I will be having my Cornell interview in a week; background: I applied to Computer Science in the College of Arts & Sciences. My interviewer is an alum from Arts & Sciences (makes sense I guess). I am guessing he will be further inquiring about my application such as extracurriculars or expanding on “Why Cornell?” Also, will the interviewer be looking for “initiative” such as talking about leadership/community service even though not directly asked? I ask because my friend, who is an executive in a mentoring program at my school, said that not taking initiative (and specifically citing the above reason) in the admit interviews was a huge rejection factor. One last question, are the interviews mostly one-sided or should I be planning on asking (and I guess coming up with) multiple questions? Sorry for the flurry of information but it is my first interview.
Cornell meetings are non evaluative. It’s a way for you to ask questions and have a more personal experience with the university. Be prepared to answer why you are applying to Cornell and about why you are applying to your major. You may also be asked things like what was your favorite HS class, what is your favorite EC, etc… Come prepared to ask the alum questions. This should be a low key, relaxed meeting. Don’t be nervous!
Like @momofsenior1 said, interviews for A&S is not formal.
Have you read this yet?
https://blogs.cornell.edu/admissions/2017/11/24/admissions-interviews/
Relax. It should be a conversation. When an interviewer contacted my D (A&S), she said it would be about half an hour long. It went over an hour. My D said they just chatted and that it went well.
Give yourself plenty of time in case it goes longer than you were told.