<p>I have my interview coming up this week. First of all, whats the proper attire? When i was visiting before i saw people very dressed down. That didn't seem approriate to me, thoughl. Also, what can i expect and how can I keep my nerves calm (im already sooo nervous!)</p>
<p>I wore khaki pants, a buttoned shirt (short sleeve) and dress shoes. It's really more of a casual conversation that goes over your interests, its pretty fun.</p>
<p>I wore jeans, a button down shirt and heels. Don't dress up. College interviews aren't like that, from my experience at least.</p>
<p>Most everyone that was there when I interviewed wore casual clothes. I wore a sport jacket, dress pants, tie + polo shirt, the whole nine yards. The person interviewing said I wasn't overdressed in his opinion and that it was fine.
Seems to me like it'd be better to overdress and show you're taking it serious than underdress (although it seems that this shouldnt be an issue.)</p>
<p>*but its up to you</p>
<p>well its all over now. i just wish i knew what she thought >_></p>
<p>i guess now comes the long hard wait lol</p>
<p>I'm sure you did fine. The only way the interview could hurt you at Swarthmore would be if the interviewer thought you were a total jerk. I don't think that happens very often.</p>
<p>I really think the interview is intended to provide a forum for students to interact with the school and decide whether or not the Swarthmore "culture" appeals to them.</p>
<p>yeah that makes sense, it was very relaxed and laid back as everyone here said. There was also a student intervierer there too to learn the ropes, and that made it even easier ithink</p>
<p>oh by the way, when writing a thank you is it better to be personal and bring up things that you talked about or just be general about ti</p>
<p>I think it's always best to include a specific reference. Can be just a simple sentence like, "I enjoyed learning about the Writing Associates program" or whatever. Even better, "After we talked about the Writing Associates program, I went to the WA website. The advice about writing papers is fantastic. Thanks for introducing me to the program."</p>
<p>At a place like Swarthmore, applicants who are curious enough to learn more about the school have a real advantage. After all, it is that kind of intellectual curiousity they are looking for.</p>
<p>You don't have to lay it on thick. Just a sentence or comment is enough.</p>
<p>Also, start jotting down specific things that strike you as positive. They will help you when it's time to write your "Why Swarthmore?" essay.</p>
<p>This excerpt from a Q&A with Admissions Dean Jim Bock from a Nov 2003 issue of the Daily Gazette:</p>
<p>
[quote]
DG: What sort of things do you look for in an application?</p>
<p>J Bock: Swarthmore is pretty self-selecting, so scores generally aren't an issue. We want to see a commitment to a few activities, see what your motivations and passions are. There's not really anything in particular - just follow your interests. And of course we want to see a passion for learning, which is why the essay is so important - it helps us go beyond the surface. One student may apply because Swarthmore is a top school, which isn't necessarily bad, but someone else may apply because Swarthmore is a top school AND it has X, Y, and Z. We like to see that a student has researched their choice.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Check this article out, from one of the Harvard interviewer:</p>
<p>The article has some good tips. But, honestly, I think it leaves the impression that the interview is a bigger deal than it really is -- and that may be counterproductive.</p>
<p>Jot down some questions in advance. Use the interview to find out what you need to learn about the school. But, have fun with it.</p>
<p>Hey interesteddad, I am impressed by your 5.4+ posts/day for over 2 years. Are you retired or just enjoy chatting on college confidential?</p>