<p>What is interviewing at pomona like? what kind of questions should i be prepared to ask or answer? will the interviewers be doing a critical evaluation or is it just like for information? </p>
<p>Also, I'm coming al lthe way from Ohio to visit the Claremont schools, mostly pomona. What are some fun things to do?</p>
<p>The interview is not that scary at all. I had done a practice interview with my aunt, who does Harvard alum interviews and she had told me to be prepared in case the interviewer tried to stump me with a really hard question. The Pomona interview was completely the opposite. A senior who worked at admissions interviewed me and he emphasized that it was informal and that I should be myself. it felt more like a conversation than anything else. One question I was asked was what I was looking for in a college and I think this was a big chance for me to express why I loved Pomona so much. At admissions talks they always emphasize that they want students who will be a good fit for Pomona, so I think this question is an important one that you should prepare. Also, know yourself and what to say. I said a lot about myself besides my activities and classes. This does not come through in a written app, so an interview is a perfect time to get that in. Just have a family member practice with you, look for a list of practice interview questions and/or make yourself a list of all of the aspects of you that you want to come out in the interview. good luck!</p>
<p>Like devushka said, the interviews are very casual. This does not mean you should show up in a jeans and a t-shirt because this looks sloppy and tend to give off the impression that you don't care and have not prepared. You'll be asked questions about your interests, your school (especially if it is a magnet or an art school), how you like school, your goals, what you do in your spare time, etc. Just things to get to know you better. Don't stress but go over your application beforehand to remember exactly what clubs and activities you stressed (because that is what they will be asking during the interview). Also sound like you know a lot about the school, meaningful things, not just how many students are enrolled and their SAT averages. There will be a section afterward where they will ask you if you have any questions about Pomona. Take this chance to ask something serious and meaningful that shows you've done some research. As about your major or some clubs on campus, or anything else that you couldn't find in a brochure.</p>
<p>Oh, and my friend did this during her interview, and I think it's funny. As soon as she went in, introduced herself, and sat, she began to monoloug about why Pomona was such a great school and why she felt she would be a good fit. She went on for a few seconds, when the interviewer just stopped her in the middle and assured her: "this is a casual interview, you don't have to do that!" So that would be another no-no.</p>
<p>I hope this didn't stress you out more. I'm trying to be helpful. If you do a little bit of research online you can find a list of questions that are commonly asked. Prasice these but don't stress about it too much, even a "bad" interview can lead to an acceptance. </p>
<p>Good luck! Let us know how it goes. ;)</p>
<p>Just echoing others: casual, but still an interview (i.e. don't stress, but don't be sloppy or overly casual).</p>
<p>A tip that helped me: think about some of the really common, even cliche interview questions. Why do you want to go to Pomona? How would your friends describe you in 3 words? What are your biggest strengths? What are your greatest weaknesses? You might not be asked any of these specific questions, but it'll get you thinking along the right track and will (a) make you feel better; (b) decrease the chance of any awkward "huh...um...well that's an interesting question...just let me think...ummmm..." moments during the interview itself. </p>
<p>As for things to do, there's plenty in the area if you'll have a car. I'm a huge fan of Santa Monica (the beach and the 3rd St. Promenade...lots of shopping, food, and beautiful scenery), Hollywood always makes for a good afternoon of tourism, and there's always Disneyland (though summer is probably not the time I'd recommend). Closer to Claremont, downtown Pasadena is nice to walk around (and has 2006's Best Thai Restaurant in SoCal, and it really is excellent). The Claremont Village is right off campus and great for some walking, but won't kill too much time. There's good food in the area. My #1 basic-but-quality recommendation would be a trip to 21 Choices, which is an amazing frozen yogurt joint that's just west down Foothill Blvd. from the campuses (think Cold Stone with softserve). Burt & Rocky's (ice cream) is in the Village and is also excellent ;)</p>
<p>But if you say a little more about what you're looking for...what kind of time you'll have, what kind of transportation, and what you'd like to do (tour the immediate area, check out tourist sights, see SoCal in general, go to a great mall, visit a theme park, view modern art, spend a "day as a student," etc.), you might get more helpful suggestions.</p>
<p>Enjoy your trip!</p>
<p>(I Looked at this thread right before I went)
I would say, I was a little more worried about the format of it being a random dallasite…but, he was very nice, and mostly was willing to just tell me about his experience. </p>
<p>He was also very interested to hear all my activities and just about me (typical admissions questions about your achievements and goals). </p>
<p>It was very much dialogue, not so much interview. More on the casual side (be yourself, but also maintain a professional decorum, given.) </p>
<p>They are humans, too. It’s okay to laugh and enjoy the conversation, and even ask atypical questions. </p>
<p>Know what major(s) you want. I ended up educating him on my major (dance) as he didn’t know much about it, so I think that it was good I knew a little about that program, specifically. </p>
<p>It was more about him becoming my new advocate in the admission process, as opposed to someone testing me, to make sure I said all the right things. </p>
<p>He said it was not an for sure make or break factor</p>
<p>Definitely nothing to be nervous for…!!!</p>
<p>I’m from NYC and I did my interview with an alum in the city</p>
<p>It was very casual. She was in a sweater and jeans, and I wore a dress shirt and jeans. I asked her the questions I had about Tulane, and she told me about her time there. Informal and casual is really how the interviews are going to go. She looked over my resume while I bought some water, and then asked me about certain parts of it. It was really fun, and she was really nice.</p>
<p>Really nothing to worry about</p>
<p>Pomona emphasizes the personal aspect. They really want to get to know you, what makes you tick without making it feel too awkward. Obviously when you interview, the applicant is under the microscope. We had a great experience for the Pomona interview. S interviewed with a current senior, who was very professional and punctual, unlike how some other schools might grill you.</p>
<p>Example:</p>
<p>S had interview with Brandeis alumnus today. It was terrible. Guy has the gall to call day before interview to push S to interview next day, and then proceeds to let the thing run for 2.5 hrs. </p>
<p>I had expected the interview to be like most others (perhaps an hour or two, if a meal was involved). I decide to drop in @ the 2 hr mark and ask politely if I should expect another hour, as S needs a ride home. And he gives me a “who the [expletive] are you” look and later proudly comments that his record is 5 hrs.</p>
<p>S reports that Interviewer thinks highly of himself, kept talking about himself and his girlfriends. Then Interviewer grilled S, making the whole experience awkward and uncomfortable. I came away feeling that Interviewer behaved inappropriately and unprofessionally.</p>
<p>Definitely sold towards Pomona.</p>
<p>@leeduh: your Pomona interviewer is really nice if you ask about Tulane and s/he answers.</p>
<p>Haha obviously a typo. I had a conversation with a Tulane Alum the same day I posted that. My apologies.</p>
<p>I had my alumni interview yesterday and I’m pretty sure I bombed it 
</p>
<p>I told him that I was also applying to CMC and he kept telling me that for my interests CMC was a better fit. Though I kept reiterating that I like a more intellectual atmosphere, I don’t think he believed me. Moreover, he was an English major and had little idea about what I was talking about.</p>