<p>Sooooo I have my first college interview scheduled and it's with Wellesley. After arranging this rendez-vous on what I hope will be a very fateful day in early July, it came to me that I have no idea what to expect from the interview at ALL! I haven't prepared my r</p>
<p>-What should I wear?
It's better to over dress than under dress for an interview, but try to keep business casual in mind. Wear what you would to a nice dinner or to a night out to see a play. Since your interview is in summer, I think a nice polo shirt with good pants would be appropriate, especially since you aren't going to want to be weighed down with something like a pantsuit. </p>
<p>-What should I bring? (there are things I could consider like the lit mag of which I'm EIC, pictures with a legislator, different awards... tidbits like that)
Out of what you listed, I would bring the lit mag alone. Everything else can just be spoken about in the interview, but a magazine has to be experienced. </p>
<p>-What should I expect? What do they want from me?! Is there a common denominator "interview question" that I will most definitely be asked?
I didn't interview for Wellesley, but I did for Smith. If the two are at all similar, you can expect a low key discussion more than an interview (but I'll leave this to really be answered by someone who did their interview at Swells.) For any interview, though, as cliche as it sounds, just relax and be yourself. If you're even looking into Wellesley, you're undoubtedly an accomplished woman with many different interests. Bring some of them up. Don't try to put up a front or say what you think they want to hear. </p>
<p>-Will they say "tell me about yourself?" -- I think this question is a crime against humanity...</p>
<p>They shouldn't...but they might. Certainly every question that WILL be asked will be a more specific variant of that, though, so it might be a good starting place for you to prepare. I would sit down and ask yourself that dreaded question right now, and when you answer think about...</p>
<ul>
<li>the classes you've enjoyed and why it was that you enjoyed them</li>
<li>the people who have influenced the woman you've become</li>
<li>the activities you do outside of school and the reasons why chose them</li>
<li>the quirks that might not define you, but certainly are a part of you. Maybe you always read magazines back to front (I do <em>embarrassed</em>) or you hate the question "tell me about yourself" ;p</li>
</ul>
<p>I think when you start to answer these, you'll come up with common threads , and you'll paint a very clear picture of just who it is that you are. And hey, even if you don't, you just answered questions that really are bound to come up...well, except for the quirks thing. I just happen to find that an interesting part of everyone haha.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you! Grade A response :)</p>
<p>Like<em>a</em>willow summed it up quite nicely, but I'll share my experience. I really enjoyed my interview, the alum was so nice and helpful. At the time I had applied ED to another school and even told her that Wellesley was not my number one choice, but she was very understanding and I don't think wrote it down (she was also a trained college counselor so even gave me some tips).</p>
<p>
[quote]
-What should I wear?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Comfortable, stylish clothes. Avoid too much perfume, make up, or jewelry. I wore black pants with a white shirt, I believe, or some kind of sweater. Don't worry about attire, just be sure to look professional. No mini skirts or leather, but I'm sure you know that.</p>
<p>
[quote]
-What should I bring? (there are things I could consider like the lit mag of which I'm EIC, pictures with a legislator, different awards... tidbits like that)
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Since I was really interested in art, I brought a mini portfolio that my interviewer could just flip through. She enjoyed it immensely. I also brought a copy of my resume. I forget if I gave it to her or not, but usually interviewers like being given a resume, so they can have more to work with later on. I would bring the lit mag you are part of, but leave the certificates/awards at home and just include them in your resume.</p>
<p>
[quote]
-What should I expect? What do they want from me?! Is there a common denominator "interview question" that I will most definitely be asked?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Keep in mind that the interview is not just a chance for them to study you under a microscope, but it's also a chance for you to get to know the school. Think of questions you can ask your interviewer. Asking questions will show that you are genuinely interested in the school. One question that is very broad and general that I like to ask is "I like to gather many different opinions about the school, and being that you are an alumni, could you tell me about your experience at Wellesley? What did you study, and how did Wellesley help determine your future career path?" Questions about sports, the student life, and etc. are always good, too.</p>
<p>
[quote]
-Will they say "tell me about yourself?" -- I think this question is a crime against humanity...
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I was not asked this question for my Wellesley interview, but I was asked this question for my Whitman interview. I agree, it's a very frusterating question because you don't know where to start. If this question is asked, I would start by focusing on your interests and then shifting the focus to why you are interested in Wellesley.</p>
<p>You are interviewing very early, wow. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks again. I may just draft up a novel about myself and hand it over in case I'm asked the dreaded question. </p>
<p>Does any of what you said change based on the fact that this is an on-campus interview rather than an alumni interview?</p>
<p>
[quote]
-What should I wear?
