<p>I would just throw out two things:
1. People generally like talking about themselves.
2. People generally don't like being asked questions if they don't know the answers.
So, yes, ask the interviewer about his own experiences at the school, with followup questions based on what he says. Don't ask him a lot of questions if he clearly doesn't know the answer. (I.e., if he is a scientist, you may not want to ask him specific questions about the availabillity of practice pianos.)</p>
<p>Well, I had a Dartmouth alumni interview and here's what I asked (I really stressed diversity and social life):</p>
<ol>
<li><p>How did you become involved in school activities? Because in some schools, I know you can vote on the school mascot and everything.
She answered with a brilliant response and said she made a dining hall that catered to religious needs, such as Kosher and Halal food.</p></li>
<li><p>I first told her I was a "diverse person". She was like, "Haha, diverse person.. I get it." Then we both laughed. She and I knew what NYC was like and then I asked her to compare it to her social life in Dartmouth.
She responded by saying that it's very rural, and there are lots of international students. The school is small so you won't see a lot of people you don't know.</p></li>
<li><p>I know dorming at Dartmouth is pretty good compared to other schools, but I'd like to hear your first hand experience. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>I asked about four to five questions, but she ended up digressing and we talked about sororities, trippies, and a lot of other social events. She really sold the school to me. I only applied for the hell of it, but now I really REALLY wish I get in!</p>