<p>i was wondering if i plan an interview either at CMU or have a alumni interview, will it be a formal or informal type of interview? like will the question me about my academics and why CMU is for me, or can I talk about how CMU will help me and ask questions back?</p>
<p>My S had two interviews when he visited. The one with the admissions officer came at the end of a day of tours and portfolio review. The admissions officer focused mainly on why S was applying and gave him the opportunity to ask a bunch of questions that had been percolating during his visit. It seemed to be more about helping S see if the “fit” was good and selling CMU to S rather than interviewing S. The portfolio review was a bit like an artist interview, according to my S, and was obviously focused on his art and clearly wanted to see if he could articulate what h e was trying to do with his pieces. But, at the same time, it was sort of an interview of the art faculty…if they ask dumb questions or seem uninterested in his work he would have been much less likely to attend. S crossed off at least one school, in part, because of an unpleasant portfolio review or interview. Interviews work both ways…you checking out the school and, to a lesser extent, the school checking you out.</p>
<p>The interviews are more like an informal back and forth, as finearts pointed out. They will ask you what you want out of CMU, and why you’re looking at CMU, but will also mostly be there for you to ask questions from them. You don’t have to ask questions, though it is helpful for you - that’s probably the one dilemma kids run into most. Don’t feel pressured to come up with these amazing questions that will wow and amaze your interviewer. It is literally just another way to demonstrate “interest”-- the fact that you’re there and on campus is what matters, not necessarily what you say. </p>
<p>Apparently they used to do them in the coffee room next to the lobby, but now for privacy reasons your interview will be in the upstairs part of Warner, in an adcom’s personal office. Make sure to dress appropriately!</p>
<p>If you have a choice and can be on campus, go with the Adcom rather than alumni!</p>
<p>As Kate noted, dress appropriately-- nice shirt and khakis fine…if Tepper, probably a suit /tie for the guyss. No sneakers.</p>
<p>Make sure you’ve done your HW- don’t ask any question to which the answer is on the web page…you don’t need to have super-wonderful questions- but those you ask should show you’ve already reviewed the school and have a reason to be interested. ?s demonstrate specifics about curriculum, dorms, financial aid-- anything that matters to you that you could not possibly find the answer to on your own.</p>
<p>I think asking about research opportunities and if they really do exist is a good question- but make sure you know what kinds of research labs at CMU you have already explored.</p>
<p>Good luck— anecdotal evidence states that those interviewing have higher acceptance rates. Another wow-them opportunity. If CMU is your first choice school-- tell them that and tell them why that is the case.</p>
<p>I’m an alumni interviewer and we’re told the alumni interviews are supposed to be an informative interview for you. We’re around to answer questions that aren’t easily found on a website. You can learn about the area, where to eat, what to do, and those sorts of things.</p>
<p>We do have to report back on a few things about you, but I don’t think they consider what we write very much.</p>
<p>i live in northern VA, so driving to cmu will be like 4-5 hours, soo i could do a adcom interview but i feel my parents will be too bust to drive me there. btw i heard we can choose alumni interviews, is this true?</p>