Interviews

• There are differing recommendations about the importance of interviews, with the consensus view that interviews were overall less important than college SOPs and other admissions essays, but should be done if they were offered. One counselor suggested that if an interview was offered by a college admissions program, then it was not really optional but it should be seen as a requirement––not going to such an interview could be detrimental to a student's chances for admission. One counselor suggested that a student try to get an interview, even if it was not required, since it might help "exhibit character strengths" that might not show up via grades on SOPs, LORs, and transcripts.
• Several reports noted that most Ivy League schools have abandoned the interview requirement, but that if there is an opportunity for an interview, even with an alumnus of the college, then it is a good idea to do it since not doing it signals a lack of interest in the school. Knowing a college can be helpful during an interview, so that an applicant can say something specific about the school, or a professor who teaches there, or a subject or internship opportunities, since it shows sincere interest. A counselor suggested that a goal of interview preparation should be present oneself as "comfortable with spontaneous conversation" and being able to talk about interests without sounding like the answers were prepared in advance. He suggested it was important to show intellectual passion and loving learning with a deep excitement, and show "social maturity" with sensitivity, empathy for others unlike oneself, and concern for issues larger than personal career ambitions. He advised that an applicant's attitude should not be what can the college offer but what can the student offer the college, and to avoid asking questions about facts which are better answered elsewhere, and to show an openness to new ideas, an ability to work cooperatively with others, ambition, and caring about others. Counselors suggest that interviewees should be ready for sometimes provocative questions to test social sensitivity; It is suggested that if an interviewer asks a "baiting or leading question", an applicant should respond by laughing while politely disagreeing with the perspective, and to keep trying to enjoy the conversation with the interviewer. Applicants should avoid sounding snide, annoyed, contemptuous, and avoid describing oneself as humiliated, bored, depressed, angry, shy, inhibited, anxious, frightened, and frustrated, and should be upbeat but avoid going for the hard sell. Another report suggested that shy or timid applicants were at a disadvantage. Although personal interviews were generally overrated, many Ivies have alumni interviews which can help in borderline situations. A student try to find a common bond with the interviewer, and send a brief follow-up letter afterwards. Interviews rarely matter at big colleges but may be more of a factor at small colleges if offered.
• Our advice is that if offered an interview, a student should take it ... And they should dress as if they are going to dinner with their grandparents. The biggest faux pax comes in inappropriate dress for both sexes. Spaghetti straps, buttons that pop open. For boys a rumpled T-shirt.... If you look in the mirror and you think you look good, change your clothes. This is not a date.