<p>I'm really nervous. I just got contacted by a Penn Alum for an interview.</p>
<p>I was wondering if anyone has any interview tips or sample questions that the interviewer might ask? I am very, very bad at interviews. x__x" Any suggestions? Thanks!!!</p>
<p>I’ve never had a college interview, but from what I hear, don’t think of it as an interview. Think that you are going to go have a conversation with someone. They aren’t going to pry you about school, colleges, and other topics that they already see from your application. They are just trying to get to know you. Don’t sweat it, from what I hear, most of the interviews go well.</p>
<p>I literally just got home from my Penn interview about 40 minutes ago.
Firstly, it was in a very comfortable location and was certainly very laid back.
I’d definitely suggest dressing somewhat formally. I wore a dress and heels and felt like I dressed appropriately. So if you’re a male, I guess maybe a shirt and tie with some khakis or something. </p>
<p>Take your resume, it fuels most of the conversation.</p>
<p>On the note of questions, they were very typical questions that one might expect.
It started with “Tell me why you like Penn” this led to some casual conversation involving her agreement, and my elaboration.</p>
<p>Then, after perusing my resume she said “What do you do in (xyz organization,” “what did you learn from (this experience,” and “why do you enjoy doing (insert activity here)?”</p>
<p>Then it followed to “What do you do in your spare time?”
“What other schools have you applied to?”
“What is your favorite part of high school”
and it continued on as casual conversation from there.
It concluded with me asking her questions.</p>
<p>It was very ‘chill’ and she made it very comfortable and stress-free. I’m sure you’ll be fine, and if you have any questions, just Personal Message me.</p>
<p>Like the above, my interview was extremely laid back. All the typical questions like ‘why Penn?’ and ‘tell me about yourself’ and etc. The only question I wasn’t expecting was ‘if you weren’t going to college next year, what would you do?’</p>
<p>We met in a cafe and it was really casual; I brought my transcript but she never asked for it or anything. Good luck with your interview :)</p>
<p>^ Thank you!</p>
<p>how was your interview bubbly? I still haven’t been contacted for interview uh oh :S</p>
<p>Best of luck! If you had it already, hope it went well. If not…here are some tips for you (and other future interviewees!)
I agree with EmPaige21: it was a very relaxed and casual environment. My interviewer, a Class of 2000 CAS alumna asked me basic questions like, “Why do you want to go to Penn?” “Tell me about yourself” “Why do you think Penn should accept you?”
Also, feel free to ask your interviewer any questions about Penn or even his/her personal experience at Penn. I asked mostly about her major, anthropology, and why she decided to become part of the alumni committee at Penn.</p>
<p>dfree124, unflawless, EmPaige21, Poipella - Tyvm for the advice!</p>
<p>I actually had my interview a couple of days ago, so I saw most of these replies after I went. But I have to agree though that the interview was much more informal than I expected! My interview was at Starbucks, which I found out was pretty common. Most of the people at my school met their interviewers at a coffee shop. (I don’t like coffee, so I sat there with a blueberry muffin/cake/pastry. :P) My interviewer only asked me a few questions: why penn (you can pretty much guarantee to get that question!), what do you do in your free time, is there anything else not reflected in your app. that you want Penn to know about you, & what other colleges are you applying to. She also asked some questions about my activities.</p>
<p>@Koharvard - you will probably get one soon if you are near a major alum network. Also, I don’t think they screen people before interviewing beyond ED and RD applicants and submission time. A few people on CC were accepted without having an interview at all.</p>
<p>Daughter had her interview this evening and her experience was similar to what others have described. Although she was nervous before the interview the interviewer was very nice and it turned out to be a pleasant experience.</p>
<p>@Koharvard- My interviewer said that we needed to have the interview in time so that she could submit a write-up to the adcom by Nov 20 (for ED that is)…</p>
<p>My interview was pretty different. First of all, I am applying to CAS and my interviewer was a Wharton grad. Shouldn’t be too different i thought, i was definitely misguided. My interviewer first asked my “Why Penn” then had a few follow up questions about activities at Penn and such. THEN SHE THREW ME A CURVE BALL!!! She said, “changing the subject…” and began talking about Obama and our economy. She then asked what would I do if I was Obama’s advisor for a day… UMMM NOT THE NORMAL TYPE OF QUESTION IN THE COLLEGE INTERVIEW! I answered the best that I could, but politics is always a touchy subject. We then went on to take about international politics and education in America. This interview was DEFINITELY more of a conversation. We probably talked in equal amounts which I guess is good. The interview was 90 mins instead of 60 so that should definitely bode well.</p>
<p>I brought my resume/activities list, but the woman didnt even want to look at it… Just remember to keep your cool if you are thrown a difficult question and relate it to something you know.</p>
<p>i’m having a phone interview, after about exactly 30 minutes. i am actually less nervous now. is there anyone else who is getting a phone interview?</p>
<p>My son has applied to CAS for ED. He was had his interview today. Interestingly enough, the interview lasted for only 10-12 minutes. The interview included some scientific discussions around my sons work at a hospital and his volunteer activities. At the end of which the interviewer informed him that he is going to let Penn know that he supports my son as a candidate for the university. He also informed my son that today is the last day to submit interview assessments for ED admissions. The reason I am posting this is let the prospective students know to relax and enjoy the experience and do try and take your resume (as others have mentioned on this board). It did help my son. Needless to say I was surprised at the length of the interview.</p>
<p>well…looks like I will not be getting an interview</p>