<p>Please forgive me if there is a similar thread somewhere on the site. However, I have been sidelined with burned corneas (hyrogen peroxide contact solution --- if you use it, switch to something else!!!!!!) for the past week & I can just barely see enough now to do this.</p>
<p>D has a big scholarship interview at Furman on the 30th. I know what she would wear here in the midwest to a similar interview, but think it might be a bit different in the south. After 25 years of spending Easter in Augusta, I know southern women dress a bit "lighter" than we do up here --- I just am not quite sure what would be appropriate for the interview. Since D probably has to buy something, anyway (school uniforms aren't going to cut it for an interview!), might as well be something that fits in if she ends up at Furman.</p>
<p>She has a very nice white classic flared skirt & a pink cotton lightweight sweater; she could wear it with either a lightweight white shirt/tank underneath or a lightweight white button-down (probably too midwest!). What type of shoe? Is that okay for the interview, or would that be something good for the "casual" hors d'ouevres at the president's house? Suggestions would be MOST welcome. D loves the charm of southern style, but isn't quite sure what to wear when!</p>
<p>Well, further south in Florida (not the real south mind you) some students will likely show up in board shorts and flip-flops even for an interview/scholarship weekend! I'll let some true sotherners advise.</p>
<p>Ah, those flip-flops ... even caused a "flap" in the midwest (remember the Northwestern women at the White House?)! D at least knows enough not to even think about that!!</p>
<p>When our daughter interviewed for scholarship in NC we saw EVERYTHING, from suits to jeans, from 3 inch heels to tennis shoes. Since the interviews were only part of a day of activities, and it was COLD, most kids took the khaki/preppy/no tennis shoes approach. She wore khaki pants/ collared blouse with a sweater jacket/ and flats. When she interviewed last summer she did the skirt, 2 piece top set with sandals (not flip flops). Hope your daughter has a great experience.</p>
<p>My sister was up for a merit scholarship at a Southern women's college back in the early 60's. She had to wear white gloves, and was reminded in a "prep interview" session at her school, not to cross her legs at the knees--only at the ankles, and never to take a cigarette, or a drink--if offered--during the dinner/social events. Anyway . . . my, how things have changed. </p>
<p>For the formal interview, what you've suggested would be fine, though also appropriate (maybe moreso) for the president's house event. She probably shouldn't wear sandals--no matter how nice they are--just from what we've seen. Rest assured, though, there will be girls there for the formal interview, who will be in matching jacket/skirt suits. If she will then feel underdressed in the skirt/sweater for the formal interview, she might want to take a suit, too--just in case. My 2 cents and from past experience with our own daughter at 2 different scholarship interviews (we're in the South).</p>
<p>Well, yes--they will definitely all be in black, so have her go for a different, paler, color. The weather will be warm, and it will be sunny, so something brighter and less funereal would be refreshing. I'm sure the scholarship interviewers get sick of seeing all that black. :)</p>
<p>Personally, I would go for a top or sweater set that's a vivid color -- something to make one stand out without sticking out. Nothing low-cut or too "girly." It's a bit early for white. I would wear <em>comfortable</em> spring shoes, not sandals, and assume that there will be extended standing/walking involved (i.e., reception, dinner at another campus location) at some point. Wear hose and makeup (light amounts are fine, but it is part of what's expected in that culture). I have been to too many events where the young girls were all barefoot long before the evening is finished. That's not the impression you want your D to give!</p>
<p>Even when I used to travel for business, I would take an extra outfit to give me an option in case I found myself under/overdressed (or I spilled something). My DH would find this horrifying, as he is of the pack light philospohy, but I feel more comfortable in my skin if I know I can change the look as needed. </p>
<p>I used to live in Augusta and went to Boston for an interview for a college transfer at the end of March. Kelsmom, you are absolutely right that there are differences in what one wears! I wore a flowery wrap-around skirt and polo shirt and felt horribly out of place (not to mention I nearly froze my tush off.) But hey, my DH proposed to me that weekend, so I guess it worked out! :)</p>
<p>Saw lots of candidates last yr during S's scholarship interview visits at southern schools. One of S's best friends is a freshman at FU. Horrified at what some young people wore when showing up to convince a reputable institution to invest 100,00+ in them. Dressing appropriately is respectful of the opportunity -- no doubt she already understands this.</p>
