Fresh Questions for Alumni Interview

Parents Forum
1

<p>I'm sure that there is a post here somewhere but a couple of searches didn't find it. I've been doing alumni interviews for a few years and am looking for some new and different questions. I ask what their favorite subjects are and why, what they like and don't like about their high school, why they want to go to Princeton. Then, I follow up with new questions based upon their questions and also serve as an ambassador for the school (what I think is special about it). But, I've never been particularly satisfied with this way of doing things. </p>

<p>If any of you have questions that help you get more easily to what makes the interviewee interesting and whether that fits with the institution, I'd love to hear them. Thanks for your help.</p>

2

<p>What about asking if they follow election news? I think that's okay if you aren't judgmental - sometimes hs seniors are amazingly well informed about certain candidates, or they're actively working for a candidate and are really passionate about him/her. Or you could ask about some other issue in the headlines, perhaps what they think of educational issues like standardized testing or USNWR ranking...</p>

3

<p>I think asking what they look forward to most about college can be revealing. I also ask what extracurriculars they intend to pursue in college. This helps me write in the interview report what niche the person might fill in the freshman class. I've found that probing deeper into the "What has been your favorite class?" question can yield interesting results. About half the kids say that they have a great teacher but do not comment on the class content. I've had people say their favorite class was great because it was an easy A. Wrong answer.</p>

<p>My interview style sounds similar to yours--I trot out the same softballs every time and then follow-up based on their answers to the softballs. I assiduously avoid questions based on headlines unless the student's extracurricular or academic interests indicate that they would be a comfortable topic. </p>

<p>Would love to hear thoughts from other interviewers.</p>

4

<p>I ask the students to bring in a resume, activity list and also anything that they think would help me learn about them so that I can find out things about them that they didn't get to elaborate on in their college app.</p>

<p>After I explain to them that the interview isn't a modesty test: It's a one hour opportunity allowing them to explain what's special and outstanding about themselves, and to show why the college should admit them (something I also tell them when I call to set up their interview), I ask, "Tell me about yourself. " I then wait (sometimes for as much as 30 seconds) until the student starts talking.</p>

<p>I like the open ended approach because it puts the ball into their court, giving them the maximum opportunity to demonstrate their interests, personality and character. I ask follow-up questions particularly to get specifics (such as learning what they achieved as an officer of an organization, what challenges they faced, how they solved those challenges, what legacy they wish to leave or feel they have left). I don't, however, feel that the success of an interview depends on my asking the right questions. </p>

<p>I used to think that was the case, but after trying unsuccessfully to almost drag some info out of very passive students, I realized that those kind of interview problems were due to the students either lacking the social skills to interview (which meant that they weren't ready to go to a place like Harvard, my alma mater) or they simply didn't have that much to talk about. Some students seem to have devoted themselves to nose to the grindstone studying and test prep, and had gotten good grades by doing whatever was necessary for grades while having little intellectual interest in academics.</p>

<p>Due to some parents use of "consultants" who in some cases must micromanaged and slanted students' applications so the students seem to have done outstanding things and to be very insightful, there are students who seem wonderful when one looks at their resumes and activity lists, but in reality are passive plodders.</p>

5

<p>The only question I think I'm supposed to ask is "Is there anything you want me to tell the admissions office about you that might not jump out at them on your application?" or something like that. The interviewees from competitive high schools will then say a whole lot because they've mostly been warned that I might ask that.</p>

6

<p>I love this topic. I'm not a college interviewer, but I've interviewed a number of people in my day.</p>

<p>I would ask them to send me a resume ahead of time, so I can prepare my questions. I always have a few written down but have found the most successful interviews to be based on follow-up questions I've asked on the fly, depending on their responses. </p>

<p>I'd try to find something on their resume I can relate to -- an EC, love of sports -- so that we can have a natural exchange about a common interest. Or something I know nothing about, so that the student can be the expert and present themselves in the best light.</p>

<p>Personally, I would stay away from politics and any of the usual hot-button topics. I tell my kids to stay away from such topics with people they don't know well. They would feel very uncomfortable if asked to expound on their politics with someone in such a powerful position, especially when they don't know your political leanings. However, I think there are ways to pull out their knowledge of current events. For instance, if a sport is on their resume, ask about steroid use in professional sports. Not nearly as controversial, but will give you an idea of whether they are reading the newspapers and are able to think off the top of their heads. Like I said, my son would be very hesitant to talk about politics, but the baseball player in him would not be bashful about talking about Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, etc. </p>

<p>If music is an EC, I'd ask about their musical influences. Or to name five songs on their iPod. Or to name the song they were listening to when they got out of the car. I think those would start a great, revealing conversation.</p>

<p>I always love hearing about what people read. What's a novel that stuck with you? Or a movie?</p>

