<p>I scheduled my on-campus Smith interview last week. It's in two weeks, and it'll be my first college interview ever--actually, my first real interview for anything ever. What should I expect? I've read a list of "typical interview questions" on another website and thought about them, but that hasn't calmed me much. </p>
<p>I feel wholly unprepared and my anxiety increases daily, it seems. I've tried looking for tips on this part of the forum, but I can't find (m)any. If someone who has been through this interview process could please help me out, I would be very grateful. :)</p>
<p>The interview is really not that big of a deal. Dress nicely & comfortably, make sure you have a few questions in mind (school-specific ones are a plus!). Try to do a tour or info session beforehand so you have that fresh in your mind. As far as what to expect, just go in prepared to talk about your interests and achievements. Take a deep breath and remember that you are a unique human being with many experiences and ideas to share. This interview is your chance to show the side of you that might not be apparent on paper, the part that is more than a transcript and test scores. The admissions reps WANT to see something good in you! Best of luck.</p>
<p>My D -who was admitted -had an interview in Sept. The admissions officer had a few prepared questions - one of which was something like choose an adjective to describe yourself and when my daughter kind of said that was not her favorite question the interviewer agreed and they moved on. She was very relaxed and they talked about trips my D had taken and her academic and non academic interests. She said it was not her favorite interview but very unintimidating.
I also highly recommend going on the tour first and the info session if possible as that will give you things to ask about. My D wore a skirt and t-shirt since it was very hot but one of our tour guides said she had worn jeans. Nice casual is fine. Also Smiths admissions office is pretty comfortable and welcoming unlike some we visited - i.e Swarthmore and Bates.
Last tip - if there is a college near you you are not really interested try and schedule and interview there first for practice.</p>
<p>Smith interviews are very relaxed, they’re really just a chance to get to know you a little better and for you to have your questions answered about Smith. Since they’re not required for admission, even if you bomb the interview it won’t sink your chances of getting in and it’s pretty hard to bomb them. </p>
<p>They’ll ask you the usual interview questions: Why are you interested in our school, talk about your extra curriculars, what do you like to do for fun. Looking at sample questions on other sites is probably a good idea, but don’t feel like you have to have anything prepared. In fact, it’s better if you don’t sound like you practiced too hard, you just want to be yourself, give answers that are true to you, not packaged. </p>
<p>Dress comfortably, you can wear jeans if you want and sneakers, or whatever outfit you think represents you best.</p>
<p>Thanks, everyone, for your advice. The assurance that it’s not that intense is really comforting right now, and I can already feel myself relaxing a bit. :)</p>
<p>My daughter (currently a junior at Smith) went on the tour first and fell in love with the school. By the time she got to her interview, she was bubbling with enthusiasm – but also, of course, somewhat stressed because she wanted to get into Smith. Her interview was relaxed and fun. From the waiting room, I could hear the two of them laughing. For my daughter, the interview solidified what she was already thinking, that she loved Smith.</p>
<p>I disagree about the unimportance of the interviews. I know plenty of girls who have exaggerated experiences they’ve had throughout high school and even made some up. Interviews clear up any uncertainty the school may have about you and offers you the chance to prove to them that you’re not bratty, unsophisticated, or just want to go to their school because of the name. It’s important to show interest by putting in time for interviews and the school will only give an acceptance letter to somebody they feel will be of great contribution. It also gives you the chance to see if you’ll fit in at the school. When I visited Bryn Mawr for an interview, I left disappointed. When I went for my Smith interview in December, I left with the fear that I wouldn’t be accepted and it immediately became my first choice. Luckily I will be attending this fall 2009, and I give just as much credit to my interview as to my essays.</p>
<p>Thanks again, everyone, for all of your advice. My interview is today! I hope it goes well. I feel much better about it than before I posted this thread, though, so I really appreciate the help I’ve received.</p>