Hi everyone. I just wanted to ask thoughts bc i have agreed to meet my interviewer in his own office but after speaking to many of my friends who are meeting theirs in public
Places I’m paranoid that maybe I should’ve said something?? Is it really weird for my interviewer to ask me to meet at his office? Was he likely unaware of the Yale norm or did he just not care? What’s up? I want to know. I’m way more intimidated by this interview than I ever would be based on his tone, his profession, and where we’re meeting…
No, it’s not weird for your Yale interview to occur at your interviewer’s office. In fact, it’s perfectly normal, especially if they are a busy professional. FWIW: My daughter had her Yale interview in the 20th floor conference room overlooking Rockefeller Center in NYC at her interviewer’s Fifth Avenue law office – talk about intimidating! Yes, it’s not neutral territory. If you are meeting in your interviewer’s office, THEY have the home court advantage, so you have to walk in with confidence knowing you can easily feel comfortable in what might otherwise be their “power palace.”
Yale’s guidelines for interviewers specify that the location should be neutral.
Not weird at all. Happens all the time, especially with lawyers as interviewers.
@allyphoe: Although Yale’s guidelines do suggest interviewer’s choose a neutral, comfortable, and convenient venue, nothing prohibits an interviewer from scheduling an interview at their office – especially as their office might meet two out of the three criteria (comfortable and convenient). See: https://asc.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/ASCOrientation_2_0.pdf
You were the one who identified the interviewer’s office as not being neutral. I was pointing out that the guidelines say that the location should be neutral, not that offices are prohibited.
Thanks! Yeah, my interviewer is in fact a lawyer and this is taking place in a law office in downtown dc. Stressful. But I’ll try to maintain the confidence I need 
As a former Ivy interviewer, let me assure you that you don’t need to be stressed about the interview. Be sure to ask some questions and just be yourself.
OP, can my son trade with you? His interview took place at a coffee house so comfy, convenient and completely neutral. He really enjoyed the experience but I’m guessing he would LOVE to show up to a DC lawyer’s power-palace. Of course, it would just put ideas into his head . . .
You got this, @lightsgoout!!! Be the bad ass student/person that you are and do not let any man in a big law office intimidate you. You are a confidant, accomplished human being with so much to offer to Yale! You will SHINE!!!
Decades ago we were interviewed at the alum’s home. I assign interviews and I have one alum who is elderly and requires students to come to his office. Although Yale would prefer a more public place and asks the interviewer where the interview was done, these interviews take 1 1/2 - 2 hours each to conduct and write up. Although I choose to interview in a coffee shop, I am appreciative that there are alums volunteering time to interview and give them some latitude to chose a location convenient for them. There is nothing weird about this.
It is not uncommon. My daughter interviewed with a Yale alum investment banker in his office in a large office tower in downtown Houston shortly after 5 pm on a weekday. Many of the interviewers are busy, professional people. She dressed professionally and showed independence by taking an Uber there and back home. However, the rest of her off campus interviews for other schools were at coffee shops.
Any scea from Nebraska ? No interview email yet!
you are so kind!! thank you!!