<p>I recently received an email from an alumnus of Brandeis University in response to my request for an interview.</p>
<p>What should I wear? </p>
<p>I'm really nervous! I've heard that interviewers usually ask questions about educational background and interest in the college. How should I prepare?</p>
<p>Also, I am applying RD and have not yet submitted my application, should I still do the interview? I am definitely applying, I just want to work on my essay a little bit more before submitting it...</p>
<p>What should I wear --</p>
<p>I wouldn’t wear Jeans or a tee shirt. Nice slacks and a button down shirt with a collar, should be fine. If you’re a female, a skirt would work also (though probably not necessary)-- if you’re male, I wouldn’t recommend the skirt (grin).</p>
<p>You should be prepared for a question about “Why Brandeis.” You should be prepared for a question of “What do you want to study”, You should be prepared for a question about your hobbies and interests. You may be asked where else you intend on applying (just make sure that the school you’re interviewing at doesn’t come across as a safety school). If other schools are ‘different’ than Brandeis, you could get a question there (i.e., Brandeis and Michigan, both great schools, but very different feels). </p>
<p>Most important, BE YOURSELF. Believe it or not, the main purpose of the interview is to sell YOU on the school not the other way around. In most cases, unless you come across as having two heads or showing no interest in the school, it can’t hurt. </p>
<p>If you have any questions about the school, it’s a good chance. No need to get too deep. Example, How often to students to into Boston. Do they have a ______ Club (before asking this question check their website, and make sure the answer is YES). Or really, any other question that you’ve been wondering about, but can’t easily find on the site.</p>
<p>Finally, if there is something that you want to bring out that may not come across on your application, this is your chance. (NOTE – most students do not have anything here, so don’t go overboard trying to think of anything).</p>
<p>I just interviewed with a very prestigious LAC a few days ago and it went pretty well. I would suggest taking a formal approach and wearing coat and tie. Just keep the conversation going and be ENTHUSIASTIC - can’t stress that enough. Act like you really want to go to Brandeis.</p>
<p>@zephyr15,</p>
<p>I don’t own any slacks… 
How long do you think the skirt should be?</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice! 
It’s very helpful</p>
<p>@howdoudo989,</p>
<h2>Thank you!</h2>
<p>Also, I heard I should arrive 10-15 minutes early… Is that true?</p>
<p>The skirt should be to the knees at least. To be safe, dress on the conservative side. And yes, definitely arrive 10-15 minutes early. And most importantly, BE YOURSELF! :)</p>
<p>What length would you wear to church, temple …</p>
<p>I guess, anything below the knee?</p>
<p>btw, Brandeis is a great school my eldest daughter graduated from there a year ago and loved it!!!</p>
<p>10-15 minutes early is good. That way if you hit traffic, or are delayed for 5 minutes, you won’t be late.</p>
<p>You should <em>plan</em> on arriving 10-15 minutes early so that if you get stuck in traffic or trying to park you are still there on time. </p>
<p>To prepare for this interview you can go to the library and get a book on job interviews. There is a lot of overlap, really. Expect open ended questions such as “tell me about yourself” or “what do you do in your free time”, etc. And at some point I guarantee they will ask if you have any questions for them. This isn’t a time filler, its a way of finding out if you’ve prepared for the interview and spent some time thinking about what it would be like to be a student there. </p>
<p>Its common for alumni interviewers to have been given little information about the interviewee (obvious, I suppose, in your case since you haven’t sent in the app yet!) Some applicants prepare a simple 1-page resume (classes, honors, ECs, etc; you can leave off GPA and scores) and ask if the interviewer would want it; they may wave it off, but some will appreciate having it. </p>
<p>I also suggest you sit down with a friend or parent and have a mock interview to work some of the jitters out.</p>
<p>Thanks you @OhioMom2, @mikemac and @zephyr15! I will make sure my skirt is a respectable length.</p>
<p>I visited Brandeis a few months ago and fell in love with the campus! :D</p>
<p>EDIT: @mikemac, I have scheduled to have a mock interview with my guidance counselor after tomorrow.</p>