I’m currently a junior but I’m interested in how interviewing plays out in the college admissions process. From talking to current seniors at my school, I’ve come to learn that some schools offer interviews while other schools don’t. I have two questions regarding interviews:
<li>Do interviews ‘make’ or ‘break’ an applicant’s chances for admissions?</li>
<li>Will it be looked down upon if a student does not interview for a school that does offer the possibility to interview?</li>
Feel free to reply with your thoughts, past experiences, and comments.
<ol>
<li>No</li>
<li>College do not try to find ways of "looking down upon" applicants. That this phrase pops up so much shows the clueless nature of the applicant.</li>
</ol>
<p>Interviews may sometimes be a tipping factor for a borderline applicant. That's all.</p>
<p>Interviews very rarely, if ever, "make or break" your chances of admission, unless you do something that REALLY irritates the adcon. Even if the interview is optional, it's a good idea to have one anyway esp. at the school where you apply EA/ED, because it highlights your interest in the school. They want to know that you're seriously interested in the school, and not just applying there to "cover your bases", if you get my drift. Interviews (at least in my experience) tend to be very informal and conversational. They're just available so the adcons can know more about you and offers you a chance to ask questions. If you choose not to interview, it's a neutral, not a negative.</p>
<p>Here are some tips for an interview:
1. Arrive ON TIME!
2. Dress in something casual, probably something that you would usually wear. Make sure it's not ripped, too revealing, dirty, etc.
3. Don't give one word answers, look the interviewer directly in the eye
4. Show your passion about what you're interested in studying
5. Ask questions, because this shows your curiosity and interest in the school. Don't ask about anything that you can easily find in the college pamphlets or on CB's website (i.e. average SAT score).</p>
<p>Hope this helps--feel free to ask anymore ?s. :)</p>