<p>My D has an alumni interview tomorrow, and she prepared some questions she wants to ask the interviewer. Is it inappropriate for her to bring that list of questions on paper, or should she just memorize them?</p>
<p>She should memorize them...and she should prioritize the top few in her mind. The interview should be a conversation, not a question and answer period. It might turn out that one of her questions will be a jumping off point about one of her interests, and that could take up the bulk of the interview.</p>
<p>As an alum interviewer, I don't see any prob with coming prepared with a list of questions. To me, it would indicate that she's the type of person who puts considerable thought into what she does, and that's a good thing. The list also would help her remember the questions that presumably she really does want answers for. It is stressful being interviewed, and it would be easy to forget things. </p>
<p>When I interview students, I not only take notes, but also remind myself to ask them their SAT, ACT and AP scores, gpa and class rank--- something that Harvard wants on the interview report. (I assume this is to make sure that when interviewers rate students on their intellectual strengths, something that Harvard requires, the interviewers have some facts, not just gut feelings to go on.)</p>
<p>When I'm caught up in a fascinating conversation with a bright young person, I can easily forget to get that data. </p>
<p>My only suggestion about the questions is to make sure that she's asking questions that are appropriate for an alum and that also aren't answered on the web site. </p>
<p>"What is Professor Jones' teaching style?" is not appropriate since more than likely an alum interviewer didn't take the class.</p>
<p>"Does the college have a field hockey team?" is not appropriate since it's answered on the web site. </p>
<p>"How has going to X College affected your life?" "What do you feel are the strongest and weakest points of X College? " and "How did you decide to go to X college?" are appropriate questions.</p>
<p>Bring the list. You will look prepared and that you are a well-thought out person. Better than shooting from the hip. You can still have the conversation, and every interviewer my D had asked are there any questions you want answered? You can refer to the list and say we have discussed most of my questions, but I have another or two more.</p>
<p>My kids always went prepared with a list. The interviewers seemed to appreciate that they had planned ahead and were eager to make sure that they had all their questions answered.</p>
<p>bring the list. Good interviewers often use lists to make sure they cover all the areas that are important. Informed patients often bring lists to doctor's appointments so they remember to ask all the things on their mind. A list is a sign of preparation, and if the questions are well thought-out will show the student's interest in the school. And more importantly it is a good chance to ask someone directly connected with the school questions on your D's mind.</p>
<p>I agree with Northstarmom - as an alumni interviewer I would actually prefer that students came prepared with a list. At least I know that they cared enough to think about the interview and take the time to write something down. From my experience, students who try to memorize end up being so nervous that they can't remember. No one's going to think less of a student who comes prepared. I do the same thing for job interviews.</p>
<p>I agree about bringing the list. I am not an interviewer, but bringing the list (IMO) would indicate that she put thought and preparation into it and is concerend that HER questions are answered (indicating that she feels empowered about the process). She doesn't have to go right to the list - she can ask whatever first comes to mind , and then refer to
the list in case she forgot anything. She must have more important things to do than memorize questions. Also, she might be very nervous and forget the memorized questions. That would be bad!</p>
<p>Bring the list. It shows preparation and thought. But above all, go with the flow of the conversation if it is on a productive track and don't try to force it. Also, it would be much better if this list were prepared by the interviewee and not by her mom or dad.</p>
<p>My D did bring a list of questions, but they were mostly regarding her major. Since the interviewer was unfamiliar with her specialty school, most of her questions did not need to be asked. She never pulled out the list and only asked 2 general personal questions.</p>