Duke Interview Questions

Colleges and Universities A-Z Duke University
1

Hi, all! I have an interview with a Duke alumnus tomorrow. I was hoping that y’all could answer a few questions I have:

  1. Should I bring a resume?
  2. How should I dress? Khakis and collared shirt? Suit?
  3. Are there any tough questions I should be prepared to answer?

Thanks for your responses in advance!

2

  1. Bringing a resume or activity sheet could help your alum interviewer remember the details or names of certain organizations, accomplishments, etc. It helps to have something to reference when writing up the recommendation post-interview. BUT it’s by no means mandatory. I’ve only had one student bring an activity list and it has never counted against any of the other students I’ve interviewed for Duke.

  2. No need for formal wear (ie, suit). Think Sunday church service or family brunch outing type clothing. Something you’d wear to a high school senior banquet. I’ve had students arrive in business casual and others in jeans and a polo and it’s all acceptable. Students should avoid torn/ripped jeans, low-cut tops, flip-flops, graphics with crude language… you get the idea.

  3. Interviewers don’t have a prescribed set of mandatory questions to go by. I ask my own variety of questions based on what I’ve found helps me best understand applicants. I don’t ask “tough” questions for the sake of asking “tough” questions. Remember, your interviewers are busy people who want to glean the most helpful information within the time frame of the interview, so they’ll ask what they find helpful to them to know. That said, the only one I think that students tend to find tricky is the standard “Why [school name here]?” so in this case “Why are you interested in Duke”? Avoid telling them obvious information (the campus is beautiful, it’s a top-ranked school, the weather is warm, etc.) and find a truthful and unique answer specific to you.

Best of luck!

3

I have one family member who interviews for Duke & others who interview for other elite national universities. My answers do not pertain to any particular school.

Dress according to where you will meet. If in a professional office, then business casual at a minimum. If at Starbuck’s then no suit is necessary. Khakis & collared shirt should be fine.

Most applicants bring resumes, but not required.

Best to have specific areas of interest that relate to that particular university.

Usually these off campus interviews are as much for your questions & info. gathering as they are about interviewer’s gauging your interest.

Do not be nervous. Great recommendations from an off campus interview does not mean one will be accepted.