Northwestern interview insight?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Northwestern University
1

My daughter applied early decision to Northwestern journalism school and has her interview later this week. Wondering if anyone has been through the process this year or prior years and has any insight on the types of questions asked. Appreciate any information. Thanks!

2

First - she needs to be prepared for ‘Why Northwestern?’ aside from that she should be genuine (be herself) and be prepared to discuss why she authentically is motivated and involved with what she does. I know an interviewer and where kids fall flat is because they can’t do that. Also she shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions.

At the end of day, the interview input will be one of many confirmation points to the AOs on how they read her file - whether positively, on the fence, negatively. It is not the all encompassing decision point, it’s purely input. And for those who don’t do an interview, it doesn’t not negatively affect them either.

Good luck to your daughter!

3

Agree that she should be prepared to discuss why she feels Northwestern is a good fit.

She should also try to prepare a few questions (not answered on the school website) to ask.

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4

Be prepared for “Why journalism ?”

5

As above
 Just be herself. Definitely have some questions like 3. I help some kids and I just ask “So why this school”. Basic question but it’s funny how they all think it’s a trick question. Then I tell them to relax and ask the exact same question then everything just flows. They shouldn’t be so rehearsed but if she is not a natural talker some prep might be helpful. I usually tell kids if you can’t tell me why you want to go to x school you probably shouldn’t apply


Again, if she can talk to adults she will be just fine. No one’s trying to trick her. Just talk.

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Thanks to all!

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i disagree with the suggested advice to “just talk”. Listening is much more important and answering with honest, responsive replies is of equal importance.

8

And just to be clear
why northwestern doesn’t include things like ‘It’s a nice campus’ or ‘I felt at home the minute I stepped on campus’.

Tell your D to be specific about some classes she wants to take, the profs she wants to work with, clubs she would join, potential minors in other schools and how that would make her a better journalist/prepare her for whatever type of career she wants. Good luck to her!

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9

My DD24 attend interview on Tuesday.
Just be yourself, authentic, candid and confident. Having said that, I will still approach is as job interview and have elevator speech, why northwestern, why this major etc ready.

Interview is more of an opportunity for you also to know and learn more about school.