<p>has anyone who lives in southern california got accepted to pomona without an interview?
most colleges say that interviews are not required but recommended. What does this mean? if it is only recommended, then why are people in this pomona thread saying that interview is so important?
is interview particularly more important for pomona college?
if so, how should i prepare? i suck at talking....</p>
<p>I think the interview is very important to do. Just be yourself, Pomona likes real people who are passionate about learning. They just want to see that you have some social skills. It is vey relaxed, just be authentic and you will do great!</p>
<p>theonlyone</p>
<p>"Great value is placed upon interviews in our admissions selection process.......Students residing in Southern California are expected to interview on campus." (Pomona Office of Admissions)</p>
<p>US News and World Report says that for Pomona, the interview is "very important" (the same importance as grades, class rank, test scores, essay, EC...)</p>
<p>From what I've read, if you live in So. Cal and do not request an interview, your chances of being accepted at Pomona are slim.</p>
<p>Perhaps if you practiced interviewing with some family/friends, that will help you feel more prepared.</p>
<p>Good luck. Don't let the interview scare you away from Pomona!</p>
<p>TOO--</p>
<p>Best to schedule your interview early. I recall reading last year that the dates had filled up by the time an applicant contacted the Admissions Office. At the local accepted students reception, Bruce Poch, Dean of Admissions, said that they aren't interested in admitting every applicant presenting perfect SAT scores, etc. They're looking for kids with character and personality. That's something that's hard to judge on paper.</p>
<p>See if you can do a practice interview with your GC. Our HS's College and Career Center schedules times for kids to practice their interviewing skills. Maybe yours will, too.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>if you're in california, i strongly recommend an interview. besides, it doesn't look good to pomona if you're a few hours drive away, yet you don't take the time to come and visit with the admissions officers.</p>
<p>as for preparing, don't. you'd look lame if you sound too rehearsed. be yourself! that's what pomona wants to see. remember, the interview plays a tiny role in your total application. basically, they want to see that you're not an axe murderer. just remember these things:</p>
<ol>
<li>don't dis your high school.</li>
<li>don't swear (that includes using "God" or "Jesus").</li>
<li>be politically correct (no hating/bashing/racism).</li>
<li>dress semi-formally, but don't overdo it.</li>
<li>shake the interviewer's hand firmly with confidence.</li>
<li>look him/her in the eye (very important!)</li>
<li>take turns leading the conversation, show you can converse courteously.</li>
<li>sit up straight, don't slouch. you want to look cultured.</li>
<li>RELAX! it's just a friendly convo. pretend you're talking to a potential friend.</li>
</ol>
<p>ok, hope that helps!</p>
<p>good advice in the post above. I'd also add that you come prepared with questions of our own that you want to ask about the school.</p>
<p>At the bottom line, IMO, of primary importance with the interview process is to show your true interest in the school. Pomona gets about 5,000 applications, most very qualified, for just under 400 spots. They want to know how serious YOU really are about attending, which is an important issue for the administration and selection process and the interview can speak volumes as to your level of interest.</p>