I just finished my Penn interview and I feel like it went terrible:( It was my first interview and I felt like there were two or three moments where it was kind of awkward. The guy was really nice and laided back though so how bad will his review on me be? I felt like my mind went blank during the entire interview and I could barely remember any of the questions that I wanted to ask!
First of all, take a deep breath (and let it out). I am SURE that your interview was not the complete disaster you think it was. Your interviewer probably understands that you were nervous, and if he has any experience with this, he knows that a lot of times interviews early in the season are a bit shakier than interviews later in the season. Students get nervous, and it shows. AND IT IS OK! Some interviewees are perfectly polished, some not so much. It’s really more about the conversation. Personally, some of my best - and most memorable - interviews have been the ones where the student was NOT perfectly polished and prepared. While it is important how a student presents himself, interviewers are human. We’re not out to get you or trick you. What will he report back to Penn? Probably that you were nervous and that led to some awkward moments. And then he’ll talk about what sort of person you are, what you like, what motivates you, and what he thinks of your ‘fit’ for the university. He’ll write about what you chatted about; there was probably something that stuck with him (in a good way). And if he writes something less positive - or if he doesn’t think you’re a good fit? That’s not going to keep you from being accepted because it is just one small part of a bigger picture.
Interview reports really are just one facet of the application. Generally they serve to backup information already in the file. If you showed interest, were engaged, and demonstrated interest it will be fine. If you didn’t, a bad report is not a kiss of death. Just send your interviewer a nice thank you e-mail. Do that right away. Maybe touch on something you discussed, and let it go. If you made a poor impression, that will go a long way to mitigating any damage.
I am sure you have more interviews to come. It will get easier. Here’s one tip: It is perfectly fine to write your down questions and bring that to the interview. I have a list of questions with me - I can’t always trust that I’ll remember everything. I usually don’t need the list, but it’s nice to know it’s there should I find myself in a stall.
Thank you! Hopefully it won’t be too bad. I just feel like there were some things that I should have mentioned but of course I didn’t remember them until the interview was over! I felt like I may have come off as slightly unprepared maybe because there were moments where they asked a question and I had to think about my answer.
You are being overly hard on yourself, @nc2821. You did not come off as unprepared if you had to think about your answers. That’s expected and I can’t imagine that being held against you. There are always going to be things you wish you had mentioned but having a list with you will help with that. FWIW, I appreciate a considered answer. If a student has pat and quick answers to all my questions, I feel as though it’s a less successful interview. That sort of interview never feels as genuine.
I am very sure and positive that your interview went well. I was wondering if anyone has had an interview at the alumni’s house? I just thought the interview would be held in a public place. Thanks
When I first started doing alumni interviews, I did do them at my house. When I HAD my own interviews they were also at the alum’s house. That was then, this is many years later. Now I hold interviews in public places such as coffee shops. Penn instructs alums not to interview at home.
thanks for your reply@plmdin. Should I be concerned and contact the University?
I don’t think you should be concerned and I wouldn’t contact the University (yet). I would have your child email the interviewer and explain that he/she is not comfortable with interviewing at a home and would it be possible to move the interview to another location. I would give an alternate: the library, the coffee shop, or some other public place. I know that if you search the threads here you’ll find a lot of discussion about this, and a lot of different views. There may be some reason why this alum has requested this but it isn’t the protocol. My personal view is that all interviews should take place in a neutral space.
@nc2821, I’m sure it went better than you think. Interviewers are used to nerves. As long as you contacted him afterward to thank him for the interview, I wouldn’t worry about it. Good luck.