<p>I'm scared, to tell the truth. Could you guys give an idea of what questions you guys were asked/what activities you did with your interviewer? Yeah, I know every interview is different, but there should be some patterns, right? Do they even ask questions about academics/ec's/awards? I've already established that I'm gonna be my cool self during the interview, but anything extra would really be helpful.</p>
<p>don't be scared :) -- the interview is not that important at all.</p>
<p>My interviewer stressed that he did not want to hear anything at all he couldn't get off my application. Your focus should be elaboration. Are you student body president, for example? Well, don't tell your interviewer that. Tell them what you did that makes you a special student body president. Show compassion, creativity, resilience.</p>
<p>I had my interview with the head person in my area, and her words were, "we just want a face and personality to go with the application." My interviewer really liked me and actually asked my advice on whether her son should take Latin. It was pretty informal, she and I just sort of used my resume (I don't know how to make the little thing over the e) as a jumping off point. Just be youself.</p>
<p>You really shouldn't sweat the interview, most of them are pretty casual. You obviously have to gauge the interviewer a little bit, but most do interviews because the enjoy talking to students and love sharing their experiences. Be yourself (thanks enjeneer) is the best advice out there. Try to have a little bit of fun.</p>
<p>You also might want to prepare some specific questions about Princeton (or wherever you are interviewing.) The questions should show how interested you are in the school, maybe in a particular program or class or professor or even sports or social activities... Make it specific, but not so specific that the interviewer probalby wouldn't know the answer. Ask questions that you already know (or mostly know) the answers to... You don't want to say "I'm so interested in material studies involving rain forest hardwoods, are there any classes or professors I shouldn't miss?" only to have the interviewer say, "Ummm, we don't have anything that specifically targets that as far as I know...have you thought of Hardwood State University?"</p>
<p>You may not even get the opportunity to ask questions, but it you do, they should highlight your interest, and if possible reinforce why the school should be a good match for you.</p>
<p>Don't be too uptight. If you become uptight, the person will think that you have nothing to say, and he/she'll start talking all about him/herself and feel uncomfortable, which isn't good.</p>
<p>In any case, I still hold firm to my belief that interviews are as good as the interviewer is. It's a lot of luck to get a good alumni interviewer who knows what the heck he/she is there for. I had some interviewers for other schools who believed that the purpose of the interview was not to give a face to the student, but rather to give a face to the school in the form of rare personal experiences, like an info session. Those kinds of info session interviews, in my opinion, will not get you anywhere in the app process.</p>
<p>Bring your activities resume. It helps them get a general idea of where to start.</p>
<p>I'm pretty certain my princeton interview was one of the reasons i was rejected (only school i was rejected at)</p>
<p>Definitely don't sweat the interview. It's pretty casual, straightforward, and gives you the opportunity to ask questions about the school. Don't get caught up in how you should answer the questions; answer them openly, honestly, and you'll be okay :)</p>
<p>I'm confused.. you already had an interview for the class of 2010? They do them THIS early? Whoa.</p>
<p>i got some great advice from northstarmom - remember that your interviewer is a person too. Don't do this excessively, but ask about his experiences; alums like to talk about themselves too, and it makes them feel happy and appreciated : ). Optimally they will be answering your questions in ways you can lead into things you want to say. </p>
<p>my worst interview felt contrived: "Uh yea, why don't you tell me everything you want me to write." The atmosphere was rough, jerky, artificial, and even if he put down everything I wanted him to write, his indifference would have showed through.</p>
<p>My best interview on the other hand (with northwestern's 7 year combined med program) was excellent because my interviewer and I 'clicked'. It was a real conversation. For example, I asked her why she wasn't practicing medicine in Asia anymore, she told me some stuff I never knew even tho I've been in Asia for most of my life, I told her where I wanted to practice --> much better and more heartfelt transition into why I wanted to be a doctor. I had a good feeling about my admission chances before I was out of the room, and I also had a great feeling about the school.</p>
<p>Don't get worked up about your interview, but DO prepare questions about Princeton. I didn't really prepare questions and I basically bombed my interview...but I got in, so go figure. Just be yourself as much as possible, and remember that, in the end, the interview carries very little weight.</p>