<p>My son might interview at a school this summer, and there is a chance that it could be very warm. He would tour at the same time. Can he just wear khakis with a polo with a collar and leather walking shoes, or does he need something more formal (ie: buttoned down shirt)?</p>
<p>Hi NEmom.</p>
<p>I was really surprised to see how casually prospective students were dressed when we made the rounds last year. I even saw one guy go into an interview at Skidmore with seriously ripped jeans! I honestly thought that was over the top and totally inappropriate; but who knows what the schools think? Anyway, what you describe sounds fine. Good luck with the search!</p>
<p>If this is just an undergraduate admissions interview, I think the polo/khakis combo will be just fine! DD wore black pants (a step up from jeans) and a short-sleeved blouse to one of her warm-weather interviews, and she noticed that there were a few similarly dressed girls and guys in polos/khakis in the admissions office waiting for their turns.</p>
<p>That sounds exactly right to me, and that kind of outfit was what we saw last summer in the admissions offices of several schools.</p>
<p>Oh good. I don't want him to suffer in long sleeves and I don't care for a short sleeved button down shirt. If it weren't summer, he'd wear a dress sweater and/or a button down dress shirt.</p>
<p>That's absolutely fine. When my S interviewed over the summer at Middlebury all he did was change from Birkenstocks to shoes...khakis and polo stayed in place! My D interviewed on an oppressively hot day at Wash U and wore long tailored shorts and a polo short. Since the interview was conducted outside, it seemed appropriate since her interviewer was wearing jeans and an untucked polo. Student interviewer, can you tell?!</p>
<p>My son interviewed at Wash U on an incredibly warm day. We had brought khakis and a polo shirt for him to wear, but it was soooooooo hot that he decided to wear cargo shorts, an untucked polo shirt and gym shoes. I was relieved when his interviewer showed up wearing cut-off shorts and a t-shirt. I did see other kids wearing a wide variety of outfits from shirt and tie to casual. Long story short - my son was accepted at Wash U, though he chose to go elsewhere, so I don't think that the shorts hurt him in any way whatsoever.</p>
<p>^^ Agree with the above. DS interviewed at a "highly selective" college in a hot climate in cargo shorts and polo/golf shirt. Their interviews are "informational" and not "decisive", but he does attend that school now.</p>
<p>females, alway bring a business jacket or sweater (that matches lol) to throw on over your summer dress or summer-like suit just in case u discover that the interview is more formal than u think. also, is can get a bit chilli inside of building quite often. even if you don't put the sweater/jacket on, the interviewer will take note than you have one. i promise.</p>
<p>bsb, that is exactly what I woud do as well. A jacket is something that you could just throw into the car (if you drove) after the interview, or pull out of the car if you tour first. Then you don't need to carry it around.</p>
<p>I don't think it matters as long as you are presentable. By that I mean no obscene shirt of clothing with tears in them.
It is probably best just to wear a collared shirt and a nice pair of shorts or pants. And shoes no sandals or flip flops.
I was shocked to see one kid go to an interview and no take off a hat...that is a no no</p>
<p>D is meeting with a coach this week, and is going into the dri-fit wardrobe for that - there are actually some stylish choices in dri fit tops and skirts if you are going to the really hot weather places, especially if you are doing the campus tour on the same day...</p>
<p>When D interviewed at Scripps they told her "wear jeans."</p>
<p>"khakis with a polo with a collar and leather walking shoes" </p>
<p>thats what I wore to a school alumni interview. No athletic shirts/shorts, but also there is no need to wear a suit (unless ur son likes wearing them).</p>
<p>Perfect time to get a seersucker suit...</p>
<p>thats a good question. at schools like lehigh and colgate ive seen people wear what youve described. ive also seen shorts and a t-shirt, but id go with something on the nicer end</p>
<p>wear lighter fabrics....thinner khaki, or even seersucker in muted tones. And thinner polo shirts like the stretchy lacoste ones, not the thick ones you wear for sailing.</p>
<p>By his choice my son wore shorts, t-shirt and sandals to all his interviews, all clean and neat, new or nearly new. He was very comfortable and confident that he was not offending the interviewer. He was accepted at every college that he interviewed at.</p>
<p>4trees,</p>
<p>At least your son looked nice. We were in an informational session two summers ago and in walks a young man, who had to interview that day, dressed in torn jeans, washed out t-shirt and flip flops. He wore a baseball cap the whole time. </p>
<p>He also got plenty of looks from the other kids attending the session.</p>
<p>I told my son that he does not need to be in new clothing, but he should look as nice as he looks when he goes to school -- polo shirt, nice jeans and the newer sneakers.</p>
<p>If your kid would wear it to a basketball game, it's a no-no. If he or she would wear it to Sunday brunch, it's usually dressy enough. Girls should veer away from low-cut or above-the-knee anything, but guys are easier: No jeans, no tears, no messy sneaks, no tees, no hats, no non-matching socks with dress shoes (haha but seriously).</p>
<p>It's always hard when combating weather, especially in conjunction with tours and all-day visits, but your interviewer will be aware of your situation. That's why I'd steer towards a more comfortable (still non-offensive, respectful, and mature though) outfit over an uncomfortable one (heels or ill-fitting men's shoes). You want your kid to feel poised and adult but still at ease, and heavier fabrics, anything suit-y, or brand-new clothes usually only serve to make a hot day miserable.</p>