Unsettling interview experience - worth worrying?

<p>We made the trek to campus this week and my DS had an interview, but it didn't seem to go the way that others did, and I'm not sure if it's worth worrying about (besides the fact that it's water over the dam anyhow).</p>

<p>The admissions rep who spoke to us seemed very disengaged - didn't introduce himself or acknowledge my sitting there, no explanation that he would speak with my son and then coming back to answer any questions (an introduction which everyone else sitting around us seemed to get), came back quite soon with him and almost literally said, "He did fine. Goodbye," and turned to leave. I stuck my hand out to shake his and introduce myself, and he shook it and took off - still don't know his name (I think my son has a card). It was just very unsettling.</p>

<p>My son said it didn't seem like anything was particularly "wrong" when they talked, but that the rep asked him almost nothing, and compared with his other interviews was "VERY laid-back."</p>

<p>So, is the important thing that the committee "checks off" that he HAD an interview, or are the representative's written comments going to be evaluative? It's DS' first choice school after a wonderful day on campus (other than this). Maybe the rep was sick or something, I don't know.</p>

<p>Tsocash or others (unless it was you, Tsocash! :-)), can you either reassure us or advise how my son might make sure there's an accurate picture of him as a candidate?</p>

<p>You might want to pm Tyler so you can exchange more details.</p>

<p>The interviews with University of Rochester representatives are evaluative. After each interview we essentially take notes highlighting how the interview went. This interview write-up will become part of the student’s application after the write-up is submitted.</p>

<p>When I review an application, I can see whether or not a student interviewed. If the student did interview, I can read the interview write-up.</p>

<p>I am happy to discuss this incident with you via personal messaging. I have been on the road traveling for Admissions over the past 6 weeks, but I will be back in the office tomorrow at 8:30am.</p>

<p>Tyler</p>

<p>Thanks for your quick response, Tyler - I’ll be in touch via PM.</p>

<p>Tyler,</p>

<p>Are the interviews conducted by a local alum also evaluative? It would seem to me that it would make a difference if the student interviews directly with an admissions rep as opposed to an alum. Are the kids who meet with an alum at a disadvantage?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>All interviews, regardless if they are conducted by an Admissions Counselor, a senior interviewer, or a local alum, count exactly the same. These interviews are evaluative, and we highly encourage all applicants to interview!</p>

<p>The highlights from your interview (your extracurricular passions, academic interests, reasons for applying to Rochester, etc.) will enter your application after the interview write-up is submitted. Once again, it doesn’t matter who interviews you… it just has to be a University of Rochester representative!</p>