<p>I'm sorry, I was under the impression that you don't get an interview unless you request one. Thats what a Penn rep told me at some meeting I was at. And I think I've read it elsewhere too. Am i wrong?</p>
<p>I was hoping you guys would help me out since youre talking about interviews. I graduated Wharton a few years ago and am strongly considering interviewing during this admissions season. A few questions from the applicants point of view:
(1) Interviews at Starbucks/similar cafes: are you okay with those or do you expect interviews to be at the interviewers office. I really want to interview but I dont really need every co-worker, boss, and secretary to know about it because thatll give them a reason to ask a thousand questions about Penn to try to gauge whether their kid can get it in or not.
(2) Weekend interviews: would you be okay with Saturday/Sunday interviews or do you expect them to be on a weekday? If someone has religious reasons to decline a weekend interview, thats fine but with working long unpredictable hours, I never want to be in a situation where I have to say...lets meet Monday at 5, make it 6, make it 7, sorry I cant leave the office until 10 pm tonight so Im canceling--or totally shortchange them with a 20 min interview as my mind is wandering regarding what I should be doing at work.
(3) What do you think about being asked to bring a resume to the interview? Interviewers are not provided with applications, transcripts etc. because they want us to focus on getting to know the person, not on just the numbers which the adcom already has. But I think its way easier to get to know a person if you can ask questions about an EC or an award etc, than to just say so tell me about yourself. If I ask the person to bring a resume, can I assume that they submitted one with their application [are resumes actually required--I know most people do submit them]? I wouldnt want them to create one just for me.
Id appreciate any help you could provide on this. I want to give this my best and not shortchange applicants in any way--so if applicants could chime in on what they like/expect re: interviews, it would be SO helpful.</p>
<p>brhchs06, thanks for the pointers. I'm actually looking forward to the interview. It makes this whole application process more human somwhow, instead of just facts and numbers.</p>
<p>aj725:</p>
<p>1) I love the idea of interviews at Starbucks or other cafes. Personally, I love the laid back, cozy, intimate atmosphere. A warm seat at a cafe seems much more appealing to me than a cold office somewhere. It just think the atmosphere better lends itself to conversation. Also, a cup of good coffee never hurt;)</p>
<p>2) Weekend interviews are fine in my opinion. If the interview is for a school that the person truly loves, they will have no problem devoting one hour of their day to an interview. Sometimes, a weekend interview is even better because the student will be a bit more relaxed and in tune with the interveiw rather than busy thinking about the Calc homework that's due tomorrow.</p>
<p>3)I'd prefer that the interview didn't involve a resume, simply becuase I feel this is an opportunity to look beyond what's been written down on paper. Also, a resume might give the interviewer preconceived notions about an applicant, and as we all know, this is a chance for an applicant to really let their personality and enthusiasm for the school shine through. I feel like coming into the interview already having glanced at the app or resume might shortchange the applicant. </p>
<p>I suppose a list of EC activities is helpful, but I feel anything involving numbers should not be used as reference for the interview. Also, the question "tell me about yourself" allows both the interviewer and the applicant to really get to the heart of who an applicant is. It allows the student the freedom to talk about what they feel is important to them.</p>
<p>There you have it, my 2 cents.</p>
<p>I tend to agree that weekend interviews are easier on everyone because you have fewer impending commitments, but then there are always people who are like--but I have an away game or meet etc. So from my point of view Im thinking, if a person is committed enough to a school, would they skip that game? Im thinking that lots of HS students [and probably most parents] would say, Ive practiced for this, I shouldnt have to skip it, you should accommodate me--and I dont even mean for state championships or anything--I mean a regular game where a team member could step up and fill your spot but the risk of losing would go up by 2% if you werent playing.
Thanks for your input Helix--good luck with your upcoming interview; any others with opinions, Id love to hear them.</p>
<p>where is my interview, i submitted my app in september (part 1a anyways)...</p>
<p>I submitted my app a couple of weeks ago, and am also wondering when I'll be contacted for an interview...there's an SSCC right in my city, so location isn't really a concern. Does anyone know when they stop contacting people, or if it's done on a rolling basis--and whether or not I should take the initiative in contacting the person in my area?</p>
<p>I think about half of the applicants get interviews, and they are decided randomly. Again, location is a significant factor. I would say just hold on for a bit longer; it is up to Penn to contact the applicant. I don't think you can request an interview, but checking up on the proceedings definitely will not hurt.</p>
<p>I just talked to my interviewer today and he said that the interview will be informal, and I could even wear jeans. Do you guys think I should wear jeans so I look more laid-back and easy-going or should I dress more formal so that I look put together?</p>
<p>I would say leave the jeans behind just so it shows that you went beyond what is required and made an effort. Personally, I'd go for something in between, not a business suit, but not every-day clothes.</p>
<p>A nice pair of pants of a skirt with a sweater seems to work for most girls. </p>
<p>Good luck! Where is your interview?</p>
<p>if he said u can where jeans then do it but i'd wear a nice shirt like a button-down or a sweater. Haha i will be in my school uniform b/c the interviewer is coming to my school, haha irene u know how ridiculous my uniform is</p>
<p>It's at the interviewer's house. ahhh im going to be in his "domain." He mentioned that his house is small and that he has two very young children. I'm not quite sure whether to think this is a good setting or not......</p>
<p>yeah i wasnt even sure if penn did interviews or what not and then randomly some junior told me (a few hours after i submitted part 2) that his mom is interviewing me. i still dont know what to expect though, i've never done any sorts of interviews. how should i prepare? what are they going to ask me?</p>
<p>also, aj..
"if a person is committed enough to a school, would they skip that game?"
i dont think thats really fair to do, it just puts them in an awkward situation. if you can schedule an interview when they have free time then fine but if there really is no other option then of course they would skip the game. but putting someone in that position does not necessarily show their level of commitment.</p>
<p>it could almost go against you if interpreted right...like if the sport is that important to you you shouldn't be so willing to miss the game (if you were)..kinda shows a lack of commitment in a way...i think an interviewer would really respect you if you asked for a different time because your team was counting on you...i play tennis and i swim...and in those sports where the team is small..missing matches and meets is not a good option</p>
<p>aj725 - For what it's worth, I would prefer the privacy of a home or office setting to a Starbucks type of thing. I'd prefer weekends, actually and would have no problem bringing along a resume (although its my understanding that most interviewers know nothing about you going into it - I'm also not convinced that this is such a great thing.</p>
<p>aj725~
I pretty much agree w/ Helix.
1. Starbucks/similar cafe setting is best.
2. Weekends are best.
3. No resume. The reason I would like an interview is because it doesn't involve the numbers. It's almost like the "why are you a good match for Penn?" essay question. I'm sure practically everyone who applies is a "good match" academically (except me - I'm on of the longshots lol), but I think Penn wanted to see if people were a good match on a more social basis also. And the interview is the way to find out such information. I think a resume would just render the interview almost meaningless.</p>