<p>I am planning to visit Oberlin in early November. Does having an interview help the admissions process a lot? I mean if the interview went very well would they be more inclined to accept me? </p>
<p>Also I think I will be staying over night with a student. Has anyone done this? I normally am uncomfortable with strangers but I think it could be interesting, and insightful.</p>
<p>I visited Oberlin this summer, and though I didn't stay with a student, I did have an interview.</p>
<p>I don't know exactly how much interviewing helps in admissions, but I'm certainly glad that I had one. I think the interviewers (there were two - one an admissions rep, one a student) really got to know me beyond test scores, activities, etc. I would imagine an interview would really help if you are "on the cusp." It indicates that you are interested in the school, and that you are more likely to attend than someone who didn't bother to interview.</p>
<p>In case you do interview at Oberlin, here's some info. My interview was very informal. They didn't ask generic questions like "What do you like about Oberlin?" They did ask how I first found out about Oberlin, but there's really no "wrong" answer to that. The questions were more like, "What do you do in your spare time?" and "Who are your favorite authors?" It was a very relaxed environment - it felt much more like a conversation than an interview. The only weird thing was that I wasn't always sure which of the two interviewers I should address, but hopefully you won't have that problem. Just remember to be honest and be yourself, and ask A LOT of questions to show that you're really interested.</p>
<p>I hope this helps!</p>
<p>my interview was just with a student, a junior, and i thought it was really valuable. i got to show my interest in oberlin, and to talk about things that i felt were important, certain things that there just isn't room for in the application. yeah, mine was very informal, very conversational, which i appreciated. made it easier to be myself- which i think is what they're looking for.</p>
<p>also, i did do an overnight with a student. i'm usually pretty shy so i felt like you, that i might be uncomfortable, but it worked out well. my host was really nice, and just by talking to her and her friends i got such a good idea of what the school is really like. i'd definitely advise you to do an overnight if you can.</p>
<p>good luck!</p>
<p>I believe that interviews are generally informational - they don't play a big part in making the decision about accepting you. A report of the interview still goes into your file, though.</p>
<p>I hosted prospective students last year. We like meeting prospies and showing them around campus, and we try to make you as comfortable as possible. I think you'd learn a lot about life here that you wouldn't learn otherwise, and you should definitely do an overnight if you can. </p>
<p>Actually, I hosted someone from CollegeConfidential last year, I could probably do it again.</p>
<p>At Oberlin the Admissions Office chooses currrent students carefully to ensure friendly, reliable, responsible overnight hosts. My D really liked her overnight experience. It gave her a feeling for staying up late at night talking about all kinds of important and silly things. Go for it! </p>
<p>It is a very personal school. When you register for the overnight visit, I think you could even feel comfortable to mention then your mixed feelings of shyness and eagerness, expressed so sweetly above. Perhaps they can help by trying to match you well with a host.</p>
<p>If you like the host, figure that's indicative. If your luck isn't as good, you still have the chance to go out and meet other people in the dorm lounges or go to an activity in the evening by staying on campus overnight. If Admissions gives you a list of recommended evening college activities for prospective students, that's a good guide to choose so you get a sampling of what the campus can offer outside of courses.</p>
<p>Are you travelling with a parent? What I did was give my D my cell number where I was staying at a motel. I said if it was bad, just call me and I'd round her up late at night. Of course she never called me and had a very good time.</p>
<p>I would definitely recommend an overnight to see more of the Oberlin beyond the tour. When I had to make my college choice I think it would have helped me if I had done overnights. I hosted prospies in the past and know other people who have, and remember, it's voluntary, so the people who would host you are there to be friendly and make you feel comfortable.</p>