Hi. I recently applied to Cornell and I just got an email for an alumni interview. Thing is, I really really don’t want to do it. I’m just so nervous about it and I feel like it’ll go terrible. So my question is if I just don’t do it do you guys think it will hurt in me in admissions? I’ve heard it is very informational-based and not like super important in the admissions process but who knows. What do you guys think? Thank you
Declining an interview is not a good look.
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@lucycatx I know the interview is a bit intimidating, but try to view it as a conversation not an interview. You got this!
Research a couple college interview tips on line and write down a couple things you want to make sure to say about yourself. A few questions too - remember most people like to talk
about themselves, so ask about their time at Cornell, favorite class or memory. Be able to answer Why Cornell.
There is nothing wrong with starting the meeting by telling the person you are nervous - you are 18 and not expected to be perfect at this life skill - yet!
I interview for another school and enjoy meeting applicants - I am not trying to trick them or write a bad report. A few things that bother me - when the applicant is late, googles me/linked in before the interview and knows too much about me and when they over tell and come off as “Cornell would be stupid not let me in”.
I have had my foot stepped on, hot coffee spilled and heard more umms then I can count - none of that goes in my report. Be honest - sounds corny - Be You - nerves and all.
Practice, deep breaths - go for it !
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There is nothing to be nervous about. It’s a conversation and an opportunity for you to learn more about the school. While non evaluative, it does show your interest in the school.
Have some questions to ask your alum about their experience at Cornell.
This should be something fun, not intimidating.
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Will you say no to a job interview? You really need to view it as a conversation, rather than an interrogation.
This is excellent practice for you and a possible path to acceptance at Cornell. You might be nervous, shy, or feel that you won’t make a good impression, but I can tell you that it will make an even worse impression to say no.
There are many articles on the internet that will help you prepare for an interview. There are lots of videos too. There are all kinds of great questions you can ask the interviewer:
What are some of the most noticeable changes/developments at Cornell in recent years?
Can you tell me more about the ____ program? about CALS? about Johnson College of Business? or whatever your intended school is.
Is it hard for underclassmen to get desired classes?
Why did you choose Cornell?
What advice would you give freshman you about Cornell?
If you know who your interviewer is, google him or her if possible. Ask about his/her career and how Cornell helped prepare for that career.
You need to do the interview, bottom line. Prepare and you will feel less nervous. Good luck.
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Differing advice regarding googling your interviewer - It bothers me a lot when the interviewee knows so much about me and I advise being careful - I now use my married name as an interviewer (i go by my maiden name) as nothing out there !
Things I have been told or asked about:
My neighborhood - as they found my address and they or their parents know my neighbor (s). Even my neighbor was called by a parent to get the scoop on me for their kid.
My different jobs - same as above - do I know or did I know so in so - because they do.
Your children go to X middle, high school - I know XYZ there, or I was accepted and declined the acceptance because of …
I interview for a different Ivy and the “pre research” on me is notched up yearly - hence the use of my married name.
If you google your interviewer - please don’t go deep and there is no reason to prove to them you are good at research.
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Last piece of advice send a Thank you note email unless they offer you a mailing address - now that interviews are over Zoom
and mostly set up over email, you should have contact info.
I receive follow up thanking me for my time, clarifying something or asking a question - 50% at best and it should be 100%.
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I wasn’t suggesting the OP stalk or find out every detail of the interviewer. My point is that the OP could ask questions about a college’s role in the interviewer’s career. However, I defer to you as an alumni interviewer.
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My kids have done a bunch of these interviews. They usually are not a big deal and I wouldn’t be too worried about it. However, I would never have a kid of mine not do an interview.
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That is a perfect question to ask and one most interviewers would love to answer. OP - add that to your list !
I interview because I truly credit my education with opening doors for me and I used the resources available to me as a student and alumni. I love to talk to teens that are truly excited to attend and see the fit and to young alumni to help
with networking.
I do think social media is a generational thing - my teens and their friends put way more out there and I don’t think anyone that researched me thinks it is too much - but it is easy to go down the rabbit hole. Parents can be the worse offenders. I saw a CC post a few months ago where the poster named their interviewer and said they couldn’t find a lot of info on the person and asked for help - the post was reported and removed quickly - but yikes !
Back to OP - would love a report back after your successful conversation 
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If you turn down the interview, it’s a red flag. You can do it - just prep for it, and practice with dry runs. See if, word of mouth, you can find any Ivy interviewer in your area, maybe a parent of a classmate, or from church, or whatever, and ask them to do mock interviews with you.
My child did one of these, and it was very useful. Interviewer said he was too modest, needed to discuss his accomplishments in a straightforward and confident manner. It must have worked - he got in.
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In fact, I bet that some people here on CC do alumni interviews. If you start a new thread asking for help to prepare, I bet they’ll reach out to you.
I just had my Cornell interview the other day, it was more like a conversation nothing to be nervous about! I would just have questions for the interviewer ready.
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Just so you know, the Cornell interview is informational only and not an interview at all. They are also no longer submitting or writing up anything to put in your file so it is really chill. It is a way for you to ask questions and learn about Cornell. It cannot hurt you at all. You should not turn it down because it will be the first of many interviews you will be having over the rest of your life. If you go to Cornell you will wind up having many more “interviews” while you’re there because many of the clubs require them. If you aren’t comfortable with a zoom interview, how will you ever be comfortable with a job interview? This is a perfect setting for one and trust me, the interviewer will make you feel comfortable and it is not at all stressful. I went through the same thing with my kids and the college interviews they had were the best foundation for every interview they had afterwards.
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My son did it several years ago. It’s just a conversation. Yes, “Why Cornell” will be asked. Have a few questions to ask. They will give you information about the school /major. Does it show your interest… Yes. Will it help you get accepted. No. There is nothing tricky about it unless you don’t know why you applied to Cornell. You will be fine. Have fun with it.
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Hey guys, thank you all for the responses! we’re on for Friday so I’ll let you guys know after, thanks for all the support, I really appreciate it!!
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Best of luck! You’ll be fine.
Just an update: I did it and I think it went well! I didn’t do or say anything embarrassing, so small mercies, thanks all for the help!
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That’s great! And even if you don’t get in, you just had a valuable experience in interviewing that will help you next time you have to do an interview. Good luck!
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Yay!
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