Background- I’m currently in 10th grade and either applying for 10th or 11th grade. My Andover interview was my first interview (ever), and I was really stiff and didn’t discuss all of my strengths/passions, which I think my interviewer picked up on. I also attend a large public school, and students practically never speak to their counselor until application season.
Based off of what you’ve experienced/heard about, how important do you think the interview is, and if I bombed an interview, do I still have a chance of getting into that BS? And, in addition to a not so stellar interview (yikes!), would mediocre rec(s) completely eliminate my chances?
Interviews are very important… but if you look through the old acceptance threads there are quite a few people who got in regardless of the fact that they totally bombed their interviews (according to them). And its only one interview, learn from it and improve in your next interview…
Recs… hmmm… not sure abt that but I rly encourage you to go to the teachers and spend 10-15 min with them explaining the things you do outside class and give them a list/paragraph about you. The teacher will refer to that page for some questions and it might give them a better perspective… They might even appreciate the effort and your desire to get into BS.
I think when you send requests for recs, the teacher receives them and fills them out and sends it back…but I don’t know too much about that. Also, interviews are important but they’re a lot about learning if you’re fit for a BS or not, not just your interests and such. Don’t stress too much! There have been many cases in which applicants feel like they bombed the interview when the interviewer actually liked the applicant a lot! You have many more opportunities to explain your interests and strong suits, such as essays