<p>I contacted my EC. he replied and suggested that we do the interview by phone! As an international student whose first language is not English, I've always found it more difficult to understand people on the phone. what should I do? Can interviews be on phone? It would be a great disadvantage for me. Chris and the others, please help!</p>
<p>If you have a good webcam, you might offer to use Skype or something… I’m not sure how professional that is, but if the sound/picture quality would be good during your interview, it seems like that would be a lot better than phone.</p>
<p>^I left a suggestion for you on the other forum where you posted this same question, MMaverick.
Good luck to you!</p>
<p>Where are you located? Explain to your EC the issue and ask if there is any way to get an in person interview. There has to be an MIT alumni somewhere near you. Ask if you could talk to them in addition to your EC as the alumn may not be an EC. Seems like there should be an easy solution to this problem as long as you ask.</p>
<p>Apologize in advance that you may have a little bit of trouble understanding and will likely need them to repeat some questions/responses due to poor phone service/quality.</p>
<p>^Unless the reason really is “poor phone service/quality,” I wouldn’t use that as the reason. The way you describe it, OP, it’s because of a language barrier over the phone, more than a phone service issue. If that’s the case, and you do end up conducting the interview over the phone, the EC will likely accurately perceive the quality of the phone service AND the slight language barrier – and he will probably know that you weren’t being truthful when you stated your concern. Never a good thing. Just be truthful … always a good policy.</p>
<p>And, first do what I suggested on the other thread – state your preference for conducting the interview in person (no reason to mention why at this point), and ask if that would be okay with him.</p>
<p>If he says it’s not okay with him, for some reason, then you may want to state, truthfully, that you’re a little concerned about a slight language barrier over the phone. OR, you may want to wait until later, to see if the problem you’re worried about really arises while you’re on the phone, and then truthfully explain your concern at that time. </p>
<p>The EC will expect you to be human. It’s all good.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your replies. It’s over now! I talked to my EC. He is in the US and I am in Afghanistan. We couldn’t do it in person since he will stay in the US for a longer time. I contacted MIT admission office and they told me that phone interviews are not allowed!
No EC in Afghanistan, Interview Waived! I really wish I could talk to an EC in person. I am sure this could tremendously help my application. :(</p>
<p>It’s too bad you won’t be able to do an in-person interview, MMaverick, but I’m glad you got rid of the phone interview, since it was causing you anxiety. Good for you for handling the whole thing the way you did. Way to communicate! And good luck in the rest of the process! :)</p>
<p>That’s what I like. Someone who took control of the issue and resolved it themselves. I wish all students did that. Good luck to you where ever life takes you.</p>
<p>Thank you SimpleLife and HPuck35. Wish you all the best!</p>