any tips for college interviews?

[BlazingSaddles]

I have an interview with Duke University this tuesday. Anyone have any tips for me? What sort of question(s) should I ask him? thanks!

 

[StinkyMeat]

Go nude.

Ha ha. But seriously folks, just be yourself. If you're posting on Anandtech, chances are you won't have any problems getting in.

 

[FrontlineWarrior]

TAKE TIME to think about important answers, like for example: "What do you think of religion's role in society?" Don't just blurt out "Religion is a lie, anyone who believes is dumb." But rather say something like: "Religion has an important role for many people. Some think that religion is a matter of life or death, while others see religion as playing an important role in the establishment of early to modern civilizations. In any case, it can be argued that religion has and continues to play a vital role for both believers and non-believers." That's definitely a debatable thesis, but the point is that it's sort of well thought out and not one-dimensional. You don't need to respond immediately... just take a few seconds to think it over, or say "Let me think about that and I'll get back to you later on during the interview."

Other than that, display confidence, like you belong at that school.

 

[RichieZ]

Heh good luck, I didn't interview for duke. I got waitlisted and then I didn't get in. Maybe I should have. I only interviewed for MIT

 

[Sir Fredrick]

Relax, the interview has very little influence on whether or not you are accepted.

Be sure to have questions about the school ready, and be sure that you come into the interview knowing about the school. Be prepared to tell them why you like their college.

Ask them everything you need to know; policies, chances of getting academic scholarships, ask to meet people in your major, it's especially cool if you can meet a few of the profs in your major (that helped me make my college decision), and ask about extracorricular activities you might be interested in. Showing that you're well rounded will certainly help.

 

[BlazingSaddles]

thanks for the tips so far guys, yeah i am gonna do some more research so I will be ready for any questions about the school... anything else?

 

[dude]

Make sure you don't have a bad hangover.

I was so wasted in my finals a few years ago. Needless to say, it didn't go too well....

 

[Triumph]

<< any tips for college interviews? >>


Yeah...Don't apply to any school that requires an interview, or requires you to write an essay.

 

[theNEOone]

interviews are usually about character - interviewers want to see what kind of person you are, with respect to the way you carry yourself, the way you communicate, and the way you respond to questions. they don't care to find out you memorization skills, so do yourself (and the interviewer) a favor and don't have any answers memorized. trust me, they can tell if a response was prepared rather than spontaneous. duke is an elite school, so they're looking for smart people. on the other hand, don't let tuesday come without ever practicing. sit down with a few people, and have them ask you random questions. see how you do. don't get too bogged down though - they're not holding a 30 min interview to decide how smart you are - your academic record takes care of this. like i said, the main purpose of the interview will be to find out who you are as a person. so be ready for a lot "personal" questions.

 

[notfred]

<<

<< any tips for college interviews? >>


Yeah...Don't apply to any school that requires an interview, or requires you to write an essay. >>



hahaha!! go Cal State!

 

[BlazingSaddles]

anyone else?
edit: i am trying to research the school, anywhere i can go to get some good facts on it, besides their website, and usnews.

 

[Xenon14]

Confidence/Assertiveness. Colleges want leaders, not followers. Simple as that.

 

[spanky]

ask him how the babes are....and don't pick ur nose.

 

[NakaNaka]

I agree. You can't go in their cocky or anything but you want to be strong. Don't make it seem like you are saying what they want to hear. Try to be as personable as possible while still be respectful. Some people don't think interviews are that important but if you really shine and your on the border of a school, they are most likely going to take you.

Good luck, where else did you apply??

 

[BlazingSaddles]

i also applied to upenn and northwestern as my top choices. I applied to a bunch of the UC schools, Umichigan ann-arbor, rutgers and virginia tech