<p>My teacher has been prepping me for my interview tomorrow, and she's telling me to really talk about my ECs, but I feel like that would make me seem like just another cookie-cutter applicant who brags too much about irrelevant things.</p>
<p>She's also telling me to exploit my being Indian, since the interview is for a primarily white school. Is that a bad idea?</p>
<p>Hi DebateGeek,</p>
<p>Before I say anything, I would like to say I have never been in a college interview, so I can’t give you advice based on experience. However, I have read an article about the importance of extracurricular activities and other activities outside of school. I say, yes, mention any ECs or community service activities.
As for mentioning that you’re Indian, is this a phone interview or in-person interview? I would not mention the details into the majority of your interview because if it’s face-to-face interview, it’ll be apparent. I wouldn’t view it as “exploiting” or trying to take advantage. To be honest, the interviewer just wants to know who you are and if you’ll be a good fit with the school. I would recommend to incorporate your background into your interview as a story of who you are, because your culture (whether it’s American or Indian) contributes (among other things) to who you are. And mixing ECs (showing your actions), and your background (who you are) will help paint the interviewer a picture of who you really are. </p>
<p>Good luck with your interview!</p>