Princeton Interview

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

Hey Everyone!

I am going to my Princeton Interview Saturday and I am really in need of help; I am trying to figure out what kind of questions I should prepare for and I also want to know what questions should I be asking my Interviewer?

Thanks!

2

Just at relax and be yourself. Interviews hardly matter.

3

I didn’t have a Princeton interview before so I have no idea what they might ask (but no matter what be prepared to answer “why this school” and review your resume before going in).

Some good questions to ask no matter the school (if it’s by an alumni) are:

  • did you feel like the majors are mixed together or that you only knew people within your class?
  • what are some traditions, programs, or connections that are unique to this school?
  • what class did you feel like most affected you either as an individual or prepare you for your major? (People like to talk about themselves, so it’s always nice to get to know their experience more)
  • why did you end up choosing this school, what’s your favorite part of the school, and what’s something you wish was different?
  • how prepared do you think this school prepares students for their prospective fields of work? What jobs and internship opportunities have you had access to?

Hope this helps! Good luck!:heart:??

4

Hi
My son applied for RD and didn’t get an interview. Does that mean that they are not considering his application?
Is it good to send an email to Princeton office? Or does it give wrong impression on applicant?
Suggestions are welcome.
Thanks

5

@Eastcoast234 this is a small sample size but I’ve known about a dozen applicants over the last few years, several admitted. There was no apparent correlation between getting an interview and being admitted. I think they cover what they can but they can’t cover everyone. One of the admitted kids had an interview a few months after she was admitted. They are informational interviews as much as anything. That’s my impression Others might have better info.

6

Ok thank you for encouraging words. But we live in a place where many alumni is available .

7

^ so do we :smile:

8

Although Yale states that interviews are not required and applicants are not penalized if they do not receive an interview, if you do receive one…

9

For what it’s worth, Princeton asks its alumni interviewers to think of their role as that of a reporter, rather than of a judge. So the interview is evaluative in that the interviewer conveys his or her impressions of the student, but the interviewer doesn’t make recommendations regarding admission or denial.

Also, Princeton does try to offer everybody an alumni interview (domestically, at least), so if someone isn’t contacted, it’s likely because of a shortage of interviewers or a mix-up. It shouldn’t be interpreted as a negative reflection on the candidate.

10

@TigerInWinter
Thank you for the encouraging words! My S’ got an interview!