<p>Hey!
I was thinking of doing an alumni interview since there are so many options around where I live. But I really only want to do it if it helps my chances since I know people that go to the school and can answer a lot of my other questions. Does anyone know how much weight they have? or if any?</p>
<p>Also, what is the interview like? As in what do you talk about/how long/how casual/formal?</p>
<p>Any input would be much appreciated!!</p>
<p>Personally i think if you can do it you should go for it! Personal interviews give schools a comprehensive view of you, much better than any amount of writing can 
they may not have much weight but i think its worth it just for the experience</p>
<p>Definitely do the interview! 
It’s a great way to learn more about CMU and demonstrate interest in the program. Essentially, it won’t affect admissions, but the alumni report acts as an extra “letter of rec” which could certainly help if you’re on the border.</p>
<p>I did 9 interviews, and out of all of them, CMU’s was my favorite. It was on campus and I interviewed with a female CIT alum. I enjoyed it the most because I felt like it was the most casual conversation I had, and out of all of my interviewers, I felt like I could relate to her the best. We talked about my involvement at my high school, her involvement on campus, what she recommended getting involved with, and what the CIT first-year curriculum was like. Overall, I really enjoyed the interview process!</p>
<p>CMU takes demonstrated interest very seriously. The more you can do to show your commitment the better. However, if the idea of an interview worries you, show your interest in other ways- visit/tour, sleeping bag weekend , etc</p>
<p>Thank you everyone! This was very helpful.</p>
<p>@lightingmom well the concept of an interview makes me anxious because of the pressure to not mess up and such. I have visited campus once (and toured) already. Is it easy to mess up?</p>
<p>Lilemmie- it’s a really difficult question to answer. I think it can depend on the chemistry with your interviewer, and that’s unpredictable, but the reality also is that throughout life you will need to interview with people that might be cold, odd sense of humor, etc and it’s good to learn how to handle that now. Generally speaking, the people who volunteer to do these alumni interviews really enjoy them and like meeting eager, young applicants so they are usually friendly and amiable, and often have had kids who’ve gone through this process. If you have good social skills and a clear idea of why you want CMU, it should be fine. And, of course, go prepared with questions and a strong handshake!</p>
<p>Thank you! Now for the next step… what exactly would be a good thing to say in the email to them? That may seem dumb but I really want to make a good first impression. Is it formal dress? Is a coffee shop a good place to meet?</p>
<p>If anyone knows from past experience or anything that’d be great!</p>
<p>Sorry for all the questions 0__o I just wanna do the best I can!</p>
<p>Formally address the individual you are trying to contact, introduce yourself as an freshman applicant for whichever school(s) at CMU you are interested in, and ask if they are free to meet within the next few weeks. </p>
<p>Coffee shops are a perfect place to interview. I find them to have the best atmosphere. None of my interviews were specifically “formal dress,” but then again, you certainly want to look presentable.</p>
<p>So I’m considering setting up an interview with an alumni within my area. I applied to CMU’s MCS, but most of the alumni in my area graduated from either CIT or SCS. Is it still acceptable to email one of them?</p>
<p>Definitely. Just be prepared that your interviewer may not be able to answer very specific MCS-related questions. They’ll still be a great resource to gauge what CMU is like, however, and they will write up a good interview report that will go in your application file!</p>
<p>thank you @ssrunner95! I have my interview scheduled for next week! I hope all goes well…! I’ll post again about the experience in case it helps anyone else out in the future!</p>