<p>My advice based on what I saw last yr (and what I know about the results) --take Curmudgeon's advice to "go Talbot's," seriously check out the website and go for one of the younger and not so business suit-y outfits -- patterned skirt and solid blazer with shoes that don't make too much noise or require a balancing act -- works for me. I doubt that hose are nec given the warm weather and appropriate shoe choice. (I prob should disclose here that I am a recovering Talbot's addict.)</p>
<p>Good luck -- and oh, don't forget the pearls ;)</p>
<p>I don't see why she should have to dress "Southern." </p>
<p>The fact that she's from the Midwest is probably part of her appeal to Furman. And they're going to know where she comes from the moment she opens her mouth, anyway.</p>
<p>Agree that she doesn't have to dress southern. I'm not southern either, but work in a field in which classic clothes must remain comfortable in a public setting over a long day. FWIW Talbot's is a Mass company, so I would def not describe it as southern in style -- more classic, which is good if she's looking for wardrobe pieces she can use again in college, like a blazer and skirt. I always say you've hit the right balance when they say "she looked great," instead of saying "that was a great outfit."</p>
<p>My D interviewed for a scholarship recently and she wore gray pinstriped pants, a white tank top, an apple green V-necked sweater and black flat shoes. She looked professional but was completely comfortable. She took gray pearls at my suggestion but then (for you Esquette) forgot to wear them!</p>
<p>Not so much "Southern" as appropriate for the occasion. (The only "Southern" part to me is that it will be warmer than the midwest at this time of year.) </p>
<p>One of DS's friends is under consideration for a major scholarship and told me what he/she was planning to wear (with a groan). I commiserated and said, "You know, the kids who get those scholarships are really the ambassadors for the school. Colleges like to spotlight those kids as their best and brightest." This very, very bright kid had never considered that he/she might be considered a representative for the program. </p>
<p>Just something to think about. I remember reading another thread here recently where someone's kid reported that at scholarship weekend, he felt he had to be "on" all the time, including at meals. It's true. This is a job interview. Your pay: big scholarship $$.</p>
<p>Look at the Olin kids who post on CC. They are unabashed ambassadors for getting the word out about Olin (and doing a darned good job at it!).</p>
<p>ForToto: No doubt it's entirely forgettable when your mother suggests it!</p>
<p>In the end, whatever she feels like a million bucks in (short of her prom dress) will help her feel great about herself and that will come through. Sounds like that worked for Toto :)</p>
<p>What I saw last yr confirms that schools are looking at candidates as potential ambassadors, during and after their college years. And, as S#1 embarks on his new job as an admissions tour guide for the school that invested a 4 yr full tuition scholarship in him, I can tell you that it's just common sense and good business.</p>
<p>I was astounded at my S's big scholarship interview day two weekends ago how many young men there were dressed in sweats, warm-ups, or shorts (in NJ, in the snow), and one young woman in particular whose skirt was, I swear, a scarf. My S initially moaned when noticing that only about 1/4 of the young men were dressed as he was in a suit and tie, but he was repaid with attention and respect (and a big scholarship!). But as Esquette says, the students need to feel great about themselves, so comfort is important, too. (In my S's case, he wore a tie with drumkits on it, and could then make easy conversation about his musical interests. Not to mention it was visually memorable!)</p>
<p>Best of luck to your D, kelsmom, and everyone else who's student is doing scholarship interviews now!</p>
<p>One more memory to share -- S always wore (yes, guys have it easier, we know) a striped tie in the school colors -- never once did they fail to comment favorably. Usually something positive right at the outset of every conversation. Esp since he truly considered each school's alumni loyalty as a significant factor in his choice of which schools he applied to, this allowed him to make that point as an easy icebreaker.</p>
<p>A patterned skirt/slacks/blazer or even just a ribbon belt (one of these is enough) in Furman's colors (can't remember what they are) might be just the ticket?! At least she'll never feel "out of place," bc most admissions staffs will have at least one person wearing the school colors.</p>
<p>RE: ties -- yes, DS1 has two -- one is a mathy tie, the other is a computer geek tie. For those in the know, it is always a good conversation starter!</p>
<p>Agree with Esquette that feeling comfortable helps with great performance!</p>