interviews

<p>so, i'll be interviewing this summer :)</p>

<p>what kinds of questions did they ask you? what is "appropriate" attire for a summer interview?</p>

<p>thanks!</p>

<p>Hey CPU,
My experience with Smith interviewing was very positive. They were extremely friendly and laid back and really did just want to get to know you. In terms of questions, the only one that I recall being difficult was “Give us a brief biography of yourself,” but I simply asked her to be a bit more specific. Other than that though the conversation was really amicable, and flowed naturally. In terms of what to wear, my two cents is that it should be a nice version of something you would typically wear. I debated wearing a suit (which I really do love doing), but ultimately went with a nice dress, leggings and some semi-formal flats. I think whatever you’re comfy in is fine. Also, I 'think it helps to prepare a couple questions about the school beforehand. That way you can avoid having to think of them under pressure, and it will be clear that you have taken the time to get to know the school. Genuine enthusiasm is a big plus. Overall just be courteous and be yourself.
All the best</p>

<p>I wore casual clothes to my interview, but you can NEVER go wrong with a white shirt.</p>

<p>My interview was with one of my mom’s coworkers who happened to be a Smith alumna. In fact, she contacted me first. MY first interview with her was at the beginning of my junior year and she asked me about my school schedule, my academic interests, my passions, my goals. It ran like a typical conversation. You will be asked if you have any questions, so you should have a few planned out so you can continue the discussion.
My second interview was at the beginning of my senior year (same person) and I had decided that Smith was my #1 at that point. WE talked again about my school schedule, but I also asked her about her experience at Smith, what she learned, her favorite part, etc.</p>

<p>Thanks both of you, and congrats!
Hopefully I will be joining you!</p>

<p>As lili92 said, definitely prepare for the question “tell me about yourself.” That was the most difficult one for me because it was so vague and open, and if you’re not ready it can catch you off-guard. It tends to be better to focus on a few key points about yourself rather than trying to hit on everything. But the interview overall was very nice and chill and I had a good time. They’ll ask you usual things like favorite and least favorite subjects, favorite and least favorite teachers, etc. And definitely prepare a couple questions you want to know about the school. Good luck!</p>

<p>You should dress as you would normally dress for any other day, as part of the point of the interview is to represent who you are to the interviewer. The interviews are usually very relaxed and casual, but it is good to think in advance about questions like “Why did you choose Smith” or “Why do you think Smith is a good fit for you”. Also, keep in mind that an interview is a chance for you to expand on things on your resume. So if, for example, you play an instrument, your resume will say “Played violin for ten years”, but only in the interview will they be able to learn about your love for Bach, your dream of playing in the New York Philharmonic, etc. Think about what parts of yourself you want to highlight for the interviewer, and focus on that.</p>

<p>Yes to what S&P said. An interview allows you to do two things: expand on things that are already on your app or resume and introduce things that for one reason or another aren’t.</p>

<p>As an example of the latter, many applicants often have experiences that illustrate traits about themselves that would be attractive in a college setting, whether it was how you helped in getting an orchestra trip funded or defused some high school bullying or deliberately took a class in something you were weak in…the list of possibilities would be very very long.</p>

<p>you’re welcome! best of luck :)</p>

<p>Thank you all!
I’ve never gone into an interview prepared, I’ve just had so many that I’m not nervous anymore (my last one last Friday landed me a job on the spot!)</p>

<p>But this is the most important interview of my life to date!</p>

<p>Thank you all soooo much and I will hopefully have good news to share come December :)</p>