I just got an email asking for an interview. What are some answers and questions I should already have prepared? What should I expect? This is my first interview so I am unsure of the formalities. Also, how should I introduce myself? Any more tips welcome.
Not too many formalities. The interviewer is your senior so will guide you. Call him Mr. or Ms. X unless he/she explicitly tells you to use the first name. He or She will likely offer to buy you a drink (there is NO need for you to offer to buy him/her a drink – he/she has invited YOU to this meeting.) Feel free to accept or decline. If no offer is made and you want something, it’s 100% ok to ask if you can go order a coffee/tea/soda. Don’t order food.
Look him/her in the eyes, shake hands firmly and confidently – no “dead fish” handshake – even if you’re female.
Dress business casual. Arrive early if possible to feel comfortable in your surroundings. In your set up for the meeting, try to describe yourself or what you’ll be wearing – it’ll usually be very obvious who the interviewer is – and you’ll be obvious to him/her too.
If your parents drive you, they can meet the interviewer, if you want. But have them go run an errand or wait in the car or the other side of the café/restaurant.
I applied Early Decision on October 31. Some of my friends in the same city have received interviewed requests, but I have not. Should i be worried?
@lolpleaseplease Do not worry. It depends on the schedule of your assigned interviewer. Some students got interviewed very late last year (very close to the date of decision released).
@f2000sa Would that mean that we will simply be notified later? If I do not get interviewed and I am in a big city where I am sure there are many interviewers, would that indicate I would not be considered/ accepted?
@lolpleaseplease When or whether you will be interviewed will not affect your chance of admission. That is separate processes. Penn tries to interview every students Just be patient. .