<p>Hey, so on Sunday I have an appointment with an assistant director of admissions from Williams. Apparently it's very informal and I am supposed to ask him questions rather than him ask me formal questions. </p>
<p>So I was wondering, what are some questions that might be good to get an adcom's opinion on? Oh, and (this may be silly) how should I dress? (I'm a girl)</p>
<p>Bump. It's tomorrow, and I'm nervous.</p>
<p>whirly, my son didn't interview at Williams so I can't give you any direct impressions, but I can talk about interviews in general. First, as I'm sure everyone has told you, relax and be yourself. </p>
<p>Think about ways to build your self confidence. Wear comfortable (but suitable) clothes. A sweater + skirt or nice pants. Clean shoes, not sneakers. Simple jewelry and makeup. Keep your hair out of your eyes. Have a manicure (no crazy nails!) If you wear a skirt, make sure you can sit comfortably in it.</p>
<p>Know where you're going and get there early. Practice pronouncing the interviewer's name. Walk in and extend your hand for a sincere handshake as you introduce yourself. If you're carrying papers put them in a folder or clipboard so you don't suffle or juggle. Practice this too. A simple act like extracting a resume from a folder on your lap and handing it across a desk or table to the interviewer can either cause distress or exhibit confidence. Do some trial runs.</p>
<p>Don't ask any questions that could easily be answered on the website: e.g., what meal plans are available? When do classes start?</p>
<p>You want to elevate the discussion to focus on the academic and intellectual aspects of Williams, including teaching style and ambience. Spend some time reviewing the on-line course catalog and come up with some observations that could lead to discussion. Ask about the tutorial programs, the entry and house residential systems, Williams at Oxford, Williams in New York. </p>
<p>You mentioned that you are interested in theater and the environment -- two great topics to expound on. </p>
<p>Even though these interviews are meant to be non-evaluative, I think it's just common sense to understand that every interaction will either be viewed as a positive or negative. It's in your hands to give a positive impression of yourself as a Williams candidate. The interviewer will most likely strive to put you at ease and find common ground for discussion. You should do the same for him.</p>
<p>Practice answering typical openended questions in front of a mirror. Again, you want to use this opportunity to showcase what a smart, confident, multi-faceted person you are. The interviewer knows you are 17 years old and nervous. He won't try to entrap you but he will try to get you to open up. If you have two or three prepared (not memorized, just thought through) repsonses to questions like, "Why Williams? How is Williams viewed in your high school? What do you like to do in your down time? What can I tell you about Williams?" then you'll be all set.</p>
<p>Have fun and let us know how you do.</p>
<p>Whoo! I did it. I took your great advice, momrath--skirt and sweater, open-ended questions.</p>
<p>I forgot to look at my nails...I just realized they were pink and glittery. Oh well. But it all went really well. He didn't ask me anything too stressful, and I had lots of things to ask him. </p>
<p>I ended up liking Williams even more than before. Thanks again for your great advice.</p>
<p>just to clarify, interviews play absolutely no role in the admissions decision. I'm a current student (sophomore) and I work as a tour guide, so I can tell you that I've heard multiple times from the admissions directors that interviews are solely for students to ask questions, they are not evaluative. The reasoning behind this is that they don't feel like alumni interviews can be standardized across the country, not to mention the fact that it would be unfair to students from places they weren't offering interviews. The only exception to that is an on campus service that Williams provides its alums. It will "interview" children of alums to determine whether they are looking at the right caliber of schools. So seriously, anyone who is stressing about a williams interview, please stop. Use it as a chance to find out as much as possible about whether Williams is the right fit for you.</p>
<p>Oh, and the admissions officers are all really nice and laid back, so don't be scared of them. Most of them are very young, too.</p>
<p>Yeah, it was actually very chill, and I just asked the questions that mattered to me. It really wasn't a big deal, but it sure made me want to go to Williams. I love it more because interviews aren't a huge deal.</p>