Interviewing!

<p>OK, I'm gonna interview at Pomona in a couple days..............it's my first interview ever, unless I count a job interview that went horribly...... Any advice? Are you in an office or walking around campus? I heard it's more of an information session, with 2-way questions. What kinds of things do they ask? Is there any unofficial dress code for these kinds of things?</p>

<p>My kids both did alumni interviews but they were very low keyed and non stressful. Mainly a 2 way discussion and very informative about Pomona. Basically the objective is to find out if you have social skills and are not a total bookworm who cannot relate to people. At least that is what both my kids were told.They just want to know what your interests/passions and experiences are. No trick questions or anything. Just be yourself, you will do fine! My kids wore casual clothes with a nice shirt.</p>

<p>Thanks Arizonamom :)</p>

<p>For those of you who interviewed at the college, do they do it in an office with the whole desk and chair thing? Or is it more casual? Also, what kind of questions should I be prepared for?</p>

<p>soccerfanatic, I'm having an interview at Pomona in about two weeks. After you finish yours, I'd like to ask you about it!</p>

<p>Eric</p>

<p>I interviewed in an office but sitting on a couch while the interviewer was on a chaif facing the couch. Another person was interviewing in a room in the admissions building near the entrance. I guess it depends, but just be relaxed and honest. Do a few mock interviews with friends and parents before you go to help you out. Best of luck.</p>

<p>Also, interview at the schools you care about getting into least first. This way, you will have more experience for the schools you care more about. It's not a big deal, but an inview or two might be a bit of help. maybe not. <em>shrug</em> Good luck, guys! If you don't get in, such is life.</p>

<p>Pomona is a pretty casual place and the interviews are in keeping with that. They want to get an impression of you, so the cliche advice is to be yourself.</p>

<p>If you want to be armed with some questions, you might ask about how the consortium works (whether you already know or not), how many classes can you take at each school, etc.. Also there's some revision going on to general ed requirements I believe, ask about that. If there is anything you have a particular interest in (a sport, particular major, etc.) ask about that. Best bet, look over the school's website and there's bound to be something you want to know about. But, don't stress. These interviews can usually only help, not hurt. Bottom line IMO is to ask alot of questions. this shows your interest and that you've made yourself aware of issues, practices, events, etc. at the school. Also, this keeps the focus off you and reduces stress. Unless you want to be the focus LOL.</p>

<p>As far as dress, I'm always a fan of something clean and simple, like a pair of khaki pants and a sorta plain button down type shirt. If that's not you, just wear something that shows some respect for the process. Getting too formal like Suit and tie is NOT necessary. torn t-shirt and sandals doesn't strike me as the way to go either.</p>

<p>Best of luck.</p>

<p>I did two interviews for Pomona - an alumni one in my hometown and a mock one while I was first-year to give the new senior interviewers experience. My alumni interview was pretty relaxed and she asked me basic questions and we went through my transcript and extracurriculars. The mock interview I had had me much more nervous, even though there was no pressure, partly because she followed through with some of my answers which were somewhat BS (they told us we had the freedom to say what and act the way we wanted). A lot of people have said that they are pretty good BS detectors, and I definitely believe it. So basically be honest and be prepared to answer questions they'll most likely ask (why you want to go to Pomona, what can you contribute, etc.). Good luck, and let us know how it goes.</p>

<p>Thanks guys!
Gnataire- you said they went through your transcript, do I need a copy of it?</p>

<p>My alumna specifically asked for it when I called her to set up an interview. If they didn't ask for it, then I wouldn't worry about it.</p>

<p>As an alumni interviewer myself(for Tufts not Pomona), it is always nice for a student to bring a resume or transcript but is not required. It just helps you not forget all the great things a student has done, and trigers points you want to include when you write up your report. I love when my students bring them.</p>

<p>I just got back from an interview a little while ago.</p>

<p>The questions were very straightforward. For the most part, I didn't have to think for very long before answering. Nothing caught me off guard.</p>

<p>I was a little nervous at first, but once we got going I felt fine. I brought a cup of water in the room with me to keep my throat from becoming dry.</p>

<p>The atmosphere was very relaxed. Both the interviewer and I were facing each other in chairs in an office.</p>

<p>There were at least three other students interviewing with other people at the same time, which was surprising to me.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, the admissions session started a little late, so I had to leave early in order to make the interview.</p>

<p>It's all still very fresh in my mind, so I'd be happy to answer any questions about it.</p>

<p>do they ask you about what extracurricular activities you have done and what's the most special?
what is i have nothing to say about my EC cuz it sucks so much.
what questions can i think of asking before the interview...
i cant think of any questions.
what if i cant answer the questions straight forwardly?
or if my voice is too monotone, would the interview be a negative impact?</p>

<p>Interviews can't hurt you, and my interviewer didn't specifically ask me about extracurriculars, she just found out from me talking. She mostly asked me what I did that year, and what I was looking forward to next year. My interviewer was very kind and seemed to ask questions about what she already knew I was interested in or excited about, so you should have a good time thinking of what to say. If a question doesn't yield much response, I don't think that they will pursue the topic.</p>