<p>Hi there. I’m applying to Barnard, and I’ve heard that they really want students who are passionate about something, in addition to higher scores and grades. I indeed am very passionate about language and literature, but I have no idea how to reflect this on my application. My courseload makes me appear more well-rounded than anything else, although I’ve had five years of German and will have had two years of Latin by the time I graduate. What might be special about the two years of Latin is that I’m in Latin I right now (my school does block scheduling), but next semester I couldn’t fit in Latin II. So I talked to my teacher about it, and she said that she’d be happy to help me continue learning Latin after school during the second semester. It won’t be counted for credit or anything; I just really don’t want to stop learning Latin. Would bringing this up to them help at all?</p>
<p>I would have loved to get a recommendation from my German teacher, but for whatever reason, she has wholeheartedly disliked me since day one in ninth grade. Therefore, all I have are recs from an English and Chemistry teacher. I suppose I could try for one from my Latin teacher, but I’m afraid that she doesn’t know me well enough. </p>
<p>My extracurriculars don’t do much, either. All that I’ve done with German during high school is score in the 85th percentile on a national exam and win second place in a German poem recitation competition. </p>
<p>Anyway, I’m interviewing at Barnard this week, and I’d like to major in Comparative Lit, plus minor in several languages. What do they ask you about during your interview? Would I be able to make my passion for foreign language and literature apparent while there? Thanks.</p>
<p>Oh, and by the way. When I interview, do I have to have all of my application stuff in already beforehand? I’m applying RD but had to get an interview in November because I’m completely booked for December. >< If everything needs to be sent in, then I have a lot of work to do these next few days…</p>
<p>Okay, first you need to take a breath. The interview will be a chance for you to convey what you most love to learn about and to ask your own questions about Barnard (after doing your own "homework" by looking at their site and asking questions here, of course). And yes you should convey your love of languages and the fact that you are continuing to study Latin on your own is pretty fascinating, IMO.</p>
<p>No, you do NOT have to have everything in before you interview. In fact, you may find some things clarified in your mind as a result of your experience in the visit and interview. You may have additional things to say as a result. </p>
<p>Interviews are as often as not conducted by Barnard Seniors who are working in admissions. I know my daughter found it to be relaxing and a great chance to learn more about Barnard and to also connect with her interviewer through shared interests (dance). My advice would be to use the time between now and your interview to learn as much as you can about Barnard and opportunities there and in NYC to use talents like yours in language. For example, one of my daughter's suitemates volunteers as a conversation partner somewhere in the City (downtown somewhere, I think??) where she just goes and talks with a gentleman who is a recent immigrant and new speaker of english. Think about things like this that you might be able to do and that might be unique opportunities at Barnard...</p>
<p>most of all, ENJOY your time there. Best to you!</p>
<p>Thank you very much for the information!! So the interview is more about getting to know what I'm passionate about and why I think Barnard is a good fit for me? And none of what I say really has to have an official record, eg; I can bring up taking Latin II for fun or how I really like their study abroad options? Also, would a nice blouse and slacks be appropriate attire? I don't really like dressing up too much.</p>
<p>I know, I need to breathe. But thank you again.</p>
<p>Yes, I think you get the picture now. Don't go with any sort of "prepared" statement, but know that you may end up talking about all sorts of things. Just have some things YOU want to know about Barnard to ask about , in case the conversation "lags". And of course it's great to talk about your taking Latin II for fun...</p>
<p>The nice blouse and slacks is entirely appropriate. You don't need to really dress up...just not jeans, probably. Enjoy it and let us hear about your experience!!</p>
<p>An easy way to convey your passion would be to talk about a piece of German or Latin literature you really like. I think the Latin teacher knows you well enough to write the rec. Ask her.</p>
<p>You can also reflect your interest in languages with one of the essays. </p>
<p>Look at this as an opportunity to shine instead of one to be judged. I think churchmusicmom gave you great advice!</p>
<p>What churchmusicmom said was right on target. Remember this is not a job interview, but a friendly conversation that happens to be about Barnard. If you are friendly and genuine, you'll do absolutely fine.</p>
<p>Churchmusicmom covered all the points nicely. </p>
<p>I think an interview will never decrease your chances (unless, something MAJORLY bad happens...but that is rare!), and it could only really increase your chances. Mainly because
1) You took the time to do something that was optional/takes initiative
2) You made it less about numbers/transcripts and more about you being an actual human being.</p>
<p>I would suggest to have answers ready for the obvious ones...like 'Why Barnard' and 'What do you like to do" and the less obvious ones like, "What is the last book you read?" ...but they are dependent on the interviewer of course. Be confident!!! (in your interview, AND in your application). Wish you the best of luck.</p>
<p>Thank you all very much for the advice! I really really really appreciate it all. </p>
<p>Should I just be perfectly about what they ask? Even if the last book that I read was about drug addicts in Scotland? And can I talk about foreign language opportunities, the fact that they have a Comparative Lit major, and an awesome study abroad program for "Why Barnard?" That's really all that I have for why I want to attend that specific school. The rest goes along with its location in NYC, and I think it'd be interesting to attend an all girls' school. </p>
<p>Oh, yeah be honest don't just think about what sounds impressive.<br>
Just be confident.
Like, even if it was about drug addicts in Scotland, the interviewer may still find it interesting (vs. someone saying they recently read a classic to sound impressive and then not be able to answer anything about it because they didn't really read it).<br>
And of course you can talk about all those things reg. why you love Barnard, they want to hear that! :)</p>