<p>This isn't a comprehensive interview primer, but I have a few random suggestions. Screwing up any of these could be a pretty deadly mistake.</p>
<p>1) ASK QUESTIONS. Be prepared to ask questions. Questions show that you're excited about Columbia and cared enough to do your homework. It also is a way to show your smarts. If you can't think of anything to ask because you think know everything about Columbia, ask something you already know the answer to. Or, ask the interviewer something about himself even if you couldn't care less what clubs he was in at Columbia.</p>
<p>2) BE PROFESSIONAL. The interviewer knows you're a teenager, but try to act like a mature adult for 45 minutes. Many Columbia interviewers are young, and you shouldn't act inappropriately because your interviewer is only a few years older than you. Don't tell your interviewer that your "11th grade english teacher sucks" or ask about fake IDs (both true stories!). We know some teachers suck and that everyone has a fake ID, but you don't want to exhibit such poor judgment. You should be yourself and act naturally, but just use your common sense.</p>
<p>3) BE PREPARED FOR BASIC QUESTIONS. There's a few things you know you're going to be asked, and you should at least think about how you would would answer those questions. The "why Columbia" question is a given. Some sort of questions about your academic interests are also a given. If you act as if you've never thought about why you want to attend Columbia, and then say "it's like in New York City!... and I like the Core," you look bad.</p>
<p>4) DON'T SUCK UP. Your interviewer will see right through any butt-kissing and other BS. Just act normally.</p>
<p>Interview has me kind of nervous, it'll most likely be my first one (Columbia's my only early school) and I've never done any professional interview type things.</p>
<p>If I'm applying ED and submitted Part I last week, any idea when or if I'll get an interview? I'm from Michigan, if that makes a difference. And how much does it factor into the application decision? Could it make or break an application or it only really applicable if I act like a complete idiot?</p>
<p>In general, alum interviews aren't credited as being a major part of the admissions process. It's likely that an extemely bad impression (rude, hostile, generally goofy) could be injurious, but beyond that it's unlikely to count much beyond a minor tiebreaker.</p>
<p>You don't have to be perfect. Nobody applying ED has ever had an important interview before. You could interview anytime between now and the mid November, or not at all.</p>
<p>It is an ancillary part of the decision. Your academics are most important. Everything else makes up "the entire package" of who you are. A mediocre-to-bad interview will hurt you. Even if you aren't a complete idiot, showing a less than enthusiastic interest in Columbia will hurt. A stellar interview will help you if you're borderline. Most probably won't matter.</p>
<p>Roger--I think you're underestimating what could constitute an "extremely bad impression." With 18,000 applications, Columbia is looking for any way to weed someone out. If your interview report says you didn't know a thing about Columbia and couldn't articulate why you want to attend, there's little chance that you'll get in. That is an "extremely bad impression," even if not rude/hostile/goofy.</p>
<p>I just got my interview about 3 weeks and 4 days after I submitted my last aplication, so I think you'll get your interview soon Samian Quazi.</p>
<p>My interviewer emailed me (on Thursday) asking about a day we could meet, is it okay if I schedule our meeting a week after he emailed me (because he doesn't want to interview on the weekend, and the other 4 days I have major activities after school) Does the this look bad? Should I schedule my interview closer to the date that he emailed me?</p>
<p>SQ, I'm not really the one to advise you on this question because I wasn't present at my son's interview, but I believe they were questions such as:
what is your favorite class, least favorite class, what do you enjoy doing in your free time. Actually, Columbia 2002 would be better prepared to elaborate. Sorry I can't be of more help.</p>
<p>From my Columbia interview last year, I also recall:</p>
<p>What do you feel are your strengths and weaknesses?
Do have have an idea of what you'd like to major in?
Most meaningful extracurriculars?
Your favorite teachers and why?
Favorite book and why?
Favorite subject?</p>
<p>How come I don't get any emails or contacts saying the interview is set. I am really worried. My friend who applied to Penn had an interview last week, and she said it went well. grrr I wouldn't call the school tho, becasue maybe no alumnis presenting in my area. but i wish i can have one since I have bunch of questions to ask and also i think i am good at it (maybe?)</p>
<p>I thought I 'd bring this thread back!
I applied Early Decision to Columbia the first day applications came out on August 6th. </p>
<p>Question:
Do I have to submit part 2 of my application for someone to be convinced and interested enough to interview me. Because part 2 is the area that goes even more in depth on "who I am" so I'm wondering why would they grant interviews based on application part 1 alone?</p>