<p>I'm reading articles and learning a lot that could have put me on the spot if I had gone through an interview. It is my first time doing an interview, especially with a college. I'll arrive there early since I'm taking the metro up there. Syracuse is coming to the DC area, and this is a chance to show myself.
However, I'm excited about this interview but at the same time worry because I am an anxious person. Like, I studder sometimes, or lose my breath. I'll have to work that out myself.
ANY TIPS? The personal interview is this week. </p>
<p>Congrats! Find out as much as you can about the university and then ask more probing types of questions based on that. Make good eye contact. Smile and enjoy the process. Remember that it is as much for you to get to know if this is a good fit for you as it is about them getting to know you. Try to practice some deep breathing and positive visualizations before the actual interview.</p>
<p>Make sure you can answer the almost inevitable, “Why Syracuse?” question. Your response(s) should be specific and not generic (e.g., don’t say, “It’s a terrific college that a lot of people say good things about” or “There’s a psychology major”). Include at least one ACADEMIC reason (and try to hone in on something that’s unique to Syracuse or at least atypical).</p>
<p>Arrive with a few questions jotted down on paper. This will not only make you look organized but will also bail you out if you get nervous. As goingnutsmom already advised, do your homework and ask questions that aren’t already answered on the Web site. The questions can be as simple as, “Did you go to Syracuse and, if so, what did you love the most?” If the interviewer did NOT go to Syracuse, just amend your question to something like, “If you were applying to college all over again, what would attract you to Syracuse?” Interviewers–like most people–often enjoy talking about themselves and their own experiences. So, by asking questions like these, you’ll probably elicit some information that is helpful to you and that will also spur the interviewer to reflect fondly on your session when it’s over.</p>
<p>Since I know you’re interested in interior design, do some research on the Syracuse web site and be able to speak intelligently about your interest in that particular program. One thing that I think makes Syracuse stand out is that it offers an interior design major within a large university setting. Stand-alone art schools cannot do that. So you can take your ID classes and then try something in business or literature, etc. That’s one thing my D, who is also interested in interior design, likes about Syracuse.</p>
<p>Bring a resume of your activities…they may or may not want to look at it, but it is helpful as a roadmap (if they use it).</p>
<p>As an alumni interviewer of a different college I ask about what courses you are taking, what is your favorite and why, Who is your favorite teacher. What activities do you do. Tell me about your family. What is a favorite book you have read. Why are you interested in <college>.</college></p>
<p>Have some questions of your own ( see other posts above).</p>
<p>@Sally_Rubenstone Thanks, but in general what kinds of questions can I ask? Like can I ask social questions like are Syracuse students more of indoor type people because of the weather? Lol, I don’t want to ruin it lol.</p>
<p>LOL, i’m not nervous it’s just that I don’t know what to expect, </p>
<p>@booper @goingnutsmom thanks, but I wanted to know if it’s fine to take a moment of thought when they ask me a question. For example, I can’t answer a question of the back of my head like if it was 2+2, but I need a couple seconds to develop and organize my thoughts. Will they think I’m silly if I do this? LOL</p>
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<p>Social questions are fine but don’t go too heavy on them. Make sure that there are a couple academic questions in the mix if you have several social ones. Also go easy on what I call the “creature comfort” questions (e.g., “Is there cable TV in the student rooms?” “Can we get premium channels?” “Is there a Taco Bell on campus?”) One or two are okay but don’t let them overshadow your academic concerns. </p>
<p>Try to have some fun with this session. It probably won’t feel like an an interrogation but more like sitting next to a friendly stranger on an airplane or a long bus ride—someone who strikes up a conversation with you and asks you what your future plans are, what you enjoy doing now, etc. And it’s pretty hard to screw up a college interview. If you come across as pleasant and curious and as someone who is at least somewhat informed about Syracuse, then you’ll be fine. </p>
<p>However, if you do get there and find yourself REALLY nervous … so much so that you are stuttering or you can’t catch your breath … it’s actually a good idea to say so. It should help you to relax if you point to this “elephant in the room,” and it will help your interviewer to relax, too, if your anxiety is out in the open (especially if it’s obvious anyway and is making both you and your interviewer uncomfortable). You can even make a little joke like, “My brain is cooperating but my tongue isn’t listening,” and it will lighten the mood.</p>
<p>But try not to worry. Just think about that stranger-in-the-next-seat analogy and enjoy the ride.</p>
<p>OP, I agree with everything else others have said. It’s OK to say that you need to pause to think about it to get your thoughts together. It’s also OK to let them know this is your first college interview. Can you practice with anyone? Google the subject and also google deep breathing/visualization exercises. Are you first generation? I think most admissions counselors aware of this population will want to help you feel at ease. BTW, I’m first generation and totally get what you might be going through. We are all rooting for you.</p>