<p>Hello all- I'm currently trying to transfer into Oberlin from a state school in Texas and have almost all of the application requirements done (except for the recs, which which should be there before the deadline.) A little history- I was accepted to Oberlin from HS, but did not attend. I did visit campus and have an interview, however. Since deciding to transfer, I've maintained contact with the admissions office regularly. I'm not able to travel to Oberlin for another interview (especially since I'm sure it probably doesn't play a large role in the admissions decison) and have learned that Alumni do not interview transfer students. It was suggested that I do a phone interview. I was wondering what sort of questions or topics I should talk about. All I can think of is asking the transfer acceptance rate (which I can really easily find online), asking about the social scene on campus for transfers/ how easily they fit in with other students and asking about how they do with the change to Oberlin classes. I already know that I like the campus and student body from my HS visit and have received info on how my current classes would transfer were I accepted. Any thoughts/ suggestions as to what else I should ask to a)learn more, I guess and b) help the interview to aid my chances of admission as much as it is possible for an interview to do so? Has anyone ever done a phone interview before? Do you know if it is possible to request the admissions staff who does it ( I've exchanged emails with one lady in particular).Thanks for all your help!</p>
<p>I think questions about contemporary issues on campus are good- what's changed since you've visited. Where the college is going...</p>
<p>Things that will help is proof that Oberlin is your top choice.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>thanks noir.stork- your reply was helpful. I also thought about asking about the vegan scene on campus, and how the anti-war sentiment was/ had faired. Also thought about asking about how students were responding to the current election issues, particularly if there are many Nader supporters. Does this seem like I'm headed in the right direction? Thanks very much!</p>
<p>You will probably be asked questions that will guide you -- e.g., about your activities in your present college, your interests. In terms of your questions for them, the admissions officers might be able to give you more information about the academic programs and the cultural offerings than about how many Nader supporters there are on campus. Think about the image you want to convey -- of an intellectually curious, focused, engaged person who will thrive in your chosen field and contribute to the community there. Be yourself. I don't think you need to try to show that you fit the mold of what you might think of as stereotypical Obies.</p>
<p>Okay, thanks maymenyu- that helps take a little pressure off. I was told by another oberlin student on here that I needed to try and prove that I was what they were looking for and someone that would fit in on campus, by asking the right sort of question. So that's what I was trying to do with those questions. Maybe if I asked about some of their favorite/most interesting ExCo or Winter Term classes/projects? Or about what study abroad options they have? Do those sound a little better? Thanks for your help</p>
<p>I don't think you need to worry about this at all. Don't manufacture questions just for the sake of sounding knowledgeable. Just think of the interview as a conversation through which you and the interviewer get to know each other.</p>
<p>It might help (especially if you have never visited) to explore the website -- especially the new beta version, which has "We are Oberlin" stories by students. Certainly asking about some of the special opportunities at Oberlin, Winter Term, Exco, etc. is fine. The admissions officers are not students, though -- they are mostly young adults who have the task of trying to put together a smart, interesting student body. They are looking to attract all kinds of students to Oberlin, and that will inevitably include vegans and athletes and environmental activists and even Republicans. They want engaged, enthusiastic, and open-minded students. Take a look at the speakers from this semester, including Newt Gingrich, Bob Barr, Linda Greenhouse, Michael Pollan. Just be yourself.</p>