<p>So I'll probably be going on my college visits starting pretty soon, and I was trying to decide whether or not I should do interviews. As it says in the title, the colleges I might interview at would be Bowdoin, Bates, Hamilton and Colby. On all their websites and brochures, it says they strongly recommend an interview and say that it will help you get in, but I was wondering: is there a chance the interview could hurt me? Conversational skills are not my greatest strength, to put it mildly. I sometimes have issues with monotonous speech and mumbling. I also absolutely hate answering questions about myself, and it tends to show. I don't talk very much, which might make it seem like I am disinterested. So do you think I should interview, or am I better off without doing them?</p>
<p>P.S. I don't know if my stats are relevant here. If they are, just say so and I will post them.</p>
<p>I'm interviewing at bates next week and I'm hoping it'll be one of my strengths because test scores certainly aren't. I've never heard of an interview hurting anyone's chances unless the applicant is outright rude or obnoxious. From what I've heard they really do just try to make you feel comfortable. It's also a time where you can ask questions about the school as well.</p>
<p>You should interview but you shouldn't stress out over it. Don't go in trying to impress. Be yourself. College interviews are generally not like employment interviews. The Admissions Committee will determine whether or not you are qualified based upon your application and supporting materials. The interview will give them some idea of your level of interest in the school, and whether you seem like you will fit in. Try to relax. But you will do better if you spend some time preparing for the interview. </p>
<p>You should prepare for the interview by studing the viewbook or the admissions website so that you have some basic knowledge about the school and can ask intelligent questions. You should go in with a few questions in mind but try to ensure that the questions aren't obviously stupid. If in doubt, try the questions out on your parents or someone older than you. If you are really concerned about your manner of speaking or if you tend to get very nervous--you might consider a practice session with someone qualified. The odds are high that you know someone who does alumni interviews for some college who can help you out.</p>
<p>If the schools say interviews are strongly recommended, then you should. Relax, and remember that this is a good time to assess them as well. My D had an alum interview with a top school, and she was turned off to a considerable degree with the interviewer, and hence the school to a certain extent. So use the interviews to your advantage.</p>
<p>Consider interviewing at a safety school first and ask for feedback from the interviewer. Move up to interviewing at a match school. Think about possible responses to likely questions - such as what was the last book you read. Ask friends of your parents if they are alumni interviewers and if you could practice a mock interview. Request feedback. </p>
<p>Don't go for your first interview at a top choice school!</p>
<p>I don't know about the others but an interview at Bates is an important part of their admissions process.</p>
<p>It is certainly good to get some under your belt before your tackle your top choices where you will probably be more keyed up. Basically relax and be yourself.</p>
<p>I know the people at Bates are very kind in their interviews-I'd recommend an interview-if you don't interview at Bates you will be assigned an alum to interview you later in the process.</p>
<p>at LACs the student body is smaller than at most colleges, so every slot counts. They need kids who will fit in and help them build the class they want. That's why they want to talk to their applicants, to make sure they'll be a fit. </p>
<p>Given what you've posted about yourself, are you sure you see yourself as an active participant in small classes?</p>