So I’m just a little concerned that I haven’t received any info regarding setting up a Duke interview yet. I applied well before the interview consideration deadline. I live in RI, and I know someone from my area who was called today to set her’s up. Has anyone else not gotten contacted yet? Should I be concerned? Thanks
Hi, I also haven’t been contacted yet, although I’m from MO. I don’t think you need to worry about it though; if someone you know has gotten contacted, hopefully you will hear soon.
This is a very busy time of year, and the ability for local Duke alums/alumni associations to offer interviews to applicants in timely manner can be difficult. I am not in either of your areas, so I have no idea on the specifics, but be patient and try not to worry.
Hello - alumni interviewer here. I just got my assignments a few days ago. So don’t be alarmed if you haven’t heard anything yet. Our regional director (central NJ) has just made the assignments. The other regions are probably starting to do so now.
Interview reports are not due back to Duke until mid February. So you have some time. Sit tight.
I just got assigned applicants a few days ago and haven’t contacted everybody yet…So, there’s still hope if you haven’t heard anything. Interviews are due by 2/15.
Having interviewed students for nearly 10 years, I have some basic etiquette advice:
If you list a phone number in your application, ensure this is a number that you check every day. If (like at my home) you NEVER check the house line, do not list it.
The same goes for email - check your email every day. Adults communicate via email. And, we communicate efficiently by email. Keep responses on a 24-48 hour response window, and ALWAYS use proper grammar, spelling, and letter format.
Realize that the interviewers contacting you are not only volunteers but are busy people. The interviewers in my region are primarily physicians, lawyers, and a few of us are consultants or business owners. Many regularly work 80+ hour weeks. Some interviewers ask when you are available and find a time from there - respond quickly and candidly. Some offer you a specific time, like an employer would for a job interview. Those of us who use the specific time method are often much more limited in our free time. Do not as for a different time. It simply does not exist. Make it work. Do not assume that you are the only applicant we are trying to schedule (regional chairs likely speak with 25+ applicants a season, in particular). Do not assume that we are available “after school”. Be flexible and realize that you’re the applicant here. If you wouldn’t do it for a job interview, don’t do it here (and if you aren’t sure - ask your guidance counselor what to do.)
Interviews run from 12/15-2/15 on average: don’t worry if you haven’t been contacted on January 5. But, feel free to reach out to our ALUMNI OFFICE or the ADMISSIONS OFFICE. Do not call an interviewer you know, or track down your friend’s interviewer. They simply don’t know.
We get that not ever kid is effusive and outgoing, but please - be personable, be conversational. If interviewing is not your thing, best to submit a 4th recommendation.
Ask questions. “What’s your favorite Duke experience” is fine, but be specific in other questions. Go beyond the surface. We know what’s on the website, and if you’re asking about that, we can see your underprepared.
If your parents MADE you apply, and you are going to “throw” the interview, decline it. Please don’t waste our time - we do our best to not waste yours.
Always send a follow up thank you. Not that it’s necessary, but you should be doing this for your references, your future employers, etc. Get into the habit now.
Lastly, remember that the interview is one piece of a giant puzzle.
My D applied RD and still no interview. We live in Charleston, SC so I assume there has got to be alumni around here. Should we worry? I read they are due 2/15?
We have an interview priority deadline of 12/20. If you applied after that date, you may not be offered an interview. All interviewers are volunteers; if there is not extra capacity, students who apply after this date may not receive interviews.
