<p>Hello! I've seen a lot of interview questions on here and, as an alumni interviewer this cycle, just wanted to dispel some myths and impart some knowledge. Feel free to PM with specific questions or follow-up.</p>
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<li>What is the point of the interview?</li>
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<p>Long story short, the Admissions office wants to get to know you more as a person and beyond what you submitted in your application. The interview is not meant to be a test or an inquisition. They want to know what you're like as a person and why you're interested in attending Penn. The aim of the interview is to see if you would be a good fit as a member of Penn's community.</p>
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<li>Who gets interviewed?</li>
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<p>The Admissions office and Alumni interview program assigns interviews on a completely random basis and are aiming to have 100% of all applicants interviewed. However, they are still working towards this goal. The ability to get an interview is based on the number of alumni interviewers in your geographic area. Don't be alarmed if you live in a large, metropolitan area and you haven't heard from an interviewer yet; it probably just means they are backlogged with applicants. </p>
<p>If you live in an area with very few available interviewers, someone may reach out to you with an opportunity to interview over Skype.</p>
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<li>What kind of questions can I expect?</li>
</ol>
<p>See #1, but basically questions pertaining to you, your involvements, and your interest in Penn. There may be some tough questions, but there really is no single right answer. Take this opportunity to show the Admissions office who you truly are and why your interest in Penn is genuine. You should speak candidly and truthfully; people can tell if you're just putting up a front.</p>
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<li>What kind of weight does the admissions office give an interview?</li>
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<p>No one knows the answer to this question but the admissions officers. However, coming off as a rude, disinterested individual is never a good thing. On the flip side, appearing as an enthusiastic, respectful, and knowledgable individual is always a great thing. In the end, what the interviewer recommends at the end of their report does matter to a certain degree.</p>
<ol>
<li>Logistics?</li>
</ol>
<p>Your interviewer will contact you and propose a location. This location should be neutral (aka in a public place), so if you're asked to meet in your or the interviewer's home, contact your regional admissions director. The interview is targeted to last 45 minutes to an hour but this timing can vary from person to person.</p>
<p>For more information: Interviews</a> - Penn Admissions</p>
<p>Good Practices! A lot of overlap between different numbers but you get the gist.</p>
<p>Do's:
1) Dress nicely! Business casual is fine, but for older alumni, you may want to consider dressing more formally. Presenting yourself well is always a good thing.</p>
<p>2) Prepare to know answer questions as to why you applied to a specific school or program (especially the dual-degree one's).</p>
<p>3) Come with questions about Penn (student life, specific programs, etc.). It shows your interest in Penn and you can also learn a great deal from your interview.</p>
<p>4) Be on time. Being prompt is important because interviewers have busy lives. If you know you're going to be late, contact your interviewer (you should ask them for their contact info prior to the interview) beforehand.</p>
<p>5) Write a thank you note! The little things go a long way.</p>
<p>6) Be real and genuine. It's readily apparent when someone is providing scripted interview answers. You should be prepared to answer questions about yourself, but you should also feel free to speak frankly -- inject anecdotes into your discussion, laugh (when appropriate), show your vulnerabilities and say how you've tried to overcome them.</p>
<p>Don't's:
1) Don't feel a need to present your resume, your essays, etc. The point of the interview is to go beyond the application and these are materials you already have given to the admissions office. That said, some alumni may want to see it so it never hurts to be prepared just in case.</p>
<p>2) Going off number 1, don't present yourself as a laundry list of activities. Try to present yourself in a cohesive narrative. We care about the person, not the million and one individual things you did throughout school.</p>
<p>3) Don't lie. Be truthful. Speak from the heart. A little bit of passion goes a long way.</p>
<p>4) Don't be nervous! It's meant to be a learning opportunity on both fronts and not a test! Have fun with your interviewer! If you really build a connection with them, they could serve as an important person throughout your life and future career (e.g. I've heard stories of interviewers hooking people up with jobs).</p>