<p>Okay, so I was planning on going on a tour of Grinnell for quite a while, and I planned on doing it tomorrow since I knew I'd be in the area on Dec 4th, I just never got around to scheduling it. Then, they asked me if I wanted to do an interview. I signed up for the interview, figuring... why the heck not? :P</p>
<p>I've interviewed for two scholarship related things (won both) and for a job (got the job), I haven't really had a problem with interviews, so I'm not nervous. Plus, I am not really <em>that</em> interested in Grinnell anyway, so if I have an epic fail interview, it's not a big deal. It's a good experience to have, considering I may interview for schools that I care more about later on.</p>
<p>What should I know that's different from scholarship/job interviews?</p>
<p>What kind of questions might they ask?</p>
<p>....also, how do I handle the "Why Grinnell?" question? any help? :O</p>
<p>Every interview will be different, but the one I did for CMC was great. The guy was good about being nice and trying to help me relax about it, and joked around a bit. But be prepared to answer questions about yourself..like maybe have 5 points that you want to make sure you get across during it, 5 highlights. Work what you want to say into the questions they ask (as long as it relates haha)</p>
<p>Your job is to present yourself well. But also have some questions about the college or the interviewers background if you know anything (mine was a state representative, so that was good since I'm interested in a polisci area concentration). </p>
<p>About the Why Grinnell question--if there is a focus that Grinnell has, or a department in your interest that's really strong, talk about that. If there's a certain perk, talk about that (like at CMC, the Ath--a place where they bring in speakers 4 days a week--is really attractive to me, so I mentioned that). Do your research, find why it attracts you.</p>
<p>One question I can guarantee they'll ask is "Do you have any questions for us?". This is a key point in the interview. They want to see if you've given serious thought to being a student at Grinnell, and what you ask here can show it. Ask something inane or easily answered on their website and it won't leave a favorable impression.</p>
<p>Also, if there is anything that on paper might look bad (like one year that you didn't do as well because of a family situation), <em>here's your chance to explain that</em>. The interviewer might not directly ask you [though mine did, giving me the complete chance to add something in, but I hadn't thought of anything I would want to explain] but if not then work it into the interview.</p>
<p>It went awesome. Interviewer was interesting, told me a lot about the college. No nervousness on my part, plus I got in all my talking points. I toured and liked what I saw. :D impromptu interviews rock!!</p>