<p>I'm having an interview with Grinnell next weekend; an admissions rep is coming to my area.</p>
<p>I've heard that an interview with a Grinnell rep is actually important, and if done, is decently factored in an admission decision, not just tossed aside like at other top LACs.</p>
<p>Any tips? What kind of questions will I be asked? Are interviews important for admission?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>I think the fact that you have arranged an interview shows real interest in the college and I'd say that is a plus. I'd suggest you learn what you can about Grinnell through looking at college guides and their website. If you don't have any college guides your GC or public library probably will. As you're researching the college, try to come up with a question or two to ask your interviewer. This will show that you've "done your homework". Look through the course catalog and find some classes you'd like to take. My son took a little reporter's notebook into interviews where he'd write down any questions he had (to glance at, in case he drew a blank). He'd also take notes in it. He looked back on those notes when he was writing his applications.</p>
<p>My son's interview on campus was one of his first. He came out laughing and smiling. Most interviewers (in his experience) were really good at putting the student at ease. They want to know more about you, so think how you would respond to questions like, "How would you describe yourself as a student?" or "What are your interests, strengths, weaknesses?". My son tells me he was often asked to describe his high school experience. There are no right or wrong answers to these questions about yourself--you are the expert! But you should have an answer to the question, "Why are you interested in Grinnell?"--that question does have a wrong answer and it's, "I don't know." Try to make eye contact with the interviewer. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks bethievt ^_^</p>
<p>Thoroughly do your research on Grinnell, be able ask questions, and be able to articulate why you would want to attend Grinnell. When I met the admissions representative after my son's interview, her first comment to me was about how my son had done his research and was prepared for his interview. Towards the end of our meeting, the rep indicated that my son would be a strong candidate. By the way, he is happy at Grinnell..</p>
<p>is it bad to "diss" your high school in your interview? one of the reasons i like grinnell is because it is different from my high school, in a good way. but will it seem like i am a complainer if i talk about the negative aspects of my high school?</p>
<p>I will ask my son how he handled that, andreaaaaa, because this was also one of the things he liked about Grinnell and the other schools he applied to. They were not like his high school. On the other hand, you don't want to sound like a whiner. I think you can highlight how you took advantage of what was good about your hs, but also highlight what is so attractive about Grinnell in comparison.</p>
<p>I did check with my son and he said the HS question was always the hardest. He thought it would be good to say what I said in the previous post.</p>
<p>Yeah, I've heard 2 friends say that they thought their interview was what got them in Grinnell. Just be yourself :)</p>
<p>Gah, yeah, the high school question was indeed the hardest...I think I answered some questions well, and some not as well..</p>
<p>haha, now I'm worried!</p>
<p>This is a school where you can relax and be yourself--no need to worry. Not everyone will be admitted, but if you just do your best to be honest, I don't think it can hurt you.</p>
<p>i'm having my interview tomorrow--i'm still pretty nervous, but your comments have made feel more prepared.</p>
<p>Oh, good luck purpleplants! You might even enjoy it.</p>