What to expect for the interview?

<p>I'm a rising senior who's applying to William and Mary. My interview is on the 25th, and although I've heard the interview is very relaxed, I still don't understand what "relaxed" means. What should I expect (what kind of questions, how the interviewer will be), how early should I be there, what should I say (obviously not specific responses, but how to respond and sound good), and what do I wear (suit, jeans and button down, shorts and tshirt)?</p>

<p>Parent here…as I recall our S prepared for his interview by researching possible questions via blogs and youtube. He then asked a relative to “interview” him with questions that may be asked.They rehearsed several times. He came up with some questions to ask the interviewer. His interview was with an upperclassman from the theater department. The interview was conversational.An example of a question asked is"If you could create a class for W&M what would it be?" The interviewer asked about his strenghts, what interested him, what brought him to W&M.S asked what the interviewer liked best and least about W&M… How he felt socially and how rigorous was the courseload compared to HS…Were the profs approachable in his opinion…along those lines. We saw students arrive wearing sun dresses, shorts, t-shirts,shirt and tie, skirts,khaki’s. All looking very nice.Hope this helps and good luck!</p>

<p>My DS interviewed just over a week ago. We arrived about 15 minutes prior to the interview time. My son wore khaki pants and a polo, saw one young man in a suit, most of the young ladies wore nice dresses that were not revealing. The interviews start on time and last no more than 30 minutes. Senior students at W&M do the interviews. They give you your interviewers name when you arrive and you can read their bio while you wait. The most unusual questions my son was asked were - if you could start any club at your school what would it be and why and what is your spirit animal. What he described was a very conversational interview. All the kids I saw coming out of the interviews were smiling and relaxed.</p>

<p>Hey! Current incoming student at W&M. Funny enough, it was one of the schools I didn’t do an interview at the time I applied, but I’ve done quite a few of them to be familiar with what to generally expect. Like others have said, it is pretty basic and they just want to know more about you. I’d say a button down shirt with possibly a tie and formal pants would be pretty good. Questions generally start off with things learning more about you (ex: tell us a little bit about yourself, why did you choose this school, what are some things you do in your free time/hs, ect)</p>

<p>Any time you can really connect to your interviewer or connect to an interesting tibit about your life that other people might not know about you from your general application, is a plus imo. If you are interviewed by a student (the student interviewers are all really friendly) or even an adult it is likely they won’t have your application in front of you so it basically starts from scratch. </p>

<p>In my past interviews, they have gone all sorts of crazy directions: choosing my name, crossing the DPRK border, favorite films, stories about my school ECs, and basically anywhere you dare to take it! If you can insert a joke here or there, but it is really not a stressful environment. At the end, they may ask you if you have any questions, do be prepared with specific things you are curious about. So come prepared in that sense, but other then that be relaxed and be yourself. Best of luck!</p>

<p>If your parents are with you, the interviewers come out, introduce themselves and ask the parents if they have any questions as well. This has happened both places we have interviewed.</p>

<p>I interviewed at the College last August and it was an incredible experience. It was really relaxed as in, it felt more like a conversation and meeting a new friend than a formal interview at a university. My interview lasted longer than it was supposed to-about 40 minutes, but was jam packed with all sorts of stuff. We started out getting to know each other, our likes and our dislikes, where we came from, things that were far more friendly than formal. Then progressively we dove in to questions that were more serious such as your “intended major” how would your teachers describe you what are your goals in life, what do you want to be and other questions of the such. </p>

<p>Eventually I had more fun-thought provoking questions and we elaborated and went off on my answers. Finally, we ended with questions I had about the school. The interviewer had become the interviewee so to speak and it really helped me get a feel for how the school fit me personally. If your interviewer does this, really ask questions. I brought out the really hard questions that made it seem like I was’t too interested in the school because I was concerned about a few different things and her answers did nothing but push me in W&M’s direction. </p>

<p>As a side note, the seniors that interview are outstanding. When I was accepted I emailed the girl that interviewed me and she sent me this long reply about how excited she was and she was really genuinely happy for me! Not just her, but everyone else on campus made me feel very welcomed. They all made me feel like I was incredibly smart and that the school was lucky to have me. Simply stated, come to William and Mary. You won’t regret it!</p>

<p>Also, at my interview I wore khakis sperry’s and an oxford shirt. Just wear something nice…a suit is probably overkill. </p>

<p>Lots of great responses here already but we mean it when we say dress however you’re comfortable (especially if you’re also taking the tour). We have no dress code for interviews at all. What other responders have posted as to what to expect is right on. We do have some blogs on our Interview FAQ page written by previous Senior Interviewers about the process. Feel free to review those if that’s helpful.</p>

<p>Hey! I interviewed a few weeks ago and it was great! When they say relaxed, they really mean it. Most questions are the starting point of short conversations. My interviewer and I actually talked about jennifer lawrence for a good ten minutes. </p>

<p>As for dress, I saw most guys wearing khakis, a button down, and a tie. A few had jackets, but not many at all. </p>

<p>The interviewers are great and you should have no reason to be nervous. Just be yourself!</p>