<p>I remember being asked in an interview at a newspaper whether I wanted to write the Great American Novel. Isn't it funny the things you remember? I guess I remember that question because, while somewhat related to the job, it was an opportunity to talk about my goals in a different way. Much better than "Where do you see yourself in five years?"</p>

7

<p>I'm impressed when kids have an awareness of current events outside of the latest escapades of Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. Especially if they're going to an Ivy League school. I definitely see how an election question could make them feel uncomfortable, but like, for today, I'd ask, "so have you been following the New Hampshire primary news?" or something, which wouldn't necessarily mean they have to tell me their political views, just their opinion on the political process. For me, one of the most valuable things I took from college was being constantly in a place where people were always vocal about important world issues.</p>

8

<p>S wouldn't be hesitate at all to discuss politics in a school setting -- or at the dinner table every night! What can I say? We're Southern! : )</p>

9

<p>The alum interviewer at MY dream school asked me what I thought of God! So I'm pretty sensitive to what might be uncomfortable...I would definitely not push anything that wasn't any of my business. I mostly ask really easy questions anyway since I don't want any of them to feel bad or not attend after being accepted because they didn't like me.</p>

10

<p>Here are the core questions I ask:</p>

<p>Student/Family Background
(tell me about your family background, upbringing, such as....)
*Where did you grow up?
*Parent occupations/interests
*Info. - brothers/sisters
*Colleges attended by family members</p>

<p>Academic Background
*Why have you chosen your academic program at your school
*Any honors or AP courses?
*Heavier course load than usual? How demanding in relation to what's offered?
*Any special academic interests/achievements?
*How satisfied are you with your academic record?
*How much do you study on average?
*Favorite courses, least favorites and why
*Have you set any academic goals for self so far? Have you met them? Why/why not?
*How confident are you about your writing skills?
*What motivates you academically?</p>

<p>Extracurricular Involvement
*Activities? What specific roles you have had in them?
*Work experience and what learned from it
*What type of travel have you done?
*What is the most significant learning experience you have had?
*Any other experience that has had a dramatic effect on you?
*How do you spend your time outside of school?
*Why do you enjoy these activities?
*What has been your most substantial accomplishment outside of school?
*What have you done to make your school or community a better place?
*How do you spend your summers?</p>

<p>Interests
*Any academic or career interests? How have these developed?
*Have you had any exposure to these areas?
*How long have you held these interests?</p>

<p>College Criteria
*How are you going about selecting colleges?
*What criteria are important to you in evaluating a college?
*Anyone helping you select a college?
*What do you expect of a college?</p>

<p>Exposure to X College
*How did you learn about X College?
*Do you know any X College students or alumni?
*Have you visited X College?
*What interests you about X College?</p>

<p>General
*What is your most important character trait?
*How would your friends describe you?
*How would your teachers describe you?
*What are your strengths and weaknesses?
*What do you think sets you apart as an individual in your school?
*What is the most difficult experience you have had to face and how did you resolve it?
*What are three wishes you have?
*By whom have you been influenced?
*When you have been most happy? most sad?
*Anything more you would like Admissions Committee to know about you?
*Anything else you wish to tell the committee?</p>

<p>Then, I give them an opportunity to ask me anything they want to know about the college (which is telling....some have very little to ask or some can show their familiarity by asking specific questions, etc.)</p>

11

<p>I ask about how they feel about moving far from home (I'm an alumna interviewer and the college is several hundred miles from here) and what they think about attending a women's college. Some express apprehension and I can try to answer their specific concerns; others have wonderful reasons for wanting to be in MA or to get a women's college education, and I pass that on in my write-up.</p>

<p>I like to know how they heard about the school--often they have a relative or family friend who attended, or they read a book by/about an alum. I ask how they'd spend an unexpected few hours of free time, and what excites them most about going to college.</p>

<p>My favorite questions (cribbed shamelessly from a job interview I had earlier this year): what are you particularly proud of about yourself, and what things about yourself do you want to improve or work on?</p>

12

<p>If anyone had asked me or my kids the questions under student/family background in post #10, that college would have been marked off IMMEDIATELY. IMO, it is VERY inappropriate to ask a kid what his parents' occupations are! Asking what colleges family members attend(ed) is even worse. I remember being asked that lots of years ago when I interviewed at Wellesley. My mom hadn't gone to college and so I felt really uncomfortable when I was asked "Where did your mother go to college?" </p>

<p>I know that the apps ask some of these questions--and so I see NO need for an interviewer to ask them. Asking a kid whose father is a waiter in a Chinese restaurant, or whose mother is a home health aid, etc. for their parents' occupation when you are interviewing for a top tier college isn't exactly going to put them at ease.</p>

