<p>People often ask questions about the interview. Please post your experience regarding your interview: what you decided to wear, what your interviewer was like (counselor, former student, current student), anything unusual about your interview.</p>
<p>My (sons’) experience and what I noticed:</p>
<p>Most people are a bit nervous before any interview; that’s normal, but save your worrying for something else. The interviews seem to be very informal; they want to get a feel for you as a student, especially <em>what you like to do in addition to studying</em>, and they want to answer any questions you have. So have some.</p>
<p>My sons wore average-neat outfits. Polos and nicer jeans. I saw people going for interviews wearing a variety of stuff. I saw some suits, yes I did, but I do not think it is necessary. Wear it if it makes you feel more comfortable. I also saw a few outfits that I would have questioned, but again, whatever makes you feel most comfortable. I do not think they will judge you on what you wear!</p>
<p>You will go to your interview room assignment and the interviewer will talk to you first, alone, as a student. One time we had our admissions counselor, and last time it was a (very accomplished) student. They will chat to you for 20-30 minutes and then if you are with a parent or whomever, they will ask them to come in and chat as well. The first time I didn’t know this so my son went up by himself while I waited in the cafe. The next time I went up with my other son and waited in the outside room, and I was called in after they were done speaking. I asked a few questions but I think they covered everything he needed to know before I got there anyway.</p>
<p>Although an interview used to be required, now it is recommended, but I suggest you do the interview. It shows interest and it can only help your application by adding a face and some detail to it. I get the impression that Stevens wants to admit people who really want to go there, not people using it as a safety. So any demonstrated interest helps your case.</p>
<p>If Stevens’ location is not convenient for you, I think they can set up a phone or Skype interview. I suggest you book your interview along with your campus visit so that you get it done. Don’t wait until the last minute as spots will fill up.</p>
<p>Our experience was similar. The interview, for which my son worse a jacket and tie (goes to private school and wears jacket and tie every day so no big deal - just a different jacket and tie) was very comfortable and casual. My son had anticipated several typical questions and had thought about responses (Why engineering? What type of engineering? What are your strengths/weaknesses, etc.), however the experience was more conversational. There were no challenging questions. Of course, there was an opportunity for his questions to be answered and there was time for parent’s questions. It was a very nice experience. The interviewer was professional, knowledgeable, and very pleasant. It was a good experience. I think they just want to meet the applicants and see if there is more than just “smarts” there. They might be looking for well rounded personalities and diversity as well.</p>
<p>Wait, you were there while your son was there being interviewed and asked all those questions?</p>
<p>My interview’s coming up – I had one with another school, but I’m not sure what to expect for Stevens. Thanks for this thread.</p>
<p>My son did an interview at Stevens during one of their “Design a day” sessions this fall. He dressed neatly, in slacks and a nicer shirt. No tie, but no jeans. The interviewer was a current student, a senior if I remember correctly. I don’t think dressing better or worse would have made a significant difference unless it was inappropriate or outright sloppy.</p>
<p>The interview was one-on-one with the student first, and lasted around a half-hour. After that, I was invited to join them to ask any questions. My son was very relieved when I didn’t contradict anything he had said! For example, they asked us each independently how Stevens had wound up on our list of schools to look at, and we had the same answer (guidance counselor recommendation).</p>
<p>From what my son told me, the interview was very conversational and not stressful at all. He said the interviewer was very interested in where Stevens ranked in his options. For example, they asked if he was accepted everywhere he applied and had no financial constraints, where would he attend? My son truly is not sure where he’ll find his best fit, but Stevens is in his top 5 so that’s what he told them. I agree with rualum that Stevens appears to want to be a top choice and not a safety.</p>
<p>Should I bring anything to the interview?</p>
<p>My son brought copies of his high school resume, a notebook where he had jotted down some questions in advance, and a pen to take notes.</p>
<p>The interview was actually one of my easier interviews - very very short and the questions my interviewer asked me were simple enough to answer initially and expand upon.</p>