College Interview on Monday, Advice?

I will be interviewing at Bates in a few days. I previously met with a Bates representative in Fall 2016, and we had a 40 -minute, 1-on-1 conversation in an office at my school. He even referred to the chat as a “quasi-interview” and noted that Bates’ ad-com “would have this on file” and “cite that we had a great conversation” when I apply. It definitely went well, even though I was expecting casual group information session, not (basically) an interview. I am immensely on edge about this upcoming interview, but the fact that I’ve already talked to someone from Bates certainly eases some of the anxiety .

Middlebury is my top school, but I have a feeling Bates might be a very close second after visiting. I want to nail this interview because I feel that Bates has the potential to compete with Middlebury as my ED choice.

I am struggling to form questions to ask, but I have been doing some research on Bates’ clubs. I am especially interested in college radio, farm volunteering (not sure if this is available there, I love Midd’s organic farm), political science (major), Spanish (minor), and social activism. I’m really interested in Bates because I am looking to build and foster relationships with professors, and according to multiple sources, numerous professors and students have tight relationships. I’m also just itching for some creativity and room to grow academically; at my high school creativity is virtually discouraged… how well directions are followed almost always determines the grade for the assignment. Bates just seems so wholesome and holistic in its admissions process and overall dynamic.

Ugh. I could really use some tips and question ideas. I feel like I am not enough for them, maybe not fascinating enough. I don’t want to fade into the blur of the various seemingly lackluster students colleges interview each year. I am an intensely philosophical individual, but sometimes I’m not the best at communicating. If more information is needed just say so. Thank you!

Relax and be yourself! Don’t worry about “right” answers. This is to get a sense of who you are and how you would fit into Bates. You’ve done your research, so you can ask about the things you’re most interested in. Be prepared to talk about your summer plans, what you hope for senior year (in and out of class), etc. Do try to be positive (as in “I really want to be able to be creative academically.” rather than dissing your high school.) You’ll be fine if you’ve thought about these things. You can say them out loud toc make sure they make sense, but if you “rehearse”, you risk sounding like you aren’t genuine.



Most interviewers will try to put you at ease; don’t fight it!

@gardenstategal I couldn’t have said it any better. Be yourself! When I performed interviews, I just wanted the applicant to be herself. I really wanted someone who was relaxed and comfortable. The worst thing was when a student sounded rehearsed (this happens more often than you’d think). Hopefully, the interview evolves into a simple and comfortable conversation. Good luck.

The interview is a chance for the college to get to know you. Think about one or two things you really would like Bates to know about you, then make sure you weave those stories into the conversation, even if you are not directly asked.

@wisteria100 , @urbanslaughter , and @gardenstategal , thank you for these valuable pieces of advice. I am trying my best to refrain from rehearsing, just thinking about it more than anything! I will let you guys know how it goes.

Good advice above. I would add that if you have a resume or list of activities it is worth bringing it to an interview and offering it to the interviewer. My D found that having a resume was helpful as a springboard to start a conversation.

And ask the questions you care about…You can say that you feel stifled by your rules driven HS and are looking to have some courses/professors where you will have some academic/intellectual freedom and ask if you can find this at Bates…Ask about clubs, interests you have etc. Don’t stress too much over it.

All good advice. Show you’ve researched Bates by asking specific questions about clubs and departments that also show what you want to get out of college. You sound like you have particular goals and plans. These will come out if you ask real questions. Midd is also a great school, too.

@happy1 and @milestones3 , great advice. I intend on doing some more research tonight. I’m sure I can find a page outline their clubs. On a side note: AHHHH. My parents just booked an interview for Tuesday morning at Bowdoin!!! Wow. Just have to take it one step at a time…

Will you have any time to enjoy southern Maine? You are coming at the perfect time of year.

@MaineLonghorn , I’ve been lucky enough to spend time on the southern coast of Maine for many years. Enjoyed KTP and some Maine lobster today. Now back to our hotel to study up for my interview(s)! So happy to be here!

My D was nervous before her interview at Bates, but the woman who interviewed her was so laid back and friendly that they ended up chatting for almost an hour. The interviewer will put you at ease. Everyone is different, but I think for my daughter, it ended up being a conversation. She did ask a few questions, but you have some prepared, so don’t sweat it. The good thing is, you are showing you are interested, and Bates really likes interest. And you are fascinating. Everyone is!

If you tour before the interview, really pay attention to Gomes Chapel, which is by far the best church we ever saw on any campus tour. I love it, because to me, it represents one of Bates best and most important aspects, which is about prioritizing academics and being inclusive. I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but let’s just say that it isn’t like any church you have ever seen. Pay close attention to the stained glass windows. We are totally non-religious, but after being in the chapel, I was sold on Bates. In fact, if you find the chapel interesting, that might be a great thing to ask about. They host a lot of wonderful non-denominational events there too.

Don’t overprep for your interview. It’s really a conversation more than anything. Good luck, and I hope you do end up at Bates. You seem like exactly the kind of student they would love:-)

@macd123 Forgot to add, I know that one of last year’s AESOP options was some kind of organic farm thing. Kids had a great time. You could ask about AESOP and find out what this year’s admitted stduents will be doing. Most kids really enjoy their AESOP experieince. AESOP is a four day camping-type trip that most freshman are required to participate in before beginning the semester. They put students in groups of 7-10 I believe. You can choose your experience, and they range from exploring local artist colonies to intense hardcore hiking and barebones camping.

@Lindagaf , I loved the chapel! I am also non-religious. I thought the illustrations of Aristotle, Plato, Shakespeare, etc on the stained glass windows were really unique and representative of Bates’ tolerance and inclusivity. I interviewed at 9am this morning and the interview lasted for about 50 minutes. An admissions intern at the front desk told me that “most interviews last for about 25-30 minutes” and that the length of my interview is a “good sign”. Similar to your D’s experience, my interview too transformed into a laid back conversation. I am immensely content with the interview, and I hoping it results in a positive mark on my file (or however that works). I believe both the interviewer and I were mutually interested and engaged in the conversation. And thanks, I would be really happy ending up at Bates! I think after tomorrow I should have a good idea on what my ED school will be. Thanks so much!

Interviewing at Bowdoin tomorrow AM… time to study up again!

My interview at Bowdoin was a success :)) . The interview lasted for 45 minutes, and I’ve been told that most last about 20-30 minutes. It was a great conversation. Now time to let my thoughts about Bowdoin and Bates marinate in my head for a bit! Thanks again for all of the advice.

@Lindagaf

Hi, I am prospective Bates transfer & I recently interviewed w the college. I believe that my interview went well and I enjoyed the campus tour. I loved visiting Maine in the fall & everyone I encountered was friendly and eager to help me. I am just concerned about my interview being that I had my interview so early because applications are due in March. The interview was conversational and I hope I made an everlasting impression. Also, I was wondering if I should be worried being that my interviewer didn’t take down any notes lol?

Nope. Interest is very important at Bates. You have defintitely shown interest, and that will be noted. Now forget about it and relax. March is aways off!

Sounds like Harvard, haha