13

<p>Re parents' occupations: Sometimes the student brings it up, sometimes I ask if the conversation is going in that direction. One of the most impressive students I interviewed a few years ago for a New England LAC was from a single-parent home. Her mother was a bartender at a rural VFW, so this girl had practically raised her two younger siblings while taking a heavy courseload, running track, and working when she could at a convenience store to earn money.</p>

<p>You bet I rated her more highly than similar students whose parents were professionals and could afford to send their offspring to camps, tutors and enrichment programs. She was one of two (out of 25 applicants) who were admitted that year - what she had done in spite of her home life made her stand out.</p>

14

<p>Very helpful comments. </p>

<p>I think Muffy and jonri raise a good point: One doesn't want to embarrass a kid or make him/her feel ill at ease. I actually think the question about God could be a good one in another context, because it would be interesting to see how the interviewee sets up a framework to answer the question and then how they answer it. But, I'd skip that for a college interview. </p>

<p>On family background, that is interesting. It hadn't occurred to me to ask or that someone could be uncomfortable about that question, but perhaps that is because the interviewees I get come from two high-end public high schools in an affluent town or a really affluent town or from two pretty selective private schools in the town. jonri, I think I might have the same reaction as flatlander, but, I take your point that this could be embarrassing. </p>

<p>However, it is interesting to note (as an off-topic digression), jonri, that the reason Harvard, Princeton and Yale started asking about extra-curricular activities and life experiences and seeking recommendations was to keep Jews out. Other colleges copied them. As a recent book called The Chosen lays out (using the colleges' internal records), HYP administrators and alumni wanted to keep Jewish enrollment down to 15% and were embarrassed to do it by quota (or continue doing it by quota). They knew that based upon grades and board scores (I think the precursor to board scores), Jews from NY, Boston and a few other big cities would dominate the class. Hence, the interest in geographical diversity. Excellence in sports was considered a sign of "Christian manliness." Therefore, giving weight to sports would make it easier to keep Jews out. So, many things we take as natural and innocuous about admissions are part of the process for invidious reasons and might, I guess, be embarrassing to someone.</p>

<p>Back to topic. </p>

<p>soozievt, do you ask all these questions? How long do you allow per interview?</p>

<p>On the current events issues, if I were the interviewee, I wouldn't want to state political opinions before I knew about the opinions of the interviewer and would likely get bland answers. But, it might be interesting to ask for an analysis of the Democratic primaries (e.g., what do you think will happen if Obama wins in NH? Why) or more broadly (e.g., what do you think about what is happening in Kenya?) </p>

<p>I had a couple of job interviews early in my career that gave questions that required real reasoning. The objective was for the companies to pick out people who really were good thinkers. I can't remember any of them off-hand. One may have had something to do with estimating the volume of the office building in which I was interviewing. There was no right answer; just a test of how well people can use available facts and logic to make an educated guess. Have any of you used questions like that? Would you think it a good or bad idea?</p>

15

<p>I agree with flatlander, this information provides a context for other aspects of the student's activities, record, and so on.</p>

16

<p>I'm glad my dream school interviewer just asked me about God and not about building volume :-)</p>

<p>I think some of the kids might be at major high levels of anxiety (I certainly was) and might just go blank at hard questions. They are only 17 and haven't had a lot of experience with interviews. The ones from good high schools with educated parents have rehearsed and prepared somewhat and know what they should say about why they want to go to X. When someone isn't from the kind of background where they would get advice on interviews they may just get upset at hard questions and think they don't belong at School X where the interviewer is trying to make them look stupid. In college they will have the opportunity to go to job interviewing workshops. </p>

<p>I think at my first real job interview the interviewer picked up the pen from his desk and told me to sell it to him. Apparently this is a common interview exercise, but I just gave a "huh?" kind of response...</p>

17

<p>My son was asked by his Harvard interviewer last year why he hadn't apply early action. It was a somewhat uncomfortable question, though my son didn't hesitate to answer because it was "single choice" and he thought it made more sense to apply to a couple of the tech schools that had regular EA. It actually gave both interviewer and my son an opportunity to talk about what science and math were like at Harvard and why one might want to go there. It didn't seem to hurt my son that he made it pretty clear he was not at all sure Harvard should be his first choice. (And he did ultimately turn it down.)</p>

<p>I personally would hate Northstarmom's approach, though I think she's right that it's a perfectly reasonable way to begin. But I get this deer in the headlights look to me just thinking about it! </p>

<p>I haven't done interviews, but I think I'd start with more of a warm-up? Questions I'd enjoy answering? Read any good books lately outside school? What do you enjoy doing most when you aren't in class? What did you learn from your summer experiences? What's your favorite class and why?</p>

18

<p>"If anyone had asked me or my kids the questions under student/family background in post #10, that college would have been marked off IMMEDIATELY. IMO, it is VERY inappropriate to ask a kid what his parents' occupations are! "</p>

