I have an on-campus interview scheduled soon for Yale, and I am currently preparing for some possible questions that may come up. If the interviewer asks about my extracurriculars or another aspect of my life, how do I bring up my achievements without making it seem like I’m reading off of my resume or showing off? I would like to express who I am and what I have done so far while still sounding genuine and humble.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I just had an on-campus interview last week and I had the exact same concerns as you. In regards to questioning, my interview began with “Tell me about yourself” and the rest of the questions were personalized. When I started talking about my academic interests, my interviewer asked why I’m interested in those areas, and she asked me to elaborate on why I enjoy some of my extracurriculars. It ended with “Is there anything else you would like the admissions committee to know that hasn’t been reflected in your application,” and then a chance to ask her some questions.
I definitely mentioned leadership and my achievements during the interview. I think the key is to talk in-depth about the activity and how it has impacted you by explaining why you do it, the impact you have made, and what you’ve learned from it. That narrative probably will include any leadership roles or major achievements, and that’s totally fine. If you just mention everything you do and your titles to try and impress the interviewer, then it might come off as immature. Remember - the interview is a conversation that allows you to learn more about the school and personalize the application. My interviewer wanted to know more about my goals and my drive, including my achievements. I think that as long as you answer the questions honestly and thoughtfully, then you will sound genuine.
Don’t talk about awards/recognition first. Talk about what you do, why you do it and why it is important to you.
You aren’t there to impress the interviewer with your achievements. You are there to impress the interviewer with you thoughtfulness, your reasons for doing what you do in terms of activities, your enjoyment and dedication, and your ability to make a good impression as a pleasant person to be around. Your achievements will be on your application. The interviewer has absolutely no need to know them.