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Can you tell us if you ever interviewed someone you knew would not be accepted? How did you know they would not make the cut?
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<p>In general this doesn't happen. Plus, for me, I don't want to be the reason someone doesn't get in, so I try to imagine them at the school and advocate for how they could contribute. I will certainly raise things that I'm concerned about.</p>
<p>The only time I was fairly certain someone wouldn't make it, it was a student from a different country and her conversational English was just not at the level where she was going to have a good educational experience.</p>
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What turns you off to a student ? What do you find rude? Annoying? Cliche? Thanks
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<p>This is only my opinion, the person you interview with could have the exact opposite opinion. I get a little frustrated if an interviewee starts telling white lies because they think I want to hear something specific. For example, I often ask about group projects. Students often don't know if they should to take full credit for the group project (it was my idea, and I pretty much did all the work) or if they should credit the group as a whole. They end up switching partway through the questioning... worried that I'll think they can't work as part of a team or that they haven't shown leadership. I totally understand all of that. But for me, I'd prefer honesty. I know that sometimes group projects work how they should, and sometimes one person does most of the work.</p>
<p>There are lots of cliches. Try to answer questions as your honest self and you'll avoid them. I expect some cliches, I don't get bothered by them. But it does make it harder for you to stand out when I'm writing about you.</p>
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How important is the interview? Does it have much difference when a student comes on campus to visit, alumni interview, or phone interview?
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<p>I don't know. They tell me it is important, but I think they lie. I suspect that if I have a major concern based on the interview, and that concern is reinforced someplace else, the interview helps move you to "do not accept." I don't think that a great interview with me will move you into accept-land. It might get you on the waiting list.</p>
<p>Based on the <em>numbers</em> only, you should really try to have some interaction with an admissions officer (phone or catch them "on tour"). Or you should interview on-campus with whomever. They tell me it doesn't matter, and they tell you that too, but I think there is a slight bias in favor of people who have been to campus or interviewed off-campus with an admissions officer. </p>
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How do you tell a student you think they'll have good chances of acceptance? How do you tell them they're wasting their time?
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<p>As an Alumni interviewer, I'm really careful not to do either of these. I don't want to get anyone's hopes up, and I don't think anyone is wasting their time. I write a recommendation and evaluation, but I am not in admissions and it is very competitive. I might tell you that I think you'd be a great fit. Or I might tell your parents that I think you'd do well at the school. But I'll never talk about your chances. It isn't fair.</p>
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If I candidate is is quiet/ shy does that hurt their chances even if very bright?
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<p>My school is a big place and needs all sorts of people. I also know that I'm talking with young kids. </p>
<p>Being quiet and shy could make it difficult for me to evaluate how the student will contribute. In rare cases, I might be concerned that the student would be tough to have as a roommate or classmate (things I'm supposed to look for.) </p>
<p>One thing I've seen some people do that seems to especially help quieter kids is this: they bring a small portfolio of work (writing or artwork) or even a photo album of a unique trip. Nothing large. This gives them something specific to talk about if they need to. And the visual aid can help me forget that they didn't talk that much.</p>