<p>Hey. I have an interview with an alumni from Duke on Saturday. What kinds of questions do they ask? Would anyone know any specific questions? Also, how is life at Duke? Academically, I know that it's one of the best, but what's the social scene like? If anyone has any advice about my upcoming interview I would appreciate it mucho!</p>
<p>My friend who's also applying had an interview. It was at the alumni's house, which was a supposedly really nice one. She said it went well and I'm guessing it was very informal because her mom was there too and joining in the conversation and stuff. It seemed like my friend was asking most of the questions, though. I'll ask her some specifics and try to get back to you this week.</p>
<p>Be able to answer these two questions naturally and off the top of your head:</p>
<p>"Why Duke?"
"What do you do?"
"What can Duke do to help you do what you want to do?"</p>
<p>ALWAYS have a question for the interviewer, even if you think you know everything. Questions include:
1. What was your experience like at Duke?
2. I've been reading a lot about X lately and was interested in knowing about X. Obviously the printed ads can hype things, so I was wondering what you personal take was about X.</p>
<p>X can be ANYTHING, even the most basic stuff, and it will seem like you are original and such.</p>
<p>I'm a Duke alumni interviewer so I'll give you my take on the process. Really, all interviewers have their own style. There are no "required" questions that we have to ask the applicant. I personally always try to make the conversations rather informal -- much more of a 2 way conversation than a question-answer session. </p>
<p>We're trying to find out things about you that aren't easily conveyed in an application. Keep in mind that the admissions committee already knows all of your stats, but they don't really know <em>you</em> as a person. Don't be afraid to let your personality show in the interview. This is not a test to see how serious you can be. :)</p>
<p>Of course be able to talk about why you are applying to Duke. Be prepared to talk about your extra-curriculars: you don't have to talk about everything but pick one or two that you are most passionate about and give the interviewer an idea of what they mean to you.</p>
<p>What the interviewer sends back to Duke is not a list of questions and answers but rather a completely free-form essay. It's entirely up to the interviewer to decide what to write. But realize that we aren't out to nail you. The vast majority of interviewers really want you to succeed and are going to give you every opportunity to show how you stand out. </p>
<p>Try to relax, be yourself, and look at the interview as an opportunity rather than a chore. Good luck on Saturday!</p>
<p>Give and take is key in any interview. During my Duke interview, I offered up as many questions as my interviewer did, and things seemed to go very well. Like the previous poster said, take advantage of this opportunity to learn a bit more about Duke while showing yourself in a manner that is not readily apparent from looking at an application. Best of luck on Saturday!</p>
<p>My S brought a very short (one third of a page) resume/EC list for the interviewer. They have to write an essay and it helps to have some of the basics bulleted briefly.<br>
The interviewers are naturally curious about you so you should be as transparent as possible and not hide your intellectual passions or any of your strengths but help the interviewer see them. Don't be timid or grandiose. I think it is a good idea to visualize yourself at Duke and to build an imaginary possible life there as if you are writing a Why Duke essay..then convey three of those ways you would contribute to the Duke community to the interviewer. Don't overwhelm them or count off lists of club memberships from high school. boring.<br>
Remember, you need to come across as a vibrant person people would love to have around as a friend and student, not a finished product. don't worry about making up a major or career path but indicate departments which you are sure you will take classes and possible paths you may take. Where will you contribute and where does Duke contribute to you the most?
Another hint. S's Duke interviewer asked right away..not that this is fair but be prepared: So where is Duke on your list ranked by you preference and where else are you applying. Decide how you want to handle this. In S's case, Duke was a Reach college and so it is easy to come across as modest since many many qualified kids are not admitted but could do fine there. Realistically, only a segment of applicants can expect to get admitted. The rest of students quite rightly need to come up with other reach and match schools that would be great places as well. That is pretty much how my son answered but he did cough up his list. The fact that S was reality based and showed that he could be happy elsewhere and had plans for other colleges if deferred/waitlisted I think was seen as personal balance and strength.</p>
<p>"So where is Duke on your list ranked by you preference and where else are you applying."</p>
<p>You're right. That's an unfair question and, imo, inappropriate -- particularly the ranking question. I'm glad your son was able to answer it without too much awkwardness.</p>
<p>If the admissions committee really wanted to know that, they would ask it on the application. FYI -- alum interviewers are asked by Duke not to ask questions like that so odds are most won't have to deal with it. But it is good to have some response in mind just in case.</p>
<p>yes, gadgets, it is an inappropriate question and S did not believe Duke asked for that information but did think his interviewer would report the answer anyway. In our experience just plain curiosity will get the best of adults as well as peers. It is natural to try to "get a read" on how serious an applicant is about a college you love as an alum. I should add that the alum that gave the interview was personable, inspired by Duke and during the interview my S's interest in Duke actually increased after chatting with him despite that awkward moment. In this case, the interview added depth to the applicant's view of the university and the alum's frankness came off as kind.</p>