I’m visiting Denison and I set up an interview with admissions. I’m hoping someone out there has gone through the process and can clue me in on what to expect.
Don’t wear flip-flops.
My kid described his Denison interview as very relaxed and helpful. He was asked about his high school classes, academic interests, what he is interested in exploring in college, his ECs. It was very much a conversation (not that that made Denison different than other interviews, he pretty much said they all were about what do you enjoy academically, what do you want to pursue, what ECs are you interested in continuing/pursuing). At a few schools, I, as the parent, was invited in at the end of the interview to ask any of my questions. I did ask specifically about merit aid, what they looked for in awarding it, and the interviewer offered a predicted range of merit aid for my kid. My kid is not especially extroverted, so had been generally nervous about interview situations, but found the interviews were interesting and enjoyable for the most part. Do your research about the school - for instance, new academic programs you might be interested in (Denison has Data Analytics, and Global Commerce as new majors, plus a concentration in Narrative Non-Fiction in English), or about career services, internships, student life etc. Approach it like a conversation rather than a “test!” Good luck, and enjoy your visit.
Also, on how to dress – for a guy, khaki style shorts in this weather (any color) and a polo style shirt should be fine. I always thought it seemed a little ridiculous to be in the admissions waiting room and every male applicant was wearing khaki pants and a blue button down – from Bates to Oberlin to Grinnell. Dress comfortably but neatly.