<p>Hey folks,</p>
<p>I've been mentioned to an executive at one of my prospective transfer universities. We plan on having a personal introduction this evening. My mind is racing with topics that I would like to bring up, but I'm afraid that I am over-thinking, over-emphasizing certain things, and forgetting some crucial points - all at once!</p>
<p>I wish to firstly introduce myself and give some background of my academic progress and how I wound up where I am today (@ a community college & looking to transfer next fall).
I'm really passionate about my major and this particular university is outstanding for the field. I want to emphasize this as much as possible.
Finally, I have many questions about the school's curriculum, lecture setup, and availability of research/internships/career support.</p>
<p>Am I on the right track for making a good impression while encompassing key questions as well?
How would you utilize an opportunity such as this?</p>
<p>What do you mean by an executive (what is their position)? What do you mean by “an introduction”? Are you going to a sit down dinner where you will be with them for some time, or at a cocktail party, or a reception for the school, or what? Do you have an interview set up?</p>
<p>To me it sounds like you plan to talk his/her ear off – I would have a brief introduction in mind saying that you are planning to apply as a transfer student and what program you are interested in, and maybe a couple of questions. But unless this is really specifically set up for you to have one-on-one time with this executive, it seems to me this could backfire if you try to monopolize or take too much of their time. An executive level person isn’t necessarily the best person to answer all of your questions about the school, either (website, admissions counselor, professors via email, current students, etc. are also good sources). It doesn’t make a great impression to ask a lot of questions already covered on the website or obvious from sources like Fiske. Also, sometimes just making an impression as someone who can talk about something other than admissions and the college can pay off, too. Just saying – don’t blow this person away with your intensity.</p>
<p>And depending on your back story, you may not want to emphasize why you are at community college now. It can pretty easily come across as making excuses of some kind, unless you have some super compelling life story (arrived from refugee camp speaking no English, etc. type story).</p>