Hi,
I am scheduled for an on-campus interview at WF tomorrow at 3 pm and I am hoping someone on here can help calm my nerves/answer some questions as I am not great with high-stakes situations like this, and even worse with interviewing in general. I have received and looked through a list of possible interview questions with my counselor and done a mock interview as well, but I am wondering if anyone can give me any tips or advice on how to make the best impression… my main concerns are as follows but I am open to ANY help I can get! FYI- I am applying to WF as an English major and I would like to become a secondary school teacher after college with an end-goal of getting my Masters and becoming a professor.
How knowledgeable should I be about current events? I have a pretty good idea of what is going on in the world but I definitely don’t read the newspaper front to back every day if that makes any sense…
What is your best advice for answering the “oddball” questions that WF seems to love such as… “if you were a kitchen utensil which one would you be?”
Is it bad to dress in a button-down with a blazer, tie, and slacks?
In my email confirmation, WF stated that “your interview will take place at the Porter B. Byrum Welcome Center located on the right as you enter campus from Silas Creek Parkway. Ample parking is available.” How will I know who my interviewer is? How early should I arrive? I am making a long commute (4+ hours by car) and being late is one of my biggest fears.
Any other logistical things I should be aware of? AKA anything I need to bring, etc.
Just whatever advice you have in general is great!!!
First and foremost, relax. The interview is not going to make or break you application! It’s simply a way for the Admissions group to get to know you better and gain a better insight into you as an individual and a student. The topic of conversation will be mainly about you, your interests and what motivates you and what you hope to achieve with your life. There may be one or two “odd-ball” questions, but they are asked to primarily see your personality and how you see yourself (much like the Top-Ten list on the application). If they have your application already, they may pull a couple of questions off of your essays or other information included with your application.
The interview will be structured. The person you are speaking with will have a list of questions that they will run through one at a time. They will be taking notes, so don’t let that distract you. Keep in mind that there are no right or wrong answers, so don’t expect any feedback as you answer. They are pretty stoic for the most part, but may ask a follow-up or ask you to elaborate on something you say. Everyone who goes through this is nervous, they are prepared for that, and will do their best to make you feel comfortable.
So, a couple of suggestions. Be yourself, stay away from canned, prepared answers. Answer the questions thoughtfully and thoroughly just as you would answer a question with a friend. Let your interest in Wake show through. You are showing your commitment to the school by driving such a long way for the interview, don’t shy away from expressing your desire to attend and why you want to matriculate at Wake Forest. Keep in my mind Wake’s motto: “Pro Humanitate - (For Humanity), is a calling to use our knowledge, talents and compassion to better the lives of other”. Your desire to teach fits perfectly and you should stress that, in your own words. If you have questions about your intended major or other aspects of life at Wake, then by all means ask them. And lastly, have fun with it.
Your indicated dress will be perfect. The Byrum Welcome Center is the 2nd building on the right, assuming you come into the campus from the Silas Creek Parkway/Reynolda Road entrance. There is plenty of parking available, look for the signs to the building and parking. When you come in the main entrance to the building there is a reception desk for you to let them know you are there for an interview. I would arrive at least 15 minutes early so you can catch your breath before you go in. You should also be aware there is some construction work occurring on I-40 around downtown (not sure which direction you are coming from) that is causing some traffic headaches, so be prepared for that.
Yes just relax. Not much to add to the excellent advice. I recall my son telling me his interview was actually fun (he was nervous too) and it felt more like a conversation than anything. Just be natural and you’ll do fine.
