<p>can anyone tell me what the interviews at W&L are like? i have an interview mid-july and im quite curious to know how they work!</p>
<p>mine was relaxed and not too different from any other college interview… we did have a good discussion about my specific interests and i think it helped that I was really passionate about politics and had a number of activities to talk about and back that up… be ready for the why are you interested in w&l type of question, of course</p>
<p>I’m curious about this as well- I’m having my first college interview with them in a couple of weeks. Does anyone have any tips?</p>
<p>ok thanks! what did you wear… im not too sure what a good outfit would be.
i dont want to be too formal and its summer as well</p>
<p>Remember that WNL is known for it’s preppiness. I am not saying go out of your element and dress in the most ridiculous stuff you can find, but dress somewhat nicely. I wore khakis, loafers, and a collared shirt.</p>
<p>college interviews are usually relaxed where the interviewer just wants to learn more about you, they are not interested in grilling you on why you got a B in chem.
keep in mind that these interviews usually hold little weight in the application process, that doesnt mean not to take them seriously, but if you do somehow screw up, it’s not the end of the world.</p>
<p>I’ve been interviewing for W&L for over a decade. What has been said is true - the interview is not the largest factor in your application. On the other hand, it is the fastest way to enhance your application. I promise you, if you spend one or two hours preparing for your interview, and take the interview seriously, you can positively impact your chances for admission. </p>
<p>So, here are my thoughts. </p>
<p>1) Be prepared - there are a few questions that you will be asked (why do you want to go to W&L, what do you do outside of school, what got you interested in W&L, what do you want to study, where else are you applying). In one form or another, these questions are going to be asked. Practice your answer a few times. I’m not saying to memorize an answer, but when someone asks you one of these cream-puff questions, make sure you have something interesting to say.</p>
<p>2) I don’t care what you wear, but I do care about how you present yourself. Take out your gum, leave your cell phone in the car, take off your watch (whatever you do, don’t look at your watch while in an interview - it sends a signal that you have some place more important to be) and give me 100% of your attention. </p>
<p>3) Engage in the conversation - be willing to share something about yourself. If you are the type of person that is generally uncomfortable talking about yourself, then you are going to have to practice a little. As an interviewer, I don’t want to have to carry the entire conversation. I don’t care if you are “shy” or “quiet” - this is a verbal interview. If you are not willing to talk to me - don’t expect me to recommend you. </p>
<p>On the other hand, if you are the type of person who is very comfortable talking about yourself - be cautions. Make sure that you do not do more than about 60% of the talking, and make sure that you ask question. This is a conversation, not a monologue. </p>
<p>4) Don’t ask questions that you can find the answer to on the school’s website. Don’t ask how many students go there, or do they have a __<strong><em>team, or do they offer </em></strong> activities. All of that information is readily available on the school’s website. </p>
<p>Do, ask questions that show you have a grasp of the what the school offers, and engages the interviewer. Questions like “Did you know what you were going to major in, or did you decide after you arrived” or “There are so many great classes that I am paranoid that I am going to waste an opportunity by taking a bad class. How did you find out about classes and professors before you signed up for a class” are examples.</p>
<p>5) Send a thank you note after the interview. Really. It will make you stand out, because I promise you that less than 10% of your peers do it. It’s not that hard to find my mailing address, or buy a stamp. </p>
<p>6) Act like you want to go to the school. W&L gets 6000 plus applications for 450 slots. If you aren’t passionate about going to W&L, then I am not going to be passionate about writing you a letter of recommendation.</p>
<p>7) Last but not least, don’t be boring. Seriously - your “job” in the interview is to get the interviewer to like you and remember you and write a good recommendation. If you do nothing but react to the interviewers questions, and don’t add anything interesting to the conversation - you will not be helping your application. </p>
<p>Hope that this helps.</p>
<p>^great advice that can applied to any college interview, thanks for sharing</p>
<p>for the thank you letter, would a thank you email still be acceptable?
im coming from out of the country for a couple of days just to visit W&L… so im not sure how mailing would work out. </p>
<p>thank you so much for the advice, it made me feel a lot better!</p>
<p>I was talking about an letter sent via snail mail - and believe that is the best method. I know that it is a pain to look up an address, find some stationery, hand write a letter, find a stamp, and mail the letter. That is exactly why you will distinguish yourself if you do it. </p>
<p>That being said, given your circumstance, and email would be just fine - and much appreciated.</p>
<p>Just to update. My interview went really well, and I was dressed appropriately 
I was also able to send a thank you letter via snail mail. Success!</p>