One of the colleges I am interested in applying for this fall is having an on campus summer interview.
Based on my previous interviews, I don’t think I am the best at interviews, but I still have a month to practice.
Do on campus interviews increase your chance of getting in? Do you think I should do it or just wait for an interview with an alumni?
Thank you!
Many schools like to see that you made the effort to visit so my vote is for on-campus. I wouldn’t worry so much about whether you “interview well”. Just relax and be yourself – they want to get a sense for who you are. Your best practice is just talking to adults! (Teachers, friends of parents, etc.) You can think about how you’d answer typical questions, but you don’t want to practice to the point that is sounds rehearsed.
Many schools also don’t care if you come to campus to interview or do one locally. Which school is it exactly?
First look at the “Common Data Set” for that college (google Common Data Set " and see if “Demonstrates Interest” is “Important” or higher.
If so, then an on campus visit and interview are helpful. Half of the point of the interview is to sell you on the school, and the other half is to learn more about you.
I am an alumni interviewer and have interviewd many students…usually we ask about your classes and extracurriculars and what you are interested in and why you are interested in our school. Those should be easy to talk about.
@T26E4 Yale university
@bopper Hi! thanks for your reply! I checked the common data set and it says that the level of interest is not considered. I’m just worried because it says that the on campus interviews are evaluative.
you really can not practice for an interview…just be yourself! I am sure 99% of people go in acting polished (or trying to be chill/unconcerned…opposite approach tried by some) and it feels fake. just be yourself, be honest and genuine. it is your best bet. I would go to the campus, if you talk to an actual admissions officer you will be one of tons of people they interview but you will have a “face”…alumni interviews probably carry little to no weight at many schools.
I think you can practice to some extent. You will likely be asked “why Yale?” or whatever school. I would be sure you have an answer that goes beyond “well it’s an Ivy” that shows you like this particular school - is it the residential college tradition, specific major, etc. You will probably be asked about your interests and strengths. They may also ask you if you have any questions. Be sure you have something to ask that shows you’ve at least looked through the website and it isn’t a question you could answer just by looking there. For instance, “I’ve noticed that the ____ department is adding _, what will that mean for me if that’s my major?” Or “how easy is it to get involved in _” as a freshman.
They’re not out to trick you but you do want to have a few phrases in mind so you avoid “um” and “like” every other word. Have a teacher or parent help you figure out how to present your ECs in best light - something helpful when filling out apps also. So not, for example, “I do a lot with my church” but “I enjoy organizing the service activities for my youth group as well as performing in the jubilee choir” or instead of just “I enjoy running”, maybe “I run at school but also have helped organize charity runs.”
An on campus interview at Yale will not increase your chance of getting in. If you’re planning on visiting, you can choose to schedule one but I wouldn’t take a special trip up there just for that.
BTW: I’m an alumnus interviewer for Yale.
Cuz if you think about it…with Ivy’s they assume OF COURSE you are interested