<p>One of the things I'm most concerned about for my Yale application is my interview component. Can any of you have already experience one tell me the questions I should expect and good ways of breaking the ice if my interview and I dont hit it off from the beginning?? Thanks.</p>
<p>The interview is not the most important component of the application at Yale so I would not get too worried. Of course, I was told this too, but couldn't help stressing out so here are a few ideas:</p>
<p>1) Prepare answers to the standard questions (i.e. what are your strengths and weaknesses, etc.) Concrete examples are better than generalities. Also, you will most certainly be asked by you want go to Yale. This is probably the most important question. Be specific. You should comb the Yale website and read the Yale Daily News for info related to academic programs, research opportunities, and extracurriculars that interest you. </p>
<p>2) Speak passionately about something. A summer experience, a term paper you wrote, a class you enjoy, your musical intrument, etc... If, in the unlikely event that you hit a moment of silence, say "I wanted to tell you about ....[fill in good story about one of your activities]"</p>
<p>3) The interviewer will ask if you have specific questions. The interviewer will most likely be a current Yale student (if you're interviewed on campus) or an alum. Have a few questions ready. "What did you like most about Yale?" seems to work.</p>
<p>Finally, I thought I had the worst interview ever. I actually got annoyed with my interviewer and stormed out saying that he could tear up my application for all I cared. Well, I'm a Yale alum now.</p>
<p>Well, that's good to know (that your interview doesn't have to be fabulous). Next to the essay, it's the part that I was the most nervous about. </p>
<p>Fortunately, I've heard that the interviewers in my area are extremely friendly and helpful. That makes me feel a lot better.</p>
<p>While in probably 99% of cases interviews are not essential, I am convinced my interviewer got me in. Make a great impression and they'll do what they can to help you, even if it's just mentioning your name to an adcom.</p>
<p>Okay. I vary between being terrified of my interviews and being glad that they have them. It's the same way with my essay: I feel like they both give me a chance to be a real person, more than scores, but they are still stressful. So I will remember: interview=significant. Don't panic, but be prepared. Good to know.</p>
<p>There formerly was a connection to the "Yale Advice to Interviewers" (from some Yale web site) somewhere on the CC site. Unfortunately, I can't find it.</p>
<p>If someone knows where it is, please post it so that the applicants for the class of 2011 can read it.</p>
<p>Do most of these comments apply to the alumni interviews or the on-campus interviews (taking place for the past couple and next few weeks) with Yale seniors?</p>
<p>How about some advice specifically for the on-campus interviews? Do the seniors ask questions, or is it just a chance for the applicants to get to know more about Yale?</p>
<p>Yes, I'd like to know the difference. I, for one, live on the opposite side of the country from Yale, and so I'd like to know what's important for the alumni interviews.</p>
<p>I'm an alumni interviewer. I think the three recommendations made by la<em>vie</em>est_belle are exactly on point. Have a passion. Be able to articulate why you want to go to Yale with specific examples. Have a question or two to ask the interviewer. Most interviewers are laid back and friendly and just want to talk about your academic and extracurricular interests.</p>
<p>Thanks, AdmissionsAddict!</p>
<p>I also am an alumni interviewer for Yale. Speaking for myself only, I try to make the best case possible why each interviewee should be admitted. I am on your side! It really helps when a student tells me how she/he stands out from all the other hyper-qualified applicants ("I really care about learning", although it may be unusual in many high schools, is a given for this applicant pool). Also, I like to include some information that the admissions committee will not have seen in the application. This helps me write an interesting report that goes beyond an amplified version of an applicant's credentials.</p>