So I requested a college interview, and the school paired me up with an alumni in my area. The problem is that things got a little weird when he reached out to me. He told me to meet him at his private office. He does not work for a company or a corporation, and his private office is in a small, isolated building so chances are there won’t be anyone nearby. I looked him up and ( though I know not to judge a book by its cover) he looked really creepy too. I unfortunately already told the school three dates in which I was available to be interviewed, so I don’t know if I can convincingly lie about my availbability. For my own safety, I would like to cancel. However, I don’t want to destroy my chances at that school. What do I do?
If you don’t want to cancel have a parent accompany you at the very least.
I would just respond and say you are looking forward to meeting him and how about if we met at a particular coffee shop (propose one by his office if it makes sense.). Personally I wouldn’t explain why (because you think he is creepy.).
You should not feel uncomfortable proposing a public place- this is a good lesson for your entire life, nobody should make you feel like you have no alternative if you ever have safety concerns.
you can respond, “Is there a Starbucks near your office?” The public library near me has a coffee area/lounge which is filled with college interviewers this time of year! It’s somewhat more quiet than a commercial diner or coffee shop, is centrally located on various bus lines, and always has people around… clean restrooms also.
FYI, the singular of alumni is “alumnus”.
Either bring a parent or respectfully request a public place. My alma mater specifically asks us not to meet in private spaces but perhaps the interviewer doesn’t consider his office a private space.
As suggested above, volunteer a public place or bring a driver with you if you feel better. And since you presumably do not want the interviewer to judge you based on your looks ( maybe he finds you creepy too), perhaps do not judge his. He is a volunteer donating his time.
I took my daughter to her interviews and the real excuse was that she didn’t like to drive. The place was inaccessible by public transportation and there was no Uber/Lyft at that time.
It was fine. I sat in another area while she interviewed.
Another vote for getting a parent or friend to drive you, even if you have a license.
UPDATE: So the creepy college interviewer canceled himself. Long story short, I asked if we could meet at the nearby Starbucks and he was like “nope” so that was that. I still got in with merit scholarship
For the safety of other students, PLEASE call the admissions office and tell them about this so that this person can never interview potential students again. I am quite serious about this, I can call the college if you don’t wish to call yourself.
One of my interviews was in a private office at the end of a work day. It was the best interview. The person who interviewed me was the utmost professional. my parents waited in the lobby. It went extremely well.
I also had a few at Starbucks and a few at the schools itself.
If you don’t feel comfortable, bring a parent or suggest a coffee shop…but don’t cancel.
It’s good that you updated, congrats on getting in.
I see nothing to report though, @chemistrynerd30 . The OP THOUGHT the interviewer looked creepy. She THOUGHT it was creepy to meet at his office. To the OP, the situation was not acceptable, as is her right. But there were plenty of options that the OP didn’t pursue and other than her own thoughts on the situation, there is no basis for reporting the interviewer about any inappropriate behavior. My D interviewed with an alumnus at his home and I sat outside while she was inside.
The interviewer didn’t want to meet at another location. Maybe there was no other convenient location. Maybe going to another location would involve a lengthy car drive or add precious time to the interviewer’s day. Maybe the Interviewer needs to be in the office because he is super busy. The OP doesn’t know the interviewer’s situation either. But reporting someone and possibly ruining their reputation because you didn’t like the only option offered is out of order.