I have the worst luck...

Colleges and Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1

<p>So I scheduled my interview for Saturday (yesterday) at a certain cafe.</p>

<p>In my email, the interviewer wrote that we would meet "at X-cafe on Y-road". I received this email on Friday (the day before my interview) so I didn't really have time to clarify. I could have called her, but I didn't think it would be necessary.</p>

<p>Turns out that there are 2 X-cafes on Y-road (about 15 minutes away from each other) and we were at different ones. My interviewer said that she should have clarified which location (probably being polite), but I still can't help feeling that it's my fault.</p>

<p>The interview is re-scheduled for next Saturday. However, I can't help feeling like I blew it by starting with a wrong first impression. How badly will this count against me? Sucks too because MIT is my top choice...</p>

2

<p>^ Calm down; this is no big deal. Enjoy your interview, take two.</p>

3

<p>Should not be a problem. Interviewer should have been more clear in regards to location, especially if Starbucks was the “cafe” as they are at every X and Y. Have fun with the interview. If time allows, ask questions at end. It always to helps to get insight to someone who has lived-it.</p>

4

<p>If I were the interviewer and this happened, I wouldn’t blame you. So don’t worry about it.</p>

5

<p>Minor mistake on the part of the interviewer. </p>

<p>Try to be calm and relaxed and yourself during the interview. </p>

<p>Think of it as two people having a conversation rather than a nuclear disarmament summit </p>

<p>Good luck to u</p>

6

<p>In terms of the interview what information is passed? And how exactly does the interviewer help you in the admission process?</p>

7

<p>@jayce I’m also curious as to what kind of info is on the interview report.</p>

8

<p>We write an essay on the interview. The content of the essay can vary dramatically from interview to interview. I usually write between 1200 and 1800 words.</p>

9

<p>@Mikalye So the interview can GREATLY increase your chances of being accepted am I right? Also, what kind of information is exchanged?</p>

10

<p>Jayce711, Like any part of the application, the interview matters most at the margins. An interview report where the interviewer explains that the applicant talked about his collection of child pornography might well be enough to tip the scale against the candidate. Similarly an interview report that indicates that the candidate turned water into wine, and walked on water is likely to help a fair bit. Most interview reports don’t say either of those things and hence are unlikely to be critical.</p>

<p>However, even a great interview is unlikely to see a kid admitted who was otherwise not going to be admitted. It may help push someone over a boundary if they were on the boundary to begin with, but that’s about it.</p>

11

<p>Hmm, interesting… Thanks for the info!</p>