<p>Hey everyone!</p>
<p>I got this slightly creepy-looking card in the mail about having an interview with an alum. (there's this child-molestor-looking man with some girl on the cover haha) Anyways, it says that interviews are "strictly optional"-- it doesn't say anything about them being encouraged or anything like that though. So what's your take on it? Should I have an interview with an alum? I haven't yet visited Vandy, so could that help my chances? I really am not a big fan of interviews, but I would request one if you think it would help. Have any of you had interviews? Are they scary/intimidating?</p>
<p>Thank youuuu!</p>
<p>My D, who was admitted to Vanderbilit on ED, had an interview with an alum in December. The interview, if you can call it that, took all of 15 minutes, and consisted mainly of talking about the weather, high school and sports teams. The alum asked none of the questions my D thought he might ask. As they were leaving, she was told that the main purpose of the interview was to see if she would "fit at Vanderbilt". </p>
<p>I don't know if this is typical, but I encouraged her to accept the interview offer. Interestingly, not all of her classmates who applied ED were offered an interview; those who didn't get the postcard offering an interview were not accepted ED.</p>
<p>From what I've heard, these alum interviews are brand new this year, so I highly doubt that the admissions office even really gives much weight, if any, to them. I'm guessing why only the accepted ED students got invited to an interview was Vanderbilt trying to say to the alum interviewers "these are the kids we're looking for" so that they could get used to the caliber/qualities of students that the admissions office likes.</p>
<p>If you are a strong interviewer, I would say why not go for it, but if you are only decent (or bad) at interviews, just skip it.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your input! Your daughter's experience was really helpful, RaceBannon! :)</p>
<p>I've only had 2 interviews so far, and both went well-- but both were so informal. My WashU one sounds almost identical to your daughter's, and my interview for Cornell was completely informational and he didn't ask me a single question. (I did all the asking). </p>
<p>I'm glad I got invited to have an interview then, if your theory is right, slipstream... I hope it is! I don't think I'm going to request one though just because interviews make me SO nervous prior to them... it's really not worth all the anxiety unless it's recommended, you know?</p>
<p>I was accepted early decision and didn't get a postcard about interviewing, and therefore didn't go for an interview. So I don't think that neccessarily makes or breaks someone's admission...</p>
<p>Some people might not get interviews because Vanderbilt doesn't have the capabilites (that's what I was told in an Email from admissions after I asked about interviews). They told me that hold alumni interviews in places where there are mny alumni and applicants.</p>
<p>My interviewer lived a half hour away from me. We ended up meeting at the Panera Bread near his place, and he basically just asked me simple questions. What extra currics are you in? What questions do you have about Vandy? It lasted a good hour. After having the interview, I actually want to go there more. It was very helpful.</p>