<p>Hey Everyone!
So I had my Duke Alumni Interview and I am a little concerned. I was able to articulate my thoughts very well, but the interview was an extremely short 25 minutes. Is this a normal length of time?? I hardly got to ask all of my questions.. I am worried he may have ended it because he didn't like me or something.. Should I be concerned?
Thanks.</p>
<p>Don’t worry about the interview…it’s a relatively small factor. Different interviewers like to interview in different ways. While some like to spend time to get to understand you better, others are systematic and just want you to answer some pre-made questions because they may be busy or something. Aka nothing to worry about.</p>
<p>Whether you spoke with him for three hours or 25 minutes, he will only write two or three paragraphs about the interview. Duke has satisfied its requirement.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if you still have questions, you should be able to contact your interviewer with these. If he did not provide contact information, or is non-responsive, you can contact the Admissions Office. They definitely will want to get your quesitons answered.</p>
<p>Hi - I’m a Duke alumni interviewer. Most of my interviews last between 30-45 mins. I can’t remember the last time that I had an interview that lasted an hour. So honestly I wouldn’t be too worried about the length. </p>
<p>Keep in mind from the position of the interviewer, we have a very limited amount to write about for you. We don’t know your SAT scores, your GPA, or extracurriculars. All we know about you is your name, email, and high school. We try to find out more about what makes you tick as a person. For an experienced interviewer, this can typically be done within the first 10-15 minutes.</p>
<p>For others who are reading this: pay attention to the questions the interviewer asks you. Speak intelligently and honestly. Be prepared to back up your opinion and show your personality. Give me something to write about that isn’t already in your application/recommendations.</p>
<p>Good luck</p>
<p>I, too, am a Duke alumni interviewer (and have been for many years). All of us appreciate the fact that, as secondary school seniors, the undergraduate application/admission process is probably THE most important effort in your brief lives. However, it might be wise if you were to relax, just a little bit. College Confidential (the New York Times “The Choice” blog, and many other public forums) is inundated with concerns and questions that are understandable, but somewhat foolish:
- Was my interview too brief (or too long)?
- Were the questions overly pointed (or lacking in specificity)?
- What if I am not interviewed (or opt not to be interviewed)?
- Why did my interviewer seem distracted (or too intense)?
This list is endless and – critically – it certainly extends to EVERY facet “acceptance marathon.” Please try to remember the essential fact that thousands of teenagers survive and thrive through this process annually, they have for generations, and you will, too.</p>