<p>ok, so i got my acceptance today and im very happy! but now im starting to get worried about the interview. </p>
<p>what kind of questions do they ask? what if i honestly do not know what i want to pursue at this moment? (i had put undecided, and all i know is that i really want to do something in science, though i havent really chosen a specific field b/c i like all the sciences)</p>
<p>p.s. what should i wear? suit?</p>
<p>thanks. i will greatly appreciate any tips/past experiences.</p>
<p>My D said it was pretty relaxed and conversational in tone. There are 3 or 4 interviewers...a faculty member or two, an advisor or TA, and an upper division student. Interviews lasted 20 to 30 minutes. They have the application with them if I remember correctly, and ask questions relating to your field of study, particular ECs etc. We got the sense that they just wanted to get to know the student better face to face and have a conversation. She said no difficult probing questions were asked.</p>
<p>Don't worry about the undecided thing, lots of students are undecided. They will appreciate that you'd like to explore. Besides students change their majors all the time. Just be honest and explain exactly what you said in your post, and you'll be fine.</p>
<p>It's not necessary to wear a suit, but look neat and respectable. Casual is ok, business casual, decent pair of pants and a shirt or sweater is fine. This is California and formal suit and tie is not really expected.</p>
<p>Here are some old threads about the scholarship interviews:</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Just reread a couple of those links. Really brings back memories, we were so excited about Explore! Now that I reread, I remember that my D actually did have some interview questions from left field, but all turned out well.</p>
<p>If I am international how would they conduct the interview? Or do they skip it entirely?</p>
<p>The interview is required to be awarded the scholarship, so they have to go to USC for it. There were several Internationals at my session last year.</p>
<p>I believe that for some internationals, they can interview where you are. I believe it depends on the area, I think arrangements were made for Hong Kong students IIRC. It might be best to give USC a call, or ask through email.
The interview cannot be skipped, it's required.</p>
<p>(Really not sure, I vaguely remember a student who had his interview in HK)</p>
<p>During my interview, I got asked to "explain something in a rational way" which really confused me, so I did my best to blabber through a recent physics lab... There were other things like why I wanted to attend USC (of course) and I just rattled of some reasons and a program that I found interesting and the idea that USC is really a school for students who want to explore all facets of education...
I don't know if that helps. It was a pretty typical interview for me, and my interviewer was almost falling asleep because they had just done interviews for 2 days back-to-back so...I don't know how much of it stuck.</p>
<p>jessica, the scholarship interviews have not taken place yet. What interview are you talking about? </p>
<p>Do you mean an interview you had when you applied to USC?</p>
<p>^ Yes. I thought jason88 was talking about the initial interviews....
Sorry. :\
I have no idea what's going on! I just kind of skimmed the messages in between and only read jason88's! >< oh dear.</p>
<p>along the lines of what to wear, i'm a girl from the east coast so the majority of what i own for winter is heavy sweaters and pants. i don't want to be entirely uncomfortable that day, so i'm gonna go out and buy something. wondering if there's any other suggestions as to what to wear? i know the guidelines are "business" attire</p>
<p>Last year my D wore black pants and a solid coloured T shirt with a nice cardigan, flat shoes. She had also taken a suit jacket (in case) but did not wear it. Simple, neat, and comfortable.</p>
<p>swoopes2- my D just had good luck at J. Crew for business casual clothes.</p>
<p>remember, you're going to be in LA, where the average temp in march is in the 70's! No one needs a sport coat for this interview. Just look nice and neat- no sexy tops and too short skirts or tshirts featuring heavy metal bands.</p>