<p>So I've never interviewed at a college before, and wouldn't you know it- my very first interview turns out to be Wellesley, a school that I'd really rather not mess up on. :) I know how the general interviewing process works, but I was curious as to what the Wellesley interviewers look for in a candidate. Is it more important to come off as personable and friendly? Or do they look strictly for academic accomplishments? Any tips in general would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Thanks much!</p>
<p>Come off as personable and friendly. That’s an absolute plus. Wellesley is a school where they love independent and strong people, not machines. Just be truthful and treat your interviewer like you’re talking to someone who you just met and want to leave a good first impression on.</p>
<p>Be who you are. Your academic achievements are already outlined in your application and essays. The interview is a time for you to show who you are as a person, a classmate, a roommate.</p>
<p>If your interviewing off-campus (which I suggest because Wellesley alumnae are extremely friendly, and it takes the pressure off), then you’llbe interviewed by Wells alumna. What is important depends on the interviewer, but I’m assuming it’s mostly the same. It’s more of a conversation than an interview and so any anxiety that you might feel would proabably go away after a few minutes. They ask you to describe your school, and some classes that you enjoy. They ask you about any activities that you left out of your app that you would like to highlight.
I would say being personable and friendly is a MUST for any good interview. If your going to impress your interviewer, you need to sound somewhere between eloquent and natural. Definitely not superfluous. Bring a resume that they can draw from, and maybe an excerpt of something your proud of (i.e. a poem, an essay, research). I didn’t need any of these in my interview, but be prepared to convey your brilliance to them. Academic accomplishment is an aspect they cover in your interview, so highlight a few subjects you’ve excelled at, and make sure they tie into your activities. For example, I’m heavily involved in theatre (tying into my transcript that shows three years of theatre = dedication) and heavy after school involvement in the program + a directing debut. Play up your academic stregnths…unique ones. I lucked out because my interviewer majored in Biology, and her husband went to MIT, so when I told her that I enjoyed chemistry so much, that I’d taken Organic chemistry after chem 2, she was impressed. These are just examples of things you can do to show your academically coherent. Don’t sound cocky. Don’t brag. I was humble because after doing so much college research, I know that there are plenty of other applicants doing amazing things, so there is no reason to feel cocky.
Explain any special circumstances, such as you moving around a lot, or a newly built school. In other words, make excuses without making excuses. Explain any faulty grades, without blaming the teacher, etc. Clearly show them that you can handle Wellesley basically, and you’ll represent their brand correctly.
I will say this though. Don’t be too nervous…the popular advice “be yourself” may sound cliche, but it’s beyond appropriate given the circumstances. Keep all my points in mind, if you want, but don’t forget to bring your personality to the fore front and don’t sweat the details.</p>
<p>I vote for personable and friendly as well. Show them who you are. After all, your test scores and grades don’t define you. In fact, unless you’re asked directly, don’t even mention them. Talk about what you love to do and what you dream of doing someday, and be true to yourself. Wellesley will love you for it.</p>
<p>I’d actually like to say that I vote for not bringing a paper copy of your resume. Keep your list of accomplishments and extracurricular activities in your head and be prepared to talk about them when asked what you like to do. The paper copy really isn’t necessary.</p>
<p>If you have memory issue, I’d bring one. Since your on CC, I’m assuming you have enough “ammunition” to talk about. But I would bring it just in case. Some alumnae
actually prefer to see things on paper…</p>
<p>In my experience, interviewers already have paper copies of your application with them or at least have access to that information.</p>
<p>Thanks so much, everyone! I had my interview on campus and elected not to bring in a resume. It turned out that my interviewer was actually a current student, not an alumna, and the interview lasted only a few minutes. Not sure if this bodes badly, but I know I represented myself well and I was happy with what I said… and the interviewer seemed tired and cranky. I’m not entirely sure how much this counts for, but hopefully it won’t hurt my chances too badly.</p>
<p>Aww…yeah, it’s a tough time to be on campus right now. Yay midterms! (oh wait, they never end =P)</p>
<p>Oh yeah! Just a heads up, don’t focus on your grades and stuff that the office of admissions already have on file. Try to cover things that you felt that it makes you the person you are that was kind of hard to express in words to Wellesley in your application. I was able to convey my personality to my lovely interviewer. Also, ask about your interviewer and what she’s doing with her life. It shows your character through instead of you describing it. :)</p>
<p>As for the resume, she told me not to bring it at all. So…with most of us saying that, do that! 
I’m sure you’ll do fine with all of these tips and stuff.</p>
<p>smile a lot and always put a positive spin on things. you don’t want to come across as a negative or bitter person–even if the question is something like “what has been your greatest challenge in high school?” or “what would you change about your high school experience?” </p>
<p>also, know why you want to go to Wellesley and be prepared to ask your interviewer questions. </p>
<p>i think the key to having a successful interview is to convey maturity and charisma through a positive and open attitude.</p>