The other day, actually 2 days ago, my sister woke me up with the phone in her hands. She said ‘ Alice, it’s for you, I don’t know who it is’. My first instinct was that it must be some telemarketer or a representative from a random organization, so I answered with a light and sleepy voice ‘Hello?’, half expecting some super enthusiastic reply.
However, I was replied with a smooth sophisticated voice saying ‘Hi Alice, I’m an Alumnus from Brown University, and I’m calling you for an interview’.
At this point, I had just woken up, still in bed, and COMPLETELY Freaking out.
I thought I would receive an email in regards to when and where my interview would be held, I didn’t think I would be caught this off guard.
So what do I do now? I calmed myself down, got my game plan on, and talked as if I expected this call 5 years ago.
If you’re looking to apply for American Universities, especially Ivy Leagues, it varies from the available alumni in  your location, but if you live in a big city like Calgary, most likely you’ll be arranged with an interview with their alumni.
This isn’t a formal interview that will have a huge factor on your application, but it certainly provides the admission officers a different perspective and input on you. The graduate that interviews you will not have any information about your application, but more so your general interests in future studies.
This is a good thing, don’t worry. It gives you a chance to present yourself vocally and more personal rather than using black ink and white paper. If you’re someone who is not as good at presenting yourself, or lets say ‘brag’?, with words like myself, then the interview is definitely your time to shine!
Here’s a few tips for your interview.
1. Don’t over think and be concise with your answers.
2. Relax!
It’s not a super strict and formal interview, think of it as a conversation with a tutor or counselor. It’s semi-formal.3. Know your stuff and Know yourself.
Make sure you’ve done enough research to show that you know why you want to attend that particular school and what makes that school particularly special to you! Most importantly, know how to present yourself well and what to present.4. Present Well.
If you have a face-to-face interview, dress appropriately, like how you would dress for a work interview. Remember, First Impressions are EVERYTHING.
5. Last but not least, BE YOURSELF.
Let your personality shine! Bring out your alter ego if you must. Universities don’t want a dull and boring person, they want someone who can bring diversity and personality to their campus!
Really, these tips are just so basic you can probably integrate them in no time.
After the interview, most graduates give you a turn to ask them questions. This is another great opportunity to show that you’re passionate and enthusiastic about their school.
I suggest that rather then asking general questions like ‘How are the dorms?’, get personal with these graduates, it shows that you’re a sociable and generally approachable person.
Obviously not personal questions, but a good start would be ‘So how was your experience at _____?’ or ‘What did you enjoy the most during your time at ____?’. These are great conversation starters that really gives you an idea of the student life, and from their answers you can extend to general questions about the surroundings and other inquiries you may have.
I hope the best to those with interviews or future interviews, and May the odds be ever in your favour! 🙂
