Odd interview

Parents Forum
1

<p>My son had an interview with an alum of a top college last week. It was a little unusual, and I'm wondering what you all think about this (perhaps his experience is not that odd; he's only had four other admissions interviews and he's our first kid, so what do we know?)</p>

<p>S applied RD to this college and had an on-campus interview when we visited last fall. The alum at last week's interview was a man who graduated in the mid-1960s, so that puts his age around early 60s. He's highly educated, with multiple degrees and works in research/academia. The interview lasted an hour at the alum's place of employment. Afterwards, when my S walked out to the car where I was waiting, he was smiling and sort of shaking his head. He said, "That was the easiest interview ever." I asked why and he laughed, "I maybe said 10 words! He spoke the whole time." </p>

<p>I was amazed because I know that the purpose of interviews is to gather details and observations on applicants to round out the stats, etc... From what I've read on this college's website, alumni interview reports are pretty important, with the more details about a student the better.</p>

<p>S said, "It was like he was trying to sell me on (name of college)." </p>

<p>Apparently, the alum talked for a long time about how great the food is there. He also went into detail about his own admissions interviewer from 45 years ago, and how important that experience was in making his final decision to attend the college. (He was choosing between three top colleges at the time). The alum then expounded on his own experiences at the college and how he played sports with some men who later became very well-known. He then broke out a photo album and shared it with S. </p>

<p>S was, and still is, a little perplexed. I asked him if he tried to interject information about himself (such as his political interests, his ECs or anything). He's a debater and public speaker, so he is not shy about striking conversations. But he said he couldn't really talk about himself without feeling like he was derailing the alum's enthusiasm for his school and his past. "It was like he was reliving his past, Mom," S said. </p>

<p>The alum didn't want to look at S's resume, but did take it at the end, and he never really connected that S has no interest in sports (and really, not much for food), or that S would have preferred chatting about ideas or current events or interests that he would bring to a campus. The alum spent most of the hour cheerleading for his college. </p>

<p>It was a very friendly interview and S had a good time. He thinks highly of the college and will write the alum a genuinely grateful thankyou note... but I just can't imagine what kind of report this alum will write about S, except "He nods and smiles a lot." </p>

<p>Anyone's S or D had a similar experience? I realize interviews are almost never a tip factor, but I wonder if parents have any advice for kids who find themselves in this situation in the future (thinking about my D in three years -- S is finally done with admissions interviews!) Should kids try to turn the spotlight back on themselves in a situation like this or just go with the flow?</p>

2

<p>i have never had any interviews like that for a college, but i had a weird interview for a job once. i was told to pick one item out of my surroundings, and "sell it" to the person giving me the interview... just so they could get a bunch for my personality, and how i acted when put on the spot.. i ended up "selling" a rubber duck. ;).. and i got the job.</p>

3

<p>It is interesting watching our almost 18s come to terms with flawed adults. Not that unusual in the workplace to have a monologuer as a supervisor or superior. When I am disappointed by teachers, coaches or interviewers wtih impaired social skills I remind myself it is nice that we still have our kids with us to reflect/discuss with them about these problems. They will surely run into teachers, coaches and bosses who are sometimes unreasonable or who monologue and learn nothing about them in the future.
On another Interview Tip subject, my senior had a interview with a top school and in the very first moment was put on the spot to list all schools applied to and made to rank the alum's school in order of preference. This is not kosher but this will happen with some alum interviews, so prepare your child to think ahead on how they wish to respond if they are so treated. I am not going to say there is one way to handle this, but be prepared.</p>

4

<p>I'll bet he writes your son a glowing reference. People who like to do the talking and focus on themselves appreciate a good audience. As long as your son conveys how much he enjoyed the stories and how it solidified his interest in said school, you should be golden. In truth, schools know they have many bored, lonely old alums who live for interview season, it's mainly just a formality.</p>

5

<p>"In truth, schools know they have many bored, lonely old alums who live for interview season, it's mainly just a formality."</p>

<p>LOL, Kirmum... hadn't thought of it that way! (And yet, this particular alum is not retired; still very active in his chosen profession, it seems...)</p>

<p>Fendergirl, the ability to sell something on the spot is a fantastic skill! I bet you will be very successful in your chosen field, since everywork place has some "selling" going on, even if it's not sales. </p>

