area. The actual interview went fine, though - I didn't get any really crazy questions, and it turned into a laid-back conversation about my interviewer's experiences at MIT =).</p>
<p>MIT interviewers are not there to ask you confusing questions- they're not going to drill you on your derivatives or ask you to recite 100 digits of pi. They're there to answer any questions you may have about the Institute and give the admissions council some better insight into the match between you and MIT.</p>
<p>Dress comfortably, but appropriate to the setting, and don't stress out about it. Think of a few questions that an alum could answer for you well, but know enough about the school that it's obvious you do in fact know something about the university. Know who you are and know why you're applying, and you'll be fine. </p>
<p>The interview is a dialogue, not an interrogation. Just relax.</p>
<p>The problem is that you're assuming you will be interrogated by the interviewer. The simple solution to this type of conundrum is to guide the interview yourself. If they ask you a question, then answer their question and then twist it to reveal or say whatever you want to say. Be active not passive (but don't be rude).</p>
<p>The interviews are there to help you show a side of yourself that can't necessarily be conveyed through an essay. </p>
<p>Use the interview as a positive factor in your application. Have a real conversation with the interviewer and show them that you can be a part of the MIT community. Your application will show how smart you are. The interview is more of a chance to show that you are well-spoken, and that you are truly interested in the college.</p>
<p>As other posters have noted, the interview isn't intended to vet applicants for their knowledge of Riemann sums and such, but to establish how well their personality and passions would fit into MIT's environment and culture. ECs like me are instructed to ask applicants "what most engages [them], how they think, what sparks their imagination, but especially who they are. The EC interview it MIT's best opportunity to look beyond the paper application and see the whole person"</p>
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If they ask you a question, then answer their question and then twist it to reveal or say whatever you want to say. Be active not passive (but don't be rude).
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<p>That's possible, but very tricky to pull off. As an interviewer, I try to be genial and easygoing. Frankly, I get a much better view of a candidate if they are able to relax and be themselves. That being said, if I sense that the interviewee has some form of script, then I definitely try to throw them off of that. The interview is meant to be a relaxed conversation, and truthfully, the overwhelming majority of them turn out that way. But if your EC thinks that you are trying to put something over on them, then the conversation can be significantly less relaxed.</p>
<p>Thanks for all of the info! I had a great interview and you were right piper, after a little while, my interviewer started telling me all of these amazing stories about MIT. The interview lasted an 1 hour and 45 minutes... but it wasn't uncomfortable at all! It actually made the school seem so much more personable than I had ever thought of it! (I hope the length meant that it went well!!)</p>
<p>I am going to write an email to an EC regarding the MIT Interview Request. Can anyone help me by telling what kind of stuff should I write? Should it just be a simple "I would like to request an interview with you.", or should I add anything else?</p>
<p>Thanks a lot.</p>
<p>Be yourself. It's your chance to brag about yourself; you shouldn't be worried at all about what you'll be asked because it's all questions about yourself - you already know the answers quite well! Answer everything honestly yet coherently, and don't forget to ask some questions of the alumni as well =)</p>
<p>As another person said, you don't have to know fermat's last theorem solution by heart or how to write like faulkner or how to speak like obama or how to build an airplane. They're not going to give you an IQ test. They're not going to ask for viable solutions to the wall street crises. They're not going to debate religion or existentialism with you. They're not going to present hieroglyphics and tell you to decipher it. They're not going to intentionally break down their car in some way and expect you to fix it. Be yourself.</p>
<p>Utkarshdps,
In requesting an interview a simple "I would like to schedule an interview, please" or words to that effect are all that you need.</p>
<p>Jaw widens into a huge Grin--- :D
I can't wait to get to my MIT interview....(but i have to figure out a fail-proof way to submit part 1 of my application! )</p>
<p>One question tho, considering that I am applying RD, What would be the ideal time for me to request an interview. And what is the not so ideal time ?</p>
<p>@mikalye</p>
<p>I understand that students shouldn't try and push a conversation in a certain way... but what about letting the interviewer know about something.
For example, it would be great if i am asked "would you like to talk about sth"
What if i am not and I want to let him know of a certain hobby/experience/idea ?
(I m guessing that I'll probably just have to let the interviewer know that I intend to say a few things... )</p>
<p>Do you have to submit part one of the application to have an interview?</p>
<p>Nope, you just need a My MIT account.</p>