appearance bias in interviews

<p>do you think that the attractiveness of a candidate influences admissions processes, specifically the interviewer's perception? many studies have been conducted with regard to this theory in terms of job applicants (albeit the subjects were full-grown adults) and it has been proved to be true. people (based on studies) view attractive people as nicer, smarter, etc. my reaosn for asking is because tehre seems to be a very disproportionate number of attractive prep school students (and alumni).. you think it applies to prep amissions></p>

<p>In short, yes. By human nature, people are attracted to things that are pretty or nice looking, and therefor, even when they do not realise it, often are biased. They have not intention of doing so, but people are often charmed by beauty. I think it applies just as much, if not more, to children as to adults. That being said, I think it rarely really impacts a decision.</p>

<p>lol that's why I didn't want a phone interview. I rather talk to the interviewer in person so they know how handsome I am. :) lol jk</p>

<p>lol hahaahah yeah i don't want a phone interview either because i'm really good w/ interviews and socializing w/ adults. hmmm. i guess only the small school who don't have alumni everywhere do phone interviews.. the big schools.. the ones i really care about.. do. so w/e.</p>

<p>I would hate having a phone interview. Actually, did you know that the average pause between breaths (with one person talking) is less than that between two people talking? People gauge when they are supposed to speak depending on body language and other people's submissive gestures, etc. And on the phone, there could be a bad connection or it would feel very awkward. I would not like that. I like being able to connect a face with a voice.</p>

<p>Same here. ^^^</p>

<p>I had to do an phone interview with St. Paul's, and will have to do one with Groton. As it happens, I am, wiht a lot of effort, going East to visit, but those two schools said they absolutely could not see me. The St. Paul's one went really well, actually, and took an hour (it was only supposed to be half an hour). I was very dissapointed because I still wasn't late enough so that I wouldn't have had to take my mathematics quiz, but then it turned out we didn't have one, so it all wended well. I think the Groton one will be all right, but I would really prefer face-to-face interviews, because there are some things (dress, manner, facial expressions) that cannot be expressed over the phone.</p>

<p>Aren't there any alumni representatives in your area?</p>

<p>St. Paul's said no; if there are, they would not let me see them. They were very clear on that. It is possible there are for Groton, but it sounds as though they really want me to phone interview for there too.</p>

<p>Besides, I think the schools would prefer attractive people to represent their school. I don't mean blonde or brands; I mean neat, sophisticated appearance, look as if you have good social skills, not slobby or princessy.</p>

<p>Yes, I agree. I think class (not social class) comes into consideration as well (though probably not deliberated by a committee..lol).</p>

<p>I'm a bit new to the whole boarding school idea and I was hoping that one of you could please tell me what the boarding schools usually ask during interviews. I'm thinking about applying next year for 2008.</p>

<p>What grade are you in?</p>

<p>I'm a 7th grader right now.</p>

<p>What I meant by my question was that I would start on my application process 2007 for the school year starting in 2008.</p>

<p>I came here when I was in seventh grade, too.</p>

<p>You could probably find a lot of information about boarding schools through all the old threads.</p>

<p>This is from a while ago, but I have a related question. I look quite young (most people think I'm eleven at first sight). Does anyone think that affects an interviewer, positively or negatively? Kind of a silly question, I know, but I'm just wondering.</p>

<p>I dont think that matters. many kids in eigth grade look young and I can assure you that most of the applicants do look young. You can't really change that and they can't judge you based on that.</p>

<p>also, how come SPS wouldnt let you see an alumna if there was one?</p>

<p>At some schools, like Andover, it's mainly a discussion.
I have a sheet you can fill out to give you an idea of what they will ask. Do you want it?</p>