<p>Would it be weird if my parents are with me when I first meet the interviewer? </p>
<p>I have an interview at the interviewer's house and I was planning on ringing the doorbell with my dad by me (because my dad wants to say a one minute hi and ask how long the interview will take before he leaves)</p>
<p>Avoid it at all costs. Interviewers want to see that you are independent and are ready to take the application process yourself.</p>
<p>Come in by yourself, but if your dad needs to ask, have him barge in slightly later. However, it might be better if he waits. It should not take longer than an hour.</p>
<p>I think it's fine, although it might be a little weird for him to ask how long the interview is going to be, since sometimes interviewers want that flexibility of knowing that they can go over the time limit if they want to. Can't he just wait in the car and you call him when you are done? That way it makes you look more like you are willing to talk for however long as they like without being too constricting. I know that I once had an interview that lasted an hour longer than you should have, so you never know.</p>
<p>That wouldn't be weird. A handshake and a greeting would be fine -- then he exits. I like meeting parents at the front or back end of interviews. I've never had one insist on sitting with me (unlike some other interviewers who have experienced this extreme "helicopter" moment). If that ever presented itself, I would insist on their departure in no uncertain terms. I would offer to speak later and answer any questions but wouldn't allow a parent to sit in on my discussion w/the student.</p>
<p>DD had an interview today at a local LAC. Lots of parents came to the admission office with their kids. D was one of the few there by herself. She later thanked me for not accompanying her to the waiting room. I sat in the car listening to my ipod. She felt she was independent because the interviewer did ask if she was with anyone and she said no.</p>
<p>It is much better if your dad doesn't accompany you. If you need to know the approximate time, then ask the interviewer beforehand or get the info when you arrive, and then walk to the car to let your dad know. The interviewer won't consider your dad impolite for not introducing himself. The interviewer will consider you to be independent.</p>
<p>If there's any way that you can transport yourself to the interview, that would be the best way to arrive. </p>
<p>Giving this advice from the perspective of an alum interviewer for Harvard. When I interview students, I want to talk to them, not their parents because it's the students who are being assessed. I also know that most students will feel more at ease about being their true selves if their parent isn't at their elbow.</p>
<p>Opqpop, I saw your post in the MIT forum.</p>
<p>I think you and your dad would need to discuss the best way to handle this- I think you can manage it so your dad gets his minute to reminisce, and then can say something addressed to you along the lines of "call me when you're done," and then leave. That way, it's obvious that he was just there to talk to the guy about the old MIT days. If you're still uncomfortable with it, say something like "My dad was really excited to talk with someone from MIT" as the guy's closing the door or something.</p>
<p>It can be done, but it will require tact on your part and your dad's.</p>