UChicago interview a few hours ago. The guy was nice and easy to talk to. We talked about philosophy, discourse, and photography among other things. In general it went great in my point of view. Bad points included answering with a reactionary “ionno” before any thoughtful answer as well as not having enough questions to ask. He kept on asking me if I had any more questions towards the end. Probably didn’t demonstrate a strong enough interest nor a strong enough sense of nerdy-quirkyness. Bahhhhh. It lasted a little over an hour due to my brain’s ability to generate genuine and productive questions. How long are interview supposed to be generally?
this may sound silly, but how important is it to simply do an interview? i really want to go to a certain very selective college, but it’s a long shot for me. should i arrange an interview? do i need to arrange an interview to every college i apply to, or only, say, colleges that are reaches or midlevels, etc?
had my first interview yesterday! for BATES
Please keep in mind I am an EXTREMELY awkward person. It was an alumni interview, so we met in a coffee shop very close to me. I wore khakis, and a blouse under a sweater, pearls and a headband. hahaha veryy preppy.
I was shaking waiting. I bought myself a tea. (I got there first) and kind of just say at a table for two. But as soon as she came in, she waved and came right over.
She was so friendly, and nice. It was more like a conversation than an interview. We talked about what I was looking for in a college, what I liked about Bates, my activities, my job, me being in the band haha, my interests.
Then we talked about her Bates experience.
In conclusion, don’t stress about Bates alumni interviews. 
I just got an interview offer. I was wondering, how can I respond to the e-mail? I obviously want to do it, but what else can I say?
Thank you for taking the time out to interview me. <—Is that okay?
Also, can anyone tell me about their past interview experience with UChicago? Thanks!
hey optimization, that sounds fine. i said about the same thing to my uchicago interviewer!
General question concerning interviews…is it okay to tear up during an interview while talking about something really emotional? or would it come off as weak?
PLEASE don’t tear up at an interview. Yes, they want to know about you but it’s not a cry-fest. If I was an alumni interviewing a prospective student who teared up I’d feel highly uncomfortable- and if the interviewer were male probably more so. Good to be passionate and expressive but remember the interviewer is still a stranger. Just my two cents. Good luck on your interview!
Anyone had a Pomona on-campus interview yet? What type of questions do they ask?
I’m having mine next Tuesday and I’m nervous!
I haven’t sent in my application yet…so does that mean I should definitely bring a resume and transcript since they know like nothing about me?
I interviewed with F/M. I had an adcom alum who was really really nice. I was late due to driving down that morning and…driving through NJ. She was really understanding and it actually went over the allotted time. I’m good at talking and thinking on my feet so it wasn’t especially difficult. I felt talking to her about things that we had in common aka fav. seasons was really fun and easy to relate to! Just get in your comfort zone with your interviewer!
There was one or two questions I screwed up. But as long as you come off with a good impression of being an outgoing/intelligent person, you’re probably fine! I mean, she didn’t know exactly where I was from. Try to relate and get it to become a conversation --not an interview. I ended talking with her about everything and I even found out about her kids! Definitely come with questions prepared so that you can keep it going. ;D
If you’re not the type of outgoing/talkative person that I am, definitely try to show who you are. Don’t be stiff and don’t get OCDesque about your accomplishments. If you’re having difficulty responding, try doing it with a friend. Just make sure you loosen up and say what you WANT to say opposed to what you think they might want to hear. Even if you have a strange sense of humor, make sure they catch that!
Also, make sure they know about what you want to do in COLLEGE not just hs. I went into my passions: judiasm & tennis. And I was basically recruited for it. Make sure you get that association so they KNOW you’ll be active. =]
They want to see more of YOU not as much your resume & transcript but definitely bring it. It’s one thing to be accomplished. But if you can’t talk about them without memorizing responses, don’t even discuss them. Talk about things you’re comfy with and that you can eagerly discuss. Honestly if I was an adcom, I’d HATE if kids memorized answers. Conversations are fun and interesting.
I wore a borderline formal outfit. It was a knee length striped skirt with a classy collegiate-type sweater + flats. Just look mature!
Sorry if this is a dumb question but…what exactly do you put on a resume that you bring to an interview?
It is basically the same things as on your college application (ie Academic Awards, ECs, etc) and Test Scores? And can you just list them (w/out a description, since you’ll probably be elaborating on it at your interview)?
g00gle, I plan on bringing an activities r
On-campus interviews really aren’t bad. The interviewer will generally go out of his/her way to make you feel comfortable, and starts out with easy questions. My first question was “So, what did you do over the summer?”.
Generally, it isn’t a good idea to bring a folder full of stuff. If you need a sheet of paper with your activities listed on it just in case your mind blanks, go ahead, but most interviewers frown upon bringing a resume to an interview. They look to your application for a comprehensive list of activities, grades, gpa, etc.
The interview is another way for the college/univ. to get to know you. It’s basically a measure of your personality. Be yourself, but get a feel for the interviewer.
Expect to be asked questions about your greatest challenge or hardest decision. Also, they throw in a fun question toward the end, like “If we gave you $20 right now, what would you buy?”, or “If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?”. Also, if they ask about what major you’d like t pursue, have a good answer. Not “because I’m good at it.”
Go in with a good attitude, and be yourself. 
Good Luck!
My alumni interview at Tufts was somewhat boring. It went alright, but the guy barely even gave me time to talk. All he did was boast about how great Tufts was, which of course I would have already known since I’m obviously interested in it. : P Hopefully he writes a decent review though! He said that only 2/16 people he interviewed got in. Eeeeep. :X
I feel like an idiot because I didn’t talk about my ECs at all, even though he asked twice (i think) to tell him about myself. Ah well, I learned my lesson for next time.
I wore black slacks, a white collared shirt, and a black suit. (the guy who came after me wore pretty much the same thing). The interviewer wore a suit as well since this was at his office.
My interviewer was a genuinely nice person who spoke at lengths about his traveling experience in my native country, his long and very colourful educational career, the city life at the university… all really helpful. He recommended me branch out during my undergrad years… haha this was the second time in a month someone gave me this suggestion and this time I sort of took it to heart instead of protesting. I mostly listened during the interview (on top of asking five or six questions and explaining to him the program im applying to), so I kind of feel I didn’t do my best. I hope I came off as an intelligent individual with specific sets of ideals >_>
generally are on campus interviews more stressful than alumni interviews? I have a interview for Pomona coming up and I am really freaking out…
I requested an interview for George Washington U. The admissions rep said I can conduct the interview with an alumnus near my home, or by phone.
I like the in person interview, because I feel I can really project my personality better in person. An interview over the phone sounds so artificial.
Do you guys recommend one or the other?
in person, esp if you have good people skills. either way, just be excited!
anyone have tips for a phone interview?
if you’ve already submitted your app does your interviewer look at it before the interview and ask you questions based on it? or does your interview just ask you general questions? do alumni interviewers even have access to students’ applications?
general question - do you call your interviewer by his/her first name or Mr. or Ms. Whatever?