<p>I got an email invitation to participate in an optional informational interview. It says it is an evaluative interview and that the alumnus will submit a written report about the interview that will become part of the official application record.</p>
<p>Faline2 or others - any comments - Should I or not ? I looked up the interviewers list for my area - they all seem to be technology execs. I am applying for a A & S major.</p>
<p>Will this help with scholarships ?</p>
<p>I think if it’s offered, you should most definitely take advantage of it.</p>
<p>My DD was accepted ED1 and did the optional interview - also w/ a tech exec. (Her major will be in the sciences.) </p>
<p>As for scholarships, I would think that your entire application will be reviewed and considered when it comes to that.</p>
<p>Unless you really struggle with conversation, you should definitely do it. These things tend to be more conversation-esque than interviews. If they like you, the interview can be very beneficial to your application. Come up with some good Vandy-specific questions to prove your interest.</p>
<p>My interview was a blast. I came into Vandy as a possible Pre-med or Special Education major, and my interviewer was a marketing executive with a background in sports media. Matching their careers with your goals isn’t necessary. I loved my interview; I really got an idea for the experience of 4 years at Vandy and heard a bunch of great stories. It really reassured my interest in Vandy after a mediocre visit (annoying Dore for a Day host and a horrible sinus infection/chest cold gave me a sour taste that obviously changed).</p>
<p>yetanotherid, I think you should accept and do the interview with an open heart. Interviews are opportunities and the “evaluative” aspect should not put fear in your mind. It might help you decide where to attend in April. It might close your heart to Vandy a bit or open your mind to Vandy more. It is up to you to take the experience and to not distort it --ie to not place too much weight on the interview in your mind, and to simply be open. Admission officers treat alum interviews in this open way…they may or may not find them to be a tipping factor or elucidating. They know not to overemphasize one alum’s impressions or comments…one applicant sharing 45 minutes with one alumnus is not a definitive way to evaluate anyone. </p>
<p>It is also your task to be fair and balanced. Alum interviews are two way streets. A. They provide You with a human being to give you a personal story on Vandy to help you break through any misconceptions you might have B. They give the admissions office a point of view about you. (they are looking for decent social IQ report and above average visions of how one student would make use of Vandy’s vast resources in four years.) Adcoms know that some violinists or some future chemists may not also be at the head of their class in public speaking. Adcoms know that variety is what makes Vandy a regional powerhouse. So you are not really competing in an interview. You only have to be someone who would be a classroom and peer positive force.</p>
<p>Our son drove to a nearby town for an evaluative interview. (Son was not really interested in Vandy at the time and had never seen it). The alumnus was such a thoughtful, agreeable person that son’s stereotypes re Vandy were challenged greatly. Son also did a private interview with a local alum in local government…again…another person’s experience with Vandy was comforting to son whose interest in Vandy began to rise. His alum guy was the opposite of our Vandy grad…a varsity college golfer, a different religion, and from a different region of the US…but son enjoyed what he had to say greatly. </p>
<p>The last good reason you should do any interview you are offered in college admissions is simply to gain skills and experience in interviewing. Vandy son did evaluative interviews and rounds of interviews for three positions freshman year of college…I think he got one of three positions he applied for in two years. He often said that if he had not applied to a good list of colleges and done so many interviews, he would not be equipped to run his own show.</p>