<p>Faline, yes, it's good to be prepared for all types of questions. Personally, I love that S has had five admissions interviews. I think it's wonderful experience for him for future academic or job interviews. There is definitely an art to a good interview (on both people's sides.) Having read CC for more than a year, I thought I had prepped S on what to expect... wasn't aware of "monologuers," as you so amusingly call them.</p>

6

<p>Kirmum,
My D's interviewer was not old, not lonely, not boring -- but absolutely the opposite of those 3. The one about to interview her sounds similar. But I do question the wisdom of using an alum so generationally removed from a 17/18 yr old. Even if that interviewer is exciting & socially fulfilled, an older gent or lady will not necessarily be perceived as "relevant" (to use an "old" term) to a late teen. Just because the older person believes that he or she can identify, does not mean that the interviewee appreciates that or can receive that.</p>

<p>I agree also that the interviewer in question wanted an audience, & that he will flatter himself about what a great job he did that he will convey a liking for the young man in his report. I've had job interviewers like that. They mostly want to hear themselves talk, & sometimes they are intentionally or unintentionally wondering if the interviewee can listen passively. Once when I decided to get a word in edgewise, I was chastised for "wanting to be a star." (Hmmmm.) Some people monologue because it's a cover for their own insecurity. Possibly Momof2's S figured that out.</p>

<p>I do not agree that the interview is merely a formality, but I do think that it's merely a "tip," + or -, and that it's a "check" on certain things -- such as EC claims, etc., at least when the interviewer can manage dialogue (LOL).</p>

7

<p>I have done alum interviews for my undergrad and grad schools. I am old enough to be the kids' mothers but try my best to get them to talk and, in some cases, to deviate from the "script" they seems to be sticking to. I write the best reports on those who can open up and give me a glimpse of who they really are and what they really care about. They also gain points with me for their poise and ability to treat me like an "interesting person" but I am not taken in by empty flattery. They are usualy bright and fascinating people and I enjoy talking to them.</p>

8

<p>I would suggest that students try to politely turn the spotlight back on themselves -- at least in those situations in which the college does use the alumni interviews. There are some colleges for which such interviews aren't part of how the students are evaluated for admissions: Instead, such interviews are used to sell the student on the college. </p>

<p>If it's not possible to turn the spotlight on the student, and if the interview will count for admissions, I'd suggest that the student quickly send a thank-you letter that also details what the student has to offer the college. This should be the kind of info the student would have said in the interview if the alum had kept quiet.</p>

<p>That way, when the alum writes their report, they'll have some information to share about the student.</p>

9

<p>pyewacket: my sentiments exactly. </p>

<p>Momof2: at my alma mater the interview is not going to make or break anyone. It might at worst raise a red flag (say, if the kid has listed debate societies as his ECs and can not talk intelligibly in the interview.) At best, if an interviewer was bowled over by a kid who was borderline the kid might get a second look. </p>

<p>Every school puts a differnt weight/emphasis on the interview. I know only about mine. I know we are supposed to be the human face of the institution, to answer questions, and to try to draw the student out to see levels that would not be obvious on paper. But c'mon, after a one hour chat, how would we know more than their teacher who has spent 5 hours a week with them all year?</p>

<p>Don't sweat the interviews!</p>

10

<p>Consider this interview a success. In my line of business in the corporate world, getting someone in a positon of power and influence to open up and talk about themselves is considered a success. I agree with Kirmum, this interviewer probably had a great time and might think fondly of his time with your son, as this may have been one of the few times that he could ramble on without fear of boring someone to tears.</p>

11

<p>Certainly I didn't mean that they are all old and bored, as I am an alumni interviewer, lol! I can just say that I can't believe my school takes them too seriously when I meet some of the others who are interviewing. Think about it, anyone at all who graduated from the school can volunteer. There is an amazing range from grads from the 60s who skated in on connections to a very different breed of recent grads. You just can't count on the quality being anything near consistent.</p>

12

<p>I've read so many contrasting comments on other threads regarding interviews! There are those who say the interview is very important, others that say it doesn't really count, and then there's those who say the interview is only meant to provide the student with another opportunity to learn more about the school, and that it receives no consideration when it comes to an admission decision. It's really confusing!</p>

<p>I'm wondering if you parents, especially those who interview for their alma maters, can share your views/knowledge of the interview process with us.</p>

