<p>I have an upcoming interview with an MIT alum and I'm not quite sure what to expect. What sorts of questions do they ask? What info should I come prepared with? I would appreciate any advice you can give me.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Is this an after-the-deadline interview? The interview period is over, and the admissions staff have begun reading applications for regular applicants. My daughter's interview last year was like a friendly conversation that lasted for about an hour in a local Starbuck's. All you need to bring is a good sense of why you are a good fit for MIT, and why MIT would be a good fit for you. Bring some questions of your own, because a good conversation involves some back and forth. It's not an interrogation. You won't be sitting on a high stool with a bright light shining in your face. It should be an interesting and enjoyable experience.</p>
<p>It is after the deadline, but reading on regular apps starts next Monday (at least we EC's have until Sunday night to get our reports in). The 15 December deadline can be extended or waived if circumstances demand it, provided the report is in by 6 January. Generally, we need a pretty good reason for waiving the deadline, but it does happen. Indeed, I did one of my interviews this year on Christmas Eve, after another EC who was originally scheduled to do the interview had to go away unexpectedly. By the time we had worked out what was going on and the file transferred to me, the deadline had passed, but that was our fault, not the applicant's.</p>
<p>The above post is broadly right about the format. I tend to leave the electric cattle prod and manacles back at the office when I am interviewing. Relax and enjoy it.</p>
<p>Thanks for the tips, I'll let you know how it goes :)</p>
<p>If you have people at your school applying for MIT, ask them if they have already done an interview and if they had the same person you have. (Assuming they live close to you)</p>
<p>Depends entirely on the person; my boyfriend and I both interviewed with this awesome lady who basically chatted with us about sports and science and her kids and around-town stuff, while my friend got a dude who thought she was ditsy and gave her high-heel insoles. So I second the "ask around" bit. Go in knowing at least something about what you want to major in, bring a resume to make filling out the report easier for the EC, and be chill. Don't answer "multivariable calculus" when they ask what you do for fun.</p>
<p>Just be yourself and speak what is on your mind. Expect generic questions like: what you like to do for fun, what is your passion, and about your family. my interviewer asked me something peculiar, though. she asked me what my favorite math/physics formula was (yeah i thought it was funny too lol), and asked me if I could relate that to one of my dreams I'll achieve at MIT. then for the rest of the interview we talked about what life is like at MIT, some of my interviewer's personal stories with MIT, and possible research I might be interested. It's been the most awesome interview for me so far. </p>
<p>good luck! :)</p>
<p>Lol, that's a great question - what's you're favourite maths/physics formula and how can you relate that to your future dreams. It's more difficult to think of it on the spot, but people can come up with fairly deep or interesting answers to it...</p>
<p>out-of-curiosity.. what was your answer peterpan_k.. (to that math/physics formula question)...???</p>
<p>oh. i talked about how the essence of the graviational force is quintessentially similar to the power of teamwork. i specifically mentioned how I liked about MIT's respect for each individual's color, and the school's ability to elicit synergy out of the camaraderies among students and faculty.
and ultimately.. that i would like to become a part of this network and make a difference that will amaze everyone?....or something like that. :D</p>
<p>Oh that's good. That colours stuff is something we interviewers so rarely hear about. (grin) Good luck with your application.</p>