<p>It might be too late to even interview anymore, but I was contacted a few weeks ago to try to set up an appointment with an alum. Between the two of us, it was extremely hard to find anytime to really interview (he was offering M or F, 9am-5pm) since both my parents work and I have no car. </p>
<p>So long story short, after a few times talking with his secretary, we can't find any good time to interview. Now, I even offered to come in at 7am (or anytime on Tuesday) before he started his job, to try to interview. Its not like I don't want an interview, I do, its just that it was nearly impossible to meet with him. So the secretary just tells me that it's ok and that I just won't have an interview.</p>
<p>Now, my first question is if anyone knows whether or not my assigned interviewer would write a report to Cornell, telling them that I declined the interview. I didn't even talk to the alum (only his secretary a few times) and I hope he didn't get the impression that I just didn't care about Cornell (although its entirely possible that he did :/). I do like Cornell, I even visited, its just that I couldn't interview.</p>
<p>Is there a way that I can request another alumni interviewer in my area, if there are any available and if its not already too late? </p>
<p>Thanks for reading and all advice would be appreciated!</p>
<p>i declined interviewing at two schools- duke and brown. never asked them to tell the universities why, but i got into one and was waitlisted at the other. i don’t think you should worry about it too much- all of my interviewers seemed like they wanted to be anywhere else anyway.</p>
<p>I’m not sure if this is possible/allowed, but what about a phone interview? </p>
<p>Also, is there any way for you to explain your situation to the alum directly (via e-mail or by phone, perhaps)?</p>
<p>Are you applying to Hotel or AA&P? Those are the only two schools that require an interview.</p>
<p>Most likely you’re looking at an information session. As an alum, I’m a little surprised that the alum is only giving you workday times. He needs to be more flexible. That being said, explain that a 9-5 time slot does not work for you and seek out a phone interview. It’s never good to turn down an information session, whether it be in person or on the phone. Alums report on the meeting (non-evaluative) but they also report if the opportunity was declined by the applicant.</p>
<p>Obviously, most of the alums who volunteer to do these contacts have busy work schedules and other commitments. That being said, I’m surprised the alum who contacted you isn’t providing a little more flexibility in scheduling. I’m also surprised that the alum’s secretary is handling the scheduling…according to our guide that’s a no-no!</p>
<p>Many alums conduct phone interviews, especially when geographic constraints come into play. I would get in touch with the alum and see if s/he would be willing to do a phone interview. Do this ASAP as our reports are due to Cornell by the 21st.</p>
<p>yea, i second dewdrop</p>
<p>they are supposed to be able to make time for applicants- its a busy time for college-bound seniors and as far as i know the alums who conduct interviews do so to try to help kids out. i had a rough time with all of it as well…</p>
<p>call him/her up im sure youll be able to talk with the person enough for them to write something up.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone!</p>
<p>To cornellpezra: No, I’m not applying to Hotel or AA&P. I only applied to CAS and found out afterward that they even conduct interviews. Even though interviews are optional, I don’t like the idea of declining one if offered. </p>
<p>To dewdrop (or whoever can answer - Just chose dewdrop since he/she is an interviewer):
If my interviewer even declines a phone interview, would it be best to then ask several questions (5-8?) in an e-mail, to get more information about Cornell? Would I be able to contact the admissions office or anyone who runs alumni interviewing, in order to quickly state my situation and explain why I had to decline the interview?</p>
<p>I don’t think you would be out of line to ask some questions via e-mail. I once had an applicant who declined the interview, but then sent me a e-mail a few weeks later with some questions and I answered them. As for contacting the admissions office or CAAAN coordinator for your region, I can’t offer you advice because I’m not sure if it’s ever been done or if it’s even a good idea. I’m a new interviewer…CC members like CayugaRed2005 and memphismom might have better insight since they’ve been doing these contacts longer than I have.</p>
<p>As an experienced CAAAN person, here’s what you should do:</p>
<p>1) Wait to see if they’ll do a phone interview
2) If they say this is not possible, ask them to contact their chair and have you reassigned to another volunteer (I would not contact the local CAAAN leader directly)
3) At the same time, send the alum an e-mail thanking them and provide them with a list of questions you’d like answered.</p>
<p>I second the above suggestion - I do feel for the students who do not get contacted but it is a fine line - I am not comfortable telling a volunteer that they haven’t made enough effort to contact a kid - and some of the kids have a bit of an attitude about how busy they are…good luck and it will probably not make much difference if you do not meet up with the alum…honest.</p>