How "optional" are honors college interviews?

Parents Forum
1

My son was accepted to Penn State last month. Because it wasn’t a lot of work - he went ahead and applied to the honors college (Schreyer) before the 11/1 deadline. He has now been “invited” (I think all applicants are) to schedule an “optional” honors college interview. It would be local (in DC area) - so not a lot of work. Still - I wonder if he should skip it.

The issue is that while he thinks Penn State is a good school - it is definitely a safety for him. He hasn’t actually visited Penn State and might struggle with the obvious “Why Penn State?” question. I wonder if an interview might actually hurt his chances - relative to no interview at all.

Any input would be appreciated.

2

Unless he already has an acceptance to another school he’d like to attend more, I would do the interview.

My daughter did all interviews offered, even at her safety schools. Frankly, if nothing else, they are good practice.

Have your son do a bit more digging/research so he’s prepared. Safety or not, there must have been something about Penn State that appealed to him.

3

I agree, my D did interviews with a couple of schools she did not even end up applying to (she got in ED to her top choice). He should be able to muster up enough enthusiasm in the school – I’d have him do a bit of research in what the honors program offers (should be online) and he can talk about that.

4

OK - sounds like he should push ahead with it. He is kind of sick of interviewing (he is applying to the Naval Academy and ROTC - so many interviews), but one more can’t hurt. Thanks

5

If he ends up there, he .might be happy to have the honors program opportunity. That’s how I’d view it. With your help, he could nail a Why Us in 24 hours. I don’t mean delay, but unless there’s an affordable safety he loves that’s already admitted him, cover the bases.

6

OP: I think that you spotted the primary issue: The interview is to assess your son’s interest level in committing to & attending Penn State. If so, then the interview is important if he wants to keep Penn State honors college on the table.

Alternatively, the interview might be a chance for a Penn State alum to sell Penn State honors college to you well qualified son.

In answer to your specific question: No interview sends a message that your son is not really interested in Penn State honors college, in my opinion.

7

As a very recently retired university professor, I strongly suggest that if at all possible your son accepts the interview. He is sending a message by being there. He is signally his interest in a highly demanding program at Penn State which gives him a step up on other students who are interested in the university. As been mentioned, safety nets are important. I have seen many a student who thought they did not need a safety net fall into one! Best of luck.

8

The other reason to do an interview is for your son to get more info about the University and to be able to ask questions.

9

An honors college can make a big place feel more intimate and personal. He should interview like it’s the only college that will accept him this year.

At our flagship, those kinds of interviews are critical. Pay respect to the institution.