Hi guys, I have my interview on Wednesday for my top choice school with an alumni. I’m very personable and if nerves didn’t get the better of me, I know I would have a smooth interview. However, I’m worried about choking up, stumbling over words, and just embarrasshing myself because I’m nervous about the interview. I’ve never had a formal interview like this and it’s for an Ivy League school, so standards are high. IF anyone has any advice about pre-interview jitters or just a general positive experience with an interview, please share! 
Most interviews today are non evaluative and really just an opportunity to share information and make the process more personal. Be yourself, relax, and make sure you have questions to ask your alum.
i am so sorry to see you so nervous. i know many many ivy alumni interviewers. they are all parents. i don’t know a single one who would be policing your nerves. i myself went through these interviews and of course i wish someone told me that these are just parents. being an arrogant jerk will ding you. being nervous will show you are humble and have respect for the process. if you seize up just try saying, i’m so sorry, i’m nervous. i’m pretty sure you’ll get immediate sympathy and reassurance.
Think of how your friends and family would describe you. Specific words that make you who you are, attributes, habits, etc. Then think of stories that exemplify and embody these positive characteristics or attributes. Contemplate how you would tell these stories and be prepared to integrate them into a conversation. The idea is to go beyond the application. Show the interviewer who you are through the stories of your life or the words of those that know you best.
Then circle back to asking if the school in question has similar values, could serve as a platform for or would make a good home/fit for you given how you have described yourself. Be honest, engaged and excited about the entire experience.
Most importantly have fun with it. This is your chance not only to show who you are our are but meet some interesting people. The question every interviewer is asking is can I picture the applicant at my school. Ask and answer that question before you arrive. You will do great!
As started be yourself. My son had a Cornell interview a few years back and it was very laid back. His interviewer was not a parent. Have a few questions and relax.
I had my Penn interview last week. Very straightforward, pretty much just had a conversation with the guy while taking the opportunity to learn even more about the school. There are also likely some sample questions on the university website, but it’s really nothing you need to prepare for if you already know a bit about the school.
Highly recommend coming up with questions of your own. My question-answer portion of the interview took up about 50% of the time.
Part of every interviewer’s job is to be an ambassador for their institution. This is not meant to be an interrogation or even a job interview. Be prepared to talk about some topics and activities that interest you and where you have spent substantial time and effort. Have some questions ready about the school (and how it may have affected grads like the interviewer). The interview will soon just become a nice conversation. I get plenty of interviewees who are initially nervous, but they almost always fall into their rhythm when we talk about something that is important to them.
@CollegePrepping2 Thank you for your response! Were you nervous going into it? And when you say conversation, was it more of interview asking questions and you answering or an actual back-and-forth conversation? How long did it last? Glad it went well for you!