<p>I’m going to be visiting Bates College in a few weeks, and I’m not sure whether I should interview or not. This might sound kind of silly, but Bates is such an outdoors-y college with a lot of emphases on health and athletics, so I’m worried that being obese will lead the interviewer to think I’m not a good “fit” for the school. I’m not morbidly obese or anything (5’6" and 209 lbs.) and I don’t participate in any sports at school, but the location and opportunities at Bates really appeal to me.</p>
<p>So, in this situation could my weight possibility impact my admission chances? Should I not interview?</p>
<p>You should interview.</p>
<p>If Bates is the kind of place where your size will be a problem, (A) I’ll be surprised, and (B) wouldn’t it be better to have that out in the open now, as opposed to during your freshman year?</p>
<p>Remember, an interview is as much for you to find out about the college as it is for the college to find out about you. If would feel uncomfortable at Bates, it would be best to find that out before you apply!</p>
<p>There are all body types on campus’ </p>
<p>But if you are concerned that the particular person who interviews you has a bias toward larger women, then you can either
1- do the interview and go in with such a great, fun, outstanding personality that it won’t even be noticed
or
2- just skip the interview.</p>
<p>Honestly, think famous people who are overweight and how their personalities override their size. BE THOSE PEOPLE!!!</p>
<p>[Bates</a> College Admissions Information - CollegeData College Profile](<a href=“http://www.collegedata.com/cs/data/college/college_pg02_tmpl.jhtml?schoolId=125]Bates”>Bates College Acceptance Rate | CollegeData) says that Bates lists the interview as “important”, but there are many things which are “very important”, including “level of applicant’s interest”.</p>
<p>Something else to consider is whether you interview well in general.</p>
<p>The idea that you find the activities at Bates very appealing is attractive and seems that it would be a positive factor in admissions. Show your interest in specifics and ask a lot of questions. College is also a time to reinvent yourself. Although it is not obvious in popular culture, people can be overweight and fit. You can shine in the interview if you are prepared and confident.</p>
<p>Funny enough, the very first conversation I had with people at Bates during Orientation was about how “attractive” and “athletic” Batesies are. To be honest, there aren’t a lot of overweight people at Bates, but that certainly shouldn’t discourage you. Around my interview period with Bates and other colleges, I was fairly overweight (a bit smaller than you and a few inches taller and athletic though) but I never once thought it would hinder my chances at any school. I remember that my interviewer was much more interested in the story I had to tell rather than my weight and I think this is what you should focus on. I’m much lighter than I was back then and I have to say that although Batesies are incredibly friendly and welcoming, being “athletic” or “attractive” lends it self to fitting in and being “popular” at Bates. Their are plenty of exceptions to the rule however. Interview!</p>
<p>only the most irresponsible interviewer would take something like that into consideration. your weight should absolutely have nothing to do with your admission.</p>
<p>it’s so mundane and has nothing to do with success at a school.</p>
<p>i just started at bates, i’m overweight, male. don’t worry about it.</p>