<p>So, Brown University does not require interviews, but they apparently want to interview 100% of their applicants. I was not expecting this-i am so terrified of interviews. I know i must get used to the experience, but the way i see it is this- I have about a 10% chance of getting in, and if i do get in, Brown is still not my top choice, or even second or third. also, an interviewer wrote on this site that because most interviews go so well, it is rare that one will actually increase your chances of getting in or enhance your application. on the other hand, will it seriously decrease my chances of getting in if i decline? basically i see no advantage in going for the interview besides the experience (and then the downside is i will be seriously stressed about it for a very long time), but not going for an interview may be bad for me. any suggestions? ):</p>
<p>So, in summary you would be stressed out about an interview for a college you really don’t want to go to? </p>
<p>Interviewers don’t expect 17 year-old kids to be good interviewees. They won’t be asking you tough questions or putting you on the spot. So the stress is low except for what you bring to the meeting. </p>
<p>Here’s what I would tell my own kids. If you are stressed out about doing some event, that’s just another reason to do it.</p>
<p>Go to the interview. You have everything to gain by doing it because it will give you experience that will help you do well interviewing for colleges and other opportunities that you do want.</p>
<p>I agree with Northstarmom that you should do it for the experience, but why are you applying to a school that you don’t seem that interested in attending?</p>
<p>I do alumni interviews for Brown, and I’ve had candidates occasionally decline the interview. I can’t imagine it helps their application, but I doubt it’s a deal breaker.</p>
<p>Really, the interviews as I do them are not stressful in the least. It’s less an assessment tool than it is a chance for you to find out more about Brown. If you have reasons why Brown is not even your third choice, those are the things you ought to discuss with the interviewer. The benefit to you is not because it improves your admission chances, but because it will help you make a more informed choice should you get accepted.</p>
<p>I agree with qialah. I also think there is nothing wrong with telling the interviewer that these meetings are not your strong suit because you tend to get very nervous when you contact them. Hopefully they will take the cue and put you at ease. Come up with a few questions about Brown that you are interested in knowing about before you go.</p>
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<p>A great reason to go to an extremely low pressure (really!) interview for a school you’re not that interested in. You have to get used to interviews sometime, so the B one is a great start. Do you want to save up all that anxiety for your top pick school? Big internship? First job?</p>
<p>What if it’s a school you’re really interested in? I’d probably screw up and ruin my chances.</p>
<p>I did an interview for Brown in park slope, Brooklyn. It was at the interviewer’s home. We had some hot chocolate and she made it real cozy and welcoming. Upon doing the interview I also learned that her personality was welcoming as well and I could speak to her about anything–concerns, or just plain questions. Needless to say, the interview went well and she extended her full attention to any questions I had or concerns later on during the admissions process. Believe me, these people know that students will be nervous and I believe most if not all will do all that is possible to put a student at ease. It’s only natural to be concerned with your performance during the interview and most alumni interviewers are fully aware of that. I’d say do the interview as it will make your application more personal and treat it as if your going to see your friend. At the same time, keep it professional and maintain a certain level of respect and maturity. Lastly, just being yourself could not be more appreciated.</p>
<p>Relax… it’s not as bad as Oxbridge interviews</p>
<p>[Oxbridge</a> interviews - the right response - Times Online](<a href=“The Times & The Sunday Times: breaking news & today's latest headlines”>The Times & The Sunday Times: breaking news & today's latest headlines)</p>
<p>From another article: A survey conducted by Oxbridge Applications of more than 4,000 students who went through its training last year reveals the sort of questions that this year’s hopefuls should be ready for:</p>
<p>• Talk about a light bulb (engineering, Oxford)
• Would you rather be a novel or a poem? (English, Oxford)
• How many monkeys would you use in an experiment? (experimental psychology, Oxford)
• What would you do if you were a magpie? (natural sciences, Cambridge)
• Should we have laws for the use of light bulbs? (law, Cambridge)
• Is there such a thing as an immoral book? (French and Spanish, Cambridge)
• How does geography relate to A Midsummer Night’s Dream? (geography, Oxford)
• If I were a grapefruit would I rather be seedless or non-seedless? (medicine, Cambridge)</p>
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Because contrary to popular belief people tend to apply to more than their top 3 choices. The OP never said he/she wasn’t interested, just that it wasn’t among his/her top 3.</p>
<p>On a tangential note, what top colleges DO require the interview? I’ve heard Harvard and Georgetown mentioned floating around these categories; can anyone verify that claim as well as note some others?</p>
<p>Harvard doesn’t require an interview. It attempts to interview all of it’s U.S. applicants.</p>
<p>You get better at things by practicing them, not avoiding them. </p>
<p>If you can, get an interview or two at schools where you would feel less pressure before you go to your interview at Brown. Also, practice interviews with your friends, parents and teachers. Read a book on the subject. Figure out a few things you can bring up to ask about the school.</p>
<p>Never avoid an opportunity to demonstrate who you are. You will be interviewed for the rest of your life in one way or another. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>I’ve just received an e-mail for a Skype interview from an alumnus based in London while I’m from Malaysia! I’m really nervous about it!</p>
<p>Just wondering, in the end, did you accept the interview and how did it go?</p>
<p>It’s great to use the Search function for finding information, but many times the OP of an old thread is no longer participating, like on this thread where they have not posted since June of last year.</p>
<p>Don’t be nervous! Really, these alumni interviews are as much, if not more, for your information than to ‘assess’ you for admission. My D2 went to one last night and had a great time, she had a lot in common with the interviewer and it made her really excited about the college. Best of luck and enjoy yourself!</p>