Has one of your prospective colleges invited you to interview with an alum? If so, don’t just show up, prepare! Get ready for your meeting as if you were writing a “why” essay for your application. If you’ve already written one, review it.
Know the answers to these questions:
Why this university?
What has drawn you to this university?
What do you want to study?
What do you want to do with your life?
Other things you should be prepared to talk about:
Practice interviewing with your parents or friends. Record your conversation and review the video for cues on how to improve your posture, eye contact, and use of your hands.
On the Day of the Interview
If you're the nervous type, exercise or walk before your interview. Dress appropriately, even if your meeting takes place over the Internet. If wearing a suit is your thing, go ahead, but “nice casual” is fine.
Arrive with a few questions of your own, whether they are about your planned course of study at the university or student life. Bring a pad of paper and pen. Have your list of questions with you, and don't hesitate to write down something the interviewer says that you want to follow up on or a question that comes up during your conversation.
If you need an icebreaker, ask the alum why s/he chose the school and what his/her favorite memories are.
If the chair you are sitting in is deep, sit on the edge of it so you can sit up. If the chair swivels, ground your feet so you don't swivel.
Overall, don't be a "bad date." Have something to say, but also listen. Respond to the conversation as it goes. Breathe, maintain eye contact (but don't stare!), smile (naturally, of course). Be genuine; be yourself. Like dating, if it's meant to be, it will be.
Know the answers to these questions:
Why this university?
What has drawn you to this university?
What do you want to study?
What do you want to do with your life?
Other things you should be prepared to talk about:
- Your major(s) and minor at the school.
- Any specific academic programs or tracks you are interested in, if applicable.
- The names of one or two professors in your department(s) whose work and/or research is of interest you (and why this work/research is relevant to you).
- A group, organization or club (or two) on campus that you’d like to get involved in (and why).
Practice interviewing with your parents or friends. Record your conversation and review the video for cues on how to improve your posture, eye contact, and use of your hands.
On the Day of the Interview
If you're the nervous type, exercise or walk before your interview. Dress appropriately, even if your meeting takes place over the Internet. If wearing a suit is your thing, go ahead, but “nice casual” is fine.
Arrive with a few questions of your own, whether they are about your planned course of study at the university or student life. Bring a pad of paper and pen. Have your list of questions with you, and don't hesitate to write down something the interviewer says that you want to follow up on or a question that comes up during your conversation.
If you need an icebreaker, ask the alum why s/he chose the school and what his/her favorite memories are.
If the chair you are sitting in is deep, sit on the edge of it so you can sit up. If the chair swivels, ground your feet so you don't swivel.
Overall, don't be a "bad date." Have something to say, but also listen. Respond to the conversation as it goes. Breathe, maintain eye contact (but don't stare!), smile (naturally, of course). Be genuine; be yourself. Like dating, if it's meant to be, it will be.
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