Ivy League Admissions Interviews

Ivy League Admissions Interviews January 14, 2012 Its the season for Ivy League admissions interviews! Maybe you got a call on your cell phone, maybe there was an email in your inbox, or maybe when you got home, your mom let you know that your interviewer for Princeton called to schedule an interview. The reason were listing various ways you can be contacted is because we dont want you to be surprised when your alumni interviewer reaches out to schedule your alumni interview. If youre not surprised, youll handle it better. Maybe youll be more polite and eager. And thats exactly how you should be. Its Ivy League admissions interview season. Avoid the pitfalls of so many college interviewees. Is your Ivy League admissions interview by an alumnus or alumna the most important component of your college application? Absolutely not. Its in fact one of the least important. The alumni interview is actually intended to satisfy alumni who want to be involved in the affairs of their alma maters. Do admissions officers read their evaluation forms? Of course. Do they sometimes sway admissions officers and give them insight into an applicant that otherwise doesnt come through in their application? You bet. It happens. And therefore youve got to prepare and youve got to avoid the pitfalls of so many college interviewees. To close, were going to give you a few quick tips. Dont make your interviewers continually ask questions. If they ask a question, dont respond with a yes or no but answer in a few sentences. Expand. Demonstrate your love for learning and discovery. Show how you think and craft an argument. Dont sound or appear pompous. Arrogance in college admissions interviews is a major mistake. You cant really think that youll get a positive review from your interviewer if you display arrogance. Lastly, ask questions, show your knowledge of the interviewers alma mater, and dont forget to say thank you!