<p>Not inappropriate at all. The purpose of asking such questions isn't to find out of the student qualifies for the local he social registry. The purpose is to be able to put into context the students achievements, aspirations and general sophisticatedness.</p>

<p>For instance, when I worked in H-R at a Fortune 500 company that offered internships to local high school students, all of the executives who interviewed a high school student for an internship were extremely impressed that when we offered the student the chance to ask us questions, he asked questions based upon his review of the company's annual report -- that he had obtained on his own. What made the student stand out so much was not only that we had interviewed aspiring executives who hadn't taken that step, but also the student's father was a cab driver who had emmigrated from one of the world's poorest countries, and who hadn't gone to college.</p>

<p>If the student's dad had been a bank president, his questions would not have been that impressive since presumably he would have learned a lot from his dad who probably also would have prepped him for the interview. </p>

<p>Another example: While at the company, I also was part of an interview team who met with a man in his late twenties who was being considered for a position of great responsibility. While the man handled the interview questions well, some of the team became concerned about how the man had handled his interview arrangements. For instance, instead of checking out of his hotel before the interview, and bringing his luggage to the interview, he had to excuse himself during his interview day in order to do those things.</p>

<p>Some of the interview team were concerned about what looked to them like a lack of common sense. However, I pointed out that he was first generation college from a poor rural background, had probably never had this kind of interview before nor had his family members. As a result, he got the job. A few years later, he left the company, and now many of you probably have seen him on TV as he's a journalist who covers D.C. politics for a major network.</p>

<p>"Asking what colleges family members attend(ed) is even worse. I remember being asked that lots of years ago when I interviewed at Wellesley. My mom hadn't gone to college and so I felt really uncomfortable when I was asked "Where did your mother go to college?" </p>

<p>There's no shame in being first generation college. Indeed, in today's world, that is considered an asset when it comes to admissions to the country's top colleges.</p>

<p>When it come to alum inteviews for colleges like Harvard, the interviews are considered in admissions, and the interviewer has to assess the student on a variety of things ranging from their intelligence to their potential contributions to the college's extracurricular life. To do way, the interviewer needs to know about the student's family background.</p>

19

<p>My particular college doesn't give much weight to the interview, but they seem to want more of a sense of "would this be a good person to go out to lunch with" and less factgathering. So I try not to ask about things that would be on the application. But I know other colleges have different expectations from the alum.</p>

20

<p>I interview for MIT, and I use a series of questions (certainly not always in the same order, but usually cover the same material) somewhat similar to those used by soozievt. I always begin the interview by telling the interviewee the purpose of the interview (to get a feel for personality, character, or other aspects not easily conveyed by numbers or answers on the application), and telling them that I take a lot of notes which I will later condense to about 6 to 8 paragraphs. I also tell them that not only will I have to rate them on a scale of 1 to 5 on certain areas, but that each alumni interviewer from MIT is also evaluated from 1 to 5 for each interview on the basis of whether or not it adds any useful information for the admissions committee. I also emphasize that I may ask them questions for which they feel they have no good answer, at which time I will just simply go on to the next question, and I will not count it as any negative toward them.</p>

<p>My objective is to get them to to open up on SOME topics, I don't really care which ones. For example, if I ask them if they like to read, some kids will go on for ten minutes, while other kids will just name a popular book or two mentioned by students (e.g. this year, The Kite Runner). Another kid may like to talk for ten minutes about his favorite teacher or why he likes to travel. As far as asking about brothers and sisters and parents' occupations, I tell them first that neither of my parents attended college, but I definitely ask because, as others have said, to me it is very relevant. I only look at an interview as an opportunity for a kid to reveal POSITIVE things about himself. I pretty much ignore the negative things and get on to the next question. A kid who has achieved a lot with limited means and encouragement may be impressive, but I also try not to penalize a kid who comes from a successful family.</p>

<p>One of the things I try to do during the interview is ask somewhat detailed follow-up questions. For example, if a student tells me they run the 400m and 800m in track, I will ask their best times (some students say they don't know!). If they tell me they regularly go to a youth group at their church, I will typically ask which church they go to, how many kids are in the youth group, or if they have a lot of friends from their school who attend the same youth group, etc. I find that many kids like to talk about their religious activities (and I have interviewed Catholics, Buddhists, Protestants, likely agnostic, etc.), but I do not talk about details of religion unless the student wants to talk about it.</p>

<p>Obviously, as an interviewer I need to make a student feel at ease by being NICE. If I ask a student if she has ever traveled (I live near Philadelphia), she might respond that she has been to Boston twice and once to Washington, D.C., or she might be able to list ten countries where she has traveled extensively with her family. I need to make her feel just as comfortable with either answer, because I do not CARE which is true, I am only trying to find topics about which she likes to talk.</p>