13

<p>The way an interview is weighted and whether it counts at all or is just informational depends on the college.</p>

<p>Usually smaller schools wil care more about the interview since it's harder for them to get a high amount of diversity with so little students so they look for something different, something "special".</p>

14

<p>Variation in alumni interviewers is a given, and your son got one of the odd ones, inca-mom.</p>

<p>Having just signed up as an alumni interviewer, I know exactly what kirmum is saying. I attended a lunch event yesterday for area GCs and alumni interviewers. The most recent alum there (Class of '00) sat at my table and whined to the GCs around us about what a terrible undergrad experience he had, how his friends at other schools all had much more fun, how the campus is in a nasty part of the city (untrue: it's an oasis of green in a working-class neighborhood of row houses), and how everyone gets mugged at some time during their four years. (!! Not that I ever heard of.) I mentioned the conversation to the coordinator from the admissions office afterwards; he's of course entitled to his concerns but it didn't seem quite appropriate to offer these comments to a table full of GCs, and I wonder if he makes sure every prospective student knows what he thinks... I also hope my more moderate comments were able to mitigate his negative comments.</p>

<p>I feel sorry for students who don't get a decent alumni interviewer: that's a big part of why I just volunteered.
(PS: My alma mater has a training program that you must go through and pass a "things that might come up at an interview" quiz afterwards before your volunteer offer is accepted. I don't know if this is common at other schools...?)</p>

15

<p>I'm an alumni interviewer as well, and it's clear when we meet as a group on campus there is great variability in how even interviewers from the same school approach the process. I've also been told by the admissions office that there is great variability in the quality and usefulness of reports. If a student gets a poor interviewer the admissions office will not weight their report as much as it will one from a good interviewer. The student will not be disadvantaged by an inadequate interview report. It means it is just not useful to the admissions office.</p>

<p>Maybe this is a rich old alumnus who gives the school a lot of money. If that’s the case your S’s obvious patience with him will be seen as a plus.</p>

16

<p>Yes, it seems very variable. So, how should a student interpret the overall value of the inverview in the admissions process?</p>

<p>Another poster had a good idea "I'm wondering if you parents, especially those who interview for their alma maters, can share your views/knowledge of the interview process with us.".</p>

<p>There was one reply from Dima343 but age 17 means its another student.</p>

<p>What do the parents who interview think?</p>

17

<p>If you use the search function, you will find that many alumni interviewer parents have given their views about the interview process.</p>

18

<p>...or alumna interview grad students (hi, all!). </p>

<p>Came back from an interview today, which, IMO, was one of the most successful ones I've done. I felt like I got a really good feel for her - but also could see a lot of things (like initiative and desire to learn and contribute to the community) that probably didn't come out on the app. She also asked a ton of things about the school, as she wasn't about to tour (lives far away). Lots of fin. aid questions. There was something she mentioned that happened since her app went in, so now it's part of her file (once I get the report done).</p>

<p>If you're wondering what I look for in an interview - see above. I try to ask across a few general areas (knowing that admissions evaluates across those areas!) and see if the student has questions. As a young alum, I'm thrilled when students ask about the food, the dorms, or what I did on weekends - the day-to-day nuts and bolts of being there. Finally, I really love when students can show me their <strong>motivations</strong> for doing things - not what they do, but WHY. It makes for such a better interview and can really highlight things that most students (think yourselves in your pre-CC life) just would not know to put on an application. Tell the kids (well, other alums can chime in) to not worry about rambling - the short answers don't do it here! A two-minute answer on why you love your chemistry class is SO much more informative than, "I like chem, and my teacher is good."</p>

19

<p>NSM, I take from your curt reply that I made a mistake by asking this question here. I've read many of your posts and felt I have learned from your advice. To be quite honest, I was kind of hoping you would be one of the parents that would reply. Just not in this way.</p>

<p>I have read other threads where the subject of interviews come up but what I was asking was -- never mind. Sorry!</p>

20

<p>Happygolucky,
What I am saying is that other parents and I have answered the question in detail before. I know you are a new poster and probably are not aware of that, so I suggested that you use the search function to find the many posts that answer your question.</p>

<p>Understandably, posters get tired of typing in the same information so many not respond again and again when the same questions are asked even though the posters are new to this site. Thus, to help you get answers to your question, I referred you to the search function.</p>