Ok, so my travel assistance application was approved and I will be visiting Hamilton on October 27th and 28th. While I am there, I will have an interview and I’m extremely nervous. As for what I’m wearing, would black looser leggings, tall nice boots, a cardigan that covers my butt, and a nice top with my hair half up half down be ok? I don’t really have a lot of super nice clothes or shoes and I don’t really have the money to buy any. Also to anyone who has interviewed with them, what was it like? What kind of questions should I prepare for? Help!! I’ve never had a formal interview and I’m not sure how to prepare.
My D has done interviews at 6 of the NESCAC schools. I suggest being yourself don’t worry about what you are wearing that much, it seems fine… As for questions be prepared for the big question - namely Why this school. What do you know about it that makes it unique and a natural fit for you. Next, do not be afraid to ask them questions. You may be an outdoorsy person, remember Hamilton is in the boon-docks so ask about campus activities and about the location, whats great, whats not… but above all else just be honest and frank. You are likely to have a student as the interviewer, so just try and relate as a student to a student. Good luck
Simply take your own conversational abilities and tighten them up slightly for the interview: If asked about your trip in to Clinton, describe your route with a degree of relaxed precision, and perhaps with an appreciation for something you saw on the way. Have you read anything solid recently? If the topic comes up, pronounce the book’s title and author’s name confidently and naturally. If you think creative writing, geoarchaelogy and chemical physics are interesting to have as available majors, explain – if this hypothetical were to apply to you – that this is because of your own varied academic interests, and that you appreciate Hamilton’s balanced, open curriculum.
In essence, the interview is just a conversation that you should simultaneously take seriously and enjoy. It’s certainly nothing to be nervous about, but if you are, accept this as a completely normal feeling that may even provide you with an extra degree of sharpness. I’d expect your interview will be even less formal than I’ve made it seem. You can basically look at it as a way of learning more about Hamilton. You could probably do well enough without preparing at all. Good luck.