I am going to be interviewed over the phone or through Google Hangouts. I would like to know what questions they might ask. Thank you
I do interviews at Starbucks and Panera all the time. Just be yourself. My interviews are more like conversations and while I have a set of questions I can ask if there is a lull in the conversation, oftentimes we don’t get through most of them. We don’t have a set list of questions. Some interviewers go the more formal route, I just don’t because my background is in psychology so I can get more from a student by just talking to them. I try to bring out what interests they have besides academics. Yale wants students who want to work at the Yale Daily News, joint the band, send in the a capella groups, play intramural sports and the thousands of other things to do on campus.
I would look around on Yale’s website - other places than the admissions part - and see what interests you. Interviewers like when they are asked questions. It shows a genuine interest and not that you are just applying to Yale to brag about applying to an Ivy League school. Remember we are alumni who love our school or we wouldn’t be doing this. Doesn’t hurt to know why you want to go there besides “it’s a great school”.
Hi guys,
I was contacted by my interviewer on February 25th and we arranged a Skype interview for today, March 2nd. The interviewer even told me that “I look forward to speaking tomorrow” yesterday. However, no contact was made at the arranged time. I requested her as a contact some time in advance, and even called her about 15 minutes after the arranged time.
What should I do now?
Also, Isn’t it already too late for an interview?
If they arranged an interview, then it is not too late.
My DS has an on campus interview this summer. He is academically qualified to attend from a GPA/testing point of view. But he hasn’t submitted his application yet, it being mid-summer. Should he bring a resume to the interview to indicate that he would be in their initial consideration set, as delineated by “the stats?” Or should he let the conversation flow, and let the question about his transcript and test results be answered by his eventual application submission?
@SkipWoosnam, I would let the conversation flow. A resume in his back pocket is not a horrible idea, but I would be surprised if it were asked for, and I don’t think it should be offered without being asked for.
What I’ve heard about senior interviews is that the interviewers are personable and adept at making kids feel comfortable. They are not intended to assess your son’s GPA or test stats, but a more general discussion of who he is, how he might feel about attending Yale, answer questions he might have, etc.
Good luck to him 
Thank you so much, AA, T26, Tperry, Ixnay and everyone else on this thread for spending time and effort answering questions for us nervous applicants.
I’m a student from New Zealand who really, really loves Yale, and I will be visiting the states with my mom to visit campuses soon. I’ve already registered for an on-campus interview and despite all the helpful information on this thread I’m still stressing out a little…My dean and career guidance teacher suggested that I prepare a little presentation for introducing myself, like a short video or maybe a ppt, just so I “have something up my sleeve” to show them how I am like in my daily life if they asked. Do you reckon I should make a short film or maybe just stick with a resume?
@MsWanderer, more experienced hands will show up, but my inclination is to say “no.” Is preparing short videos something you do in your spare time? Probably not, and even if it is, I would discourage it for the interview (should guitar players arrive with a guitar?). Double no on the powerpoint (if it’s something you do in your spare time, I’d see someone about that ).
Your on-campus interview will be with a senior (I think that’s always the case, but I might be wrong). How do you think they’d react to a video or a ppt? Be yourself. Relax. The interview is intended to be informative for both of you, not an audition. Relax.
Sometimes the least helpful thing is to care too much about how something turns out. Please pardon this, because I don’t intend for it to be crude, but when I was young and single and active socially, I found that waiting for intimacy (whatever that means to you) until I really cared a lot about the girl/woman was counterproductive, because it mattered so much that it prevented me from being in the moment. I’m not suggesting going the entirely opposite direction, but there is a sweet spot where you can be your relaxed self but still care.
I am reluctant to disagree with a dean and a GC, but I respectfully disagree.
Good luck.
@MsWanderer I’m an alumnus interviewer. My expectation with students is that we exchange ideas and I get to know the person and allow the student to present to me info that he/she feels is important for Yale to know. I would NOT want to see a video or ppt – again, it’s not an audition but a get to know you session. Please know that the interview is the least important part of your application file. Have safe travels.
As an alumni interviewer and a mother of a current student who had an onsite interview, I will agree with @IxnayBob that the interview is just a conversation. On campus interviews are done by students for the most part. I think you should concentrate on have the most “natural” conversation you can (or your nerves will allow). A good interviewer will put you at ease. We all know how important these interviews are to the applicant and I try to put them at ease from the very beginning. I know its easier said than done, but just be yourself. Don’t try to impress. Most Yale applicants have impressive credentials and those are listed in your application. The interview is just to get a sense of you, as a person.
In all due respect to your Dean and GC, I think they may have an unrealistic ideal of what Yale wants. It may have something to do with them being international, maybe not. There are many counselors here who struggle with helping their students find the “sweet spot”. It good you came on CC to get another perspective and opinions. But remember, they are just opinions. Good luck!!!