<p>I think this is on many peoples minds, with interview season upon us.
What do you think would be the best responses if your alumni interviewer (say for Podunk University) asks you any of the following questions:</p>
<p>1) What other schools did you apply to?
(Tell the truth? Semi-truth? Whatever sounds best?)</p>
<p>2) Is Podunk U. your first choice?
(What if it's not your first choice? What if you're really vying for Harvard? Not that I am.)</p>
<p>3) Did you apply anywhere early?
(Uh...yes, but not to your school. How to explain that one? Or should you say: no, I didn't apply early!)</p>
<p>4) If Podunk is your first choice, why didn't you apply early?
(Financial excuse only works if you didn't go early anywhere else. But what if you did? No selective college likes to feel second best.)</p>
<p>I went for a Colby Alumni Interview and the interviewer actually asked me this question and I told him the truth that I am applying to Kenyon ED. But I assured him that "either Colby or Bates" is my second choice because I just love Maine and what a beautiful state it is with all the yellow leaves during autumn. </p>
<p>He told me that if I can't get into Kenyon ED, just give him an email so that he can complete the alumni response slip. Nevertheless, after getting my acceptance decision, I emailed him and he was nice enough to wish me all the best in my schooling and he said something like "Kenyon will also offer me the same opportunities as Colby".</p>
<p>As an alumni interviewer for Duke, I personally wouldn't ask any of those questions. It's common (and good) sense that you are going to be applying to several schools, and we may or may not be your top choice. I wouldn't want to put an applicant in such an awkward position, and honestly, neither does Duke -- which is why we are specifically asked to avoid questions such as the ones you mention. The only exception I would make to that rule is for applicants who are applying Early. In that case, I would expect that Duke is your first choice, and I'd want to know how you came to that decision.</p>
<p>That being said, alumni interviewers are given fairly free reign, and it's really up to the alumnus to decide what to ask/not ask. If you do end up with one of your "painful interview questions," I'd say be honest. Don't lie. If it's one of a few top choices, let the interviewer know that and try to steer the question toward how you came to put it in your top bunch. Ask the interviewer if he/she has any advice on making the decision. Keep in mind, we aren't just there to evaluate you -- we are trying to make you <em>want</em> to attend our school. Most interviewers aren't trying to ask "gotcha" questions; they want you to succeed. </p>
<p>Also remember that for most schools, the interview is just a small part of the overall picture. It can make a difference, especially for those who are hovering on the border, but it will rarely make or break you. It's the "nudge" that can determine which pile your file goes into.</p>
<p>I think a good, honest response (if the U isn't your first choice) is to say "It's not my first choice right now, but I've got an open mind. One of the reasons I'm here today is that I know I will learn more about the institution through having an opportunity to talk with you."</p>
<h1>1. Be honest. Give 2-4 in your range as the interview probably doesn't want to know them all but is just trying to assess both where you've aimed & what the competition is....</h1>
<h1>2. Again, be honest. A good answer might be that it's in your top 3 and you might want to add why...</h1>
<h1>3. Yes or No! and an explanation is really only needed if you're asked...</h1>
<h1>4. Honestly, in order to apply EA or ED, you had to know 100% and things can change...</h1>
<p>Keep in mind that you are both interviewee & interviewer! This is really a great opportunity to learn about the respective college. And relax, this has to be easier than writing another essay!!</p>
<p>
[quote]
My result: You are a fridge! You can keep your cool, even when faced with a heated situation. You enjoy being the center of attention, and people come to you for advice or when they want something. People also like to stick things to the front of your body.
<p>heheh if i were u i would bring in a resume because if you bring in a resume it actually helps out it shows that you are prepared and it helps interviewers with the questions</p>
<p>" I wouldn't want to put an applicant in such an awkward position, and honestly, neither does Duke -- which is why we are specifically asked to avoid questions such as the ones you mention."</p>
<p>Harvard specifically asks alum interviewers not to ask those questions, too, and not to use an applicant's interest as a factor when writing the interview report.</p>
<p>1) make sure when you are naming schools, they are the ones similar to the one of your interview.. or else the school of your interview will look like a really random choice and something you don't really have interest in. my interviewer didn't really ask specifically what schools, but more like what schools in terms of geography. i told him i wanted an urban environment (which is true) so i'm applying to boston, nyc, dc, chicago (which is also true).</p>
<p>1) What other schools did you apply to?
At my Occidental interview, I said I was applying to Macalester and Pitzer, which are similar academically to Oxy, and Pomona, which is a typical choice SoCal school.</p>