<p>Just a heads-up to next year's applicants and their parents: W & M offers elective, evaluative interviews over the summer, and you can register online beginning 5/1. Here's the link: On-Campus</a> Interviews | Admission</p>
<p>There are nowhere near as many interview slots as there are people who want them. If you do, I recommend marking your calendar for 5/1 and completing the online form that day. My d had a busy summer last year and knew that there was only a 3-day window when she could visit W & M; fortunately, she was able to schedule an appointment during that period. While I was waiting for her in the lobby, numerous students who were visiting for tours came in to see if they could get interviews, but the response was that they're booked far in advance. You have to read the website fairly extensively before you come across mention of an interview, btw.</p>
<p>The interviews are conducted by W & M rising seniors. My d said it was a nice conversation about books, ambitions, interests, etc. I believe that applicants are asked not to share a resume. It was my d's first interview, and her most important one because W & M was her first choice. She was nervous, but liked the interviewer quite a bit and became comfortable quickly. I don't know how much this helped, but if W & M is near the top of your list, I don't see how it can hurt.</p>
<p>Not to be obnoxious, but I'll bump this thread a few times for any newcomers to the board. Good luck, all!</p>
<p>Bumping this up as a reminder to potential applicants to register for a summer interview next week. I think it can really boost an applicant's chances. There are always more people who want an interview than there are interview slots available, so register early if you think you do! :)</p>
<p>frazzled1
Seems you recommend an interview. My son has W&M in his top 2 but he is not a very outgoing/talkative kid. We were wondering if the interview would work against him. Any thoughts or insights into the process.<br>
Thanks</p>
<p>Hi, snowspud - I just asked my d what she would offer your son in the way of advice. She is outgoing, but was still very nervous because this was her first interview situation of any kind. Her suggestions:</p>
<p>If W & M is his first choice, see if he can interview somewhere else first, just to get more comfortable with the process. </p>
<p>He should practice the mechanics first - maybe with you. This might sound ridiculous, but my d and I practiced the eye contact/handshake/greeting thing a few times the day before. </p>
<p>He should write down his questions about the school on a piece of paper and not hesitate to look at it when the interviewer asks if he has any questions. My d felt as if that made her look like she cared enough about the interview to prepare ahead of time, and she wasn't worried about forgetting her questions.</p>
<p>Don't be afraid to take the time to give a thoughtful answer.</p>
<p>I'd suggest that this could be a great opportunity for your son to learn to balance his shyness with the expectations society has of adults. I'm shy too, and on the anti-social side, but I've learned how to interview well and it's an important skill to have. I think the interviewers, who are rising seniors at W & M, recognize that rising high school seniors are still young. They won't expect every guy to come in bursting with confidence and sociability. If your son is quiet within normal limits, I'm sure he'd be fine with some preparation and encouragement. If he is actively anti-social and very resistant to interviewing, it might be better not to take a chance on a negative interview.</p>
<p>One question just about every college interviewer asks in one form or another: what will you bring to or contribute to our campus? This is a good one to have an answer for ahead of time.</p>
<p>Thanks frazzled1. He and I will talk more. He would probably do ok. He has a job that requires he interact with the public and he seems to do ok there. He is just more even keel/reserved. Sometimes I think that comes off as not interested. I could tell when he returned from attending a class and an overnight at W&M that he had really fallen for it but others who might have heard him talk about it would have just thought the visit was ok.</p>
<p>Hey frazzled1, I was just wondering if you knew what to wear on the interview? Mines in July so it's going to be really hot so I was just wondering what kind of outfit to wear? I know nothing too much because their just students conducting the interview....</p>
<p>My daughter wore a black skirt, a sleeveless blue blouse, and a pair of black flats. Her interview was in August, and it was HOT outside, though of course the admissions building was air-conditioned. Her interviewer wore a similar outfit - I think her skirt was khaki, and her shoes were casual (but not flip flops). Even though the interviewers are students, it's a good idea to look as if you care about the impression you're making. I think that blazers are unnecessary - but that T-shirts and jean shorts would be too informal.</p>
<p>Always indicate what part of the Wm and Mary community you intend to join up and contribute in...seniors graduate and freshmen need to be stepping in and stepping up..they have a lot of programs to run on campus</p>
<p>I’m interviewing at W&M in June…I’m terrified! It’s my first choice school and second interview (first is Washington and Lee).
I’m planning on wearing a black pencil-ish skirt with a blue collared short-sleeve blouse. Do you all think that’s a good choice?
I’m a very personable girl, so I think I will be okay, but I worry about coming off as egotistical when describing my achievements, or not knowing what to say. Do you know what common questions they ask? I looked online for common interview questions and there’s about a million.</p>
<p>frame your answers in terms of your interests and personality traits and home culture…not in a list of achievements…they will see them on your EC list on the Common Ap later on…Be a mentally healthy alert friendly energy person. Be able to talk about what Wm and Mary can do for you and what you can do for them. </p>
<p>it is a great college…and would be an honor to attend it
good luck…your dress is just fine… as planned…they will likely be in similar or slightly more casual business wear</p>
<p>Dress however you want for the interview. Casual is fine too since many people are also going on tour the same day.</p>
<p>Just be yourself. That’s all we can ask. The interviewer just wants to get to know you better. Remember that the interviewer is a W&M senior so they’re not a dean or anything. We hope this eases some anxiety. Be proud of your accomplishments and tell your interviewer about them. Just don’t focus on them solely. Think about your challenges, your passions, and everything else that defines you and just answer the questions asked. If you are yourself you’ll do fine</p>
<p>Thank you very much! That does ease many of my anxieties. I think I will be fine. One more question, though. If my tour is scheduled for 10am and my interview is at 12pm, do the two overlap?</p>
<p>yea… I’m also sure the tour will not last 2 hours. Not to say you couldn’t spend 2 hours looking around campus if you wanted, but your tour will not last that long. If you want to look at more stuff after, you can.</p>
<p>The information session lasts from 10:00 - 10:30 and the tour until just before noon so your tour will end just before your interview begins and your tour ends at the Undergraduate Admission Office where interviews take place so you’ll be all set. If for any reason you’re a few minutes late, it’s no problem.</p>
<p>Check in for your interview before the tour that way we’ll know you’re out on tour if you’re not back right at noon for the interview.</p>