...My Dad wants to come to my Columbia Interview?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
1

<p>So my dad, who is on a business trip to China, wants to go with me to my interview. My father is a Columbia alumni and wants to go there to "help me out" by pointing out some qualities he finds unique and exceptional. The problem is... would this be allowed? Isn't the purpose of the interview to get them to know * me? *.</p>

<p>Moreover, the interview is scheduled the day he comes back from China. I would have to reschedule in order for my dad to come with me. I don't want to inconvenience the interviewer and I certainly don't want him to feel uncomfortable with my father there.</p>

<p>So what's the best thing I should do? Are parents usually allowed in the interview?</p>

2

<p>I would say no…</p>

3

<p>Not a good idea.</p>

4

<p>Obviously not.</p>

5

<p>Don’t do it</p>

6

<p>There’s a great book your father would do well to read. It’s called, I’m Going to College—Not You!: Surviving the College Search with Your Child.</p>

7

<p>I hope you are kidding and this is a joke.</p>

8

<p>Another mom chiming in here: NOT a good idea!</p>

9

<p>If you went through with this, you would be rejected on the spot. The interview is a conversation between your interviewer and you, not your father.</p>

10

<p>horrible, horrible, horrible idea.</p>

11

<p>Okay I get it message sent. It was a bad idea in my mind too but my parents were insisting</p>

12

<p>Even though you likely understood it by the second or third post, could we please maybe continue posting what a horrible idea we think it is?</p>

13

<p>That is a horrible idea. Under no circumstances should you allow your father to come. Shoot him if you have to.</p>

14

<p>^^^LOL</p>

<p>If you bring your dad it’s like successfully diving by zero. O.o</p>

15

<p>Haha love everyone’s responses. </p>

<p>I’m sure you get the point now. Having your father there will present two main problems:

  1. You will answer questions differently, trust me. I’ve had my dad at counselor interviews and it ruins the entire mood because you’ll feel like you need to play to your dad’s wishes
  2. He’ll try to interject things into the interview which is a big no-no
    Oh and I just thought of a third:
  3. Your interviewer will think you’re using your dad’s connections to play your way into the school rather than getting there by your own accomplishments. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

16

<p>This can’t be true. Does he want to go with you on job interviews, too?</p>

17

<p>Is this an example of the infamous helicopter parent? I thought they were a myth.</p>

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<p>anyhow no one has hit on the actual answer to the question - are parents allowed? </p>

<p>parents are welcome to accompany students to the interview, but for the actual interview it is our policy as alumni interviewers not to allow parents to be present during the actual conversation. </p>

<p>so even if your dad came, he wouldn’t be able to sit with you during the interview.</p>

19

<p>is your dad…lacking in the mental arena a bit?</p>

20

<p>Ok. I think this thread should be put to rest. He gets it.</p>