Strange Ivy Interview?! Contacted for Second Interview?!

Applying to College
1

I recently got contacted for a second interview to an upper tier ivy and also my top choice school. My first interview was very strange, the interviewer asked me for my perspective on everything from religion to politics although I was hesitant to answer at first because I know those are divisive topics. He/she assured me they didn’t care “what” I think but “how” I think and wanted me to be completly honest when answering. Don’t worry, I said nothing crazy and kept my answers fairly down the line although I am very religious and pretty liberal. Sometimes the questions ventured into being offensive and critiqued my religion and financial circumstance but I never responded in a negative/defensive manner. (I have no interest in reporting the interviewer, it seemed like they just wanted to see how I would respond) I have no idea how the interview went because the interviewer was poker face the whole time but now I’m worried since I’ve been contacted for a second interview. If it matters, the interview lasted over an hour and I did get one small but really nice passing comment from the interviewer as the interview came to a close. Is this a sign that I got a really bad report or possibly a really good one? Maybe it was inconclusive?

But what I really wanted to ask is if I could call my first interviewer to explain that I’ve been contacted for a second interview and ask if they could give me any advice. I think calling for advice would be an innocuous way to gain some insight into the situation based on their tone of voice/advice/ receptiveness etc. Would I have anything to lose by doing this?

*I used “they” but it was a single interviewer. Sorry for being vague but I can’t imagine many people having a similiar first interview experience

2

I would contact Admissions. It’s likely just an error and your name was probably mistakenly given to more than one alum. I’ve never heard of any school requiring or any candidate being offered a second interview – no matter how bizarre the first one was. It sounds like you handled yourself well.

3

@LoveTheBard thanks for your response. The second interviewer said that they are aware that I already met with an interviewer but was wondering if I could have a 2nd convo to give more info to the adcom

4

That is truly odd. My recommendation is NOT to contact the first interviewer…I don’t believe that will help you…go to the 2nd interview…handle yourself well (as you did the first time) and then see what happens!

5

@am7311 - If the second interviewer knows that you’ve already had an interview and still wants to interview you, then by all means, go ahead and do it. I wouldn’t contact the first interviewer…it was already awkward enough with that person and you don’t want him/her second guessing why you might have be assigned a second interviewer.

6

Do not contact the first interviewer again (assuming you have already sent your thank you note).

I knew a student who was in a similar circumstance, with an odd first interview and then a second interview for the same school. After she was admitted, the second interviewer explained that this happens on rare occasion when the applicant is on the bubble and the admissions office does not want to rely on the first interview report for whatever reason. This is good news for you, so do not miss this opportunity.