[/quote]
Something comfortable, modest, and understated. Since you're interviewing in July, keep the weather in mind. Business-casual comes to mind ... so dress pants or a nice skirt/dress with a blouse that covers your shoulders and doesn't have a particularly low neckline. You want the interviewer to remember your personality and not your outfit :)
[quote]
-What should I bring? (there are things I could consider like the lit mag of which I'm EIC, pictures with a legislator, different awards... tidbits like that)
[/quote]
I agree with the other responders that you could bring one copy of the magazine (the latest issue, perhaps) for the interviewer to keep, but leave the rest at home! The interview is your chance for a good conversation, and too much show-and-tell can get in the way.
[quote]
-What should I expect? What do they want from me?! Is there a common denominator "interview question" that I will most definitely be asked?
[/quote]
I don't remember much about my interview (except that I felt under-dressed), but expect some questions about your general interests and your specific interest in Wellesley. Do some research about the college before the interview and focus on two or three aspects that really grab your attention. Have some questions about the college ready to go when you get to the interview--they don't need to be difficult questions, but have something to show that you're serious about the school. Try to keep your questions focused on the bigger picture of campus culture and general opportunities--questions about specific departments, faculty, or programs are best directed to the individuals in those areas.
[quote]
-Will they say "tell me about yourself?" -- I think this question is a crime against humanity...
[/quote]
Ugh, that's a horrible question! (So be sure you don't turn it on your interviewer :)) If you do get a vague question, go ahead and ask for clarification. Asking questions will help to establish a comfortable dialogue, and you could follow a dreaded "tell me about yourself" with a pleasant, "That's a big question! Where would you like me to start?"</p>
<p>Most of all, relax and enjoy the time. Take some deep breaths and remind yourself that this is not a test or an inspection. It's just a conversation and a chance to create a personal connection with the admissions committee.</p>
<p>I don't think there is much of a difference between wht you should say for an on-campus interview or for an off-campus interview. You can point out pretty buildings, but that's about it, haha.</p>
<p>Oops never mind!</p>
<p>Eeeek-I have my interview at the end of July!! I'm so excited-it is at the top of my college choices at the moment-so I hope it goes well!! Good luck to everyone else interviewing this summer!!</p>
<p>I have my Wellesley interview in August, but my other interviews start next week. I'm a newbie at this, also, and I've got a question...How specific do they want me to be when I'm asking questions about the school? Do I need to ask, for example, "What's your English department like?" or should my questions be more like "Tell me more about these English classes"? That's a bit of an exaggerated example, but still...I've been worrying that I won't be specific enough with my knowledge of the school and so make them think I'm not really interested. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Already been some good advice posted here. </p>
<p>Since the OP works on the literary magazine, let me say it this way - you're using your answers to tell a story about your self. Use the details of your interests to paint a picture - are you sporty and obsessed with the classics? Do you like politics and manga? Use the details what you're interested in to help make an impression in the interviewers mind. </p>
<p>You are better off picking a few things to talk about than to try to talk about everything. The everything will be listed on your application.</p>
<p>Hi guys! My interview went well, from what I could deduce! My interviewer was sort of hard to read and didn't give anything away the way some do ("I am absolutely going to get you in!" and so on), but I was happy with how it went. </p>
<p>Seeing the campus sealed the deal for me--I'm going to apply Early Decision.</p>
<p>Question: Is it a bad idea/overbearing in any way for me to shoot my interviewer an email or a letter thanking her and telling her of my ED intentions?</p>
<p>Nope! definitely email her thanking her for the time she spent interviewing you and throw it in there that ur applying ED. try to keep in contact with her!</p>
<p>Great :) thanks, I just wanted to be sure</p>
<p>Congratulations on completing your interview!
that's probably the most dreaded part of the application process for me...</p>
<p>so you're applying for early decision too?
hopefully we can both get in.</p>
<p>GOOD LUCK!</p>
<p>Yes I am! :) hahah I'm so happy to have other people in the same boat</p>
<p>i just submitted my interview request form.
but i don't know if i'll be able to get one since i live in such as small town.
But hopefully that won't negate my application process. </p>
<p>It is certainly nice to have people with the same goals.
It is even more amazing to be 100% sure of where you're going. </p>
<p>Hope to see you at Wellesley in the fall~</p>
<p>Two falls from now ;)</p>
<p>2 falls?
are you a junior?</p>
<p>I'm a rising senior... but the coming fall is fall '08 and if I go to Wellesley I won't be there until fall '09, and as will you, from what I understand?</p>