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Alumni Interviews: What You Need to Know

• The alumni interview is part of many schools' application processes, either as a requirement or an option.

• The interviews are designed so the student finds out more about the college through the experiences of the alumnus or alumna, and so the alumnus or alumna learns more about the student and how he or she may fit in at the school.

• At the end of interview, alumni typically report their impressions of the students to the schools, which vary in the degree to which they weigh the alumni interview.

Should You Attend the Alumni Interview?

• Alumni interviews are not the most important component of an application to a highly selective college, BUT they do count.

• Evaluations from alumni interviews are often reviewed, and sometimes one thing that a student says in an interview can confirm something that an admissions officer thought — and may lead to rejection.

• Even if alumni interviews are optional, we advise that you go and do it!

• Evaluative interviews are meant to assess you as a candidate and whether or not you are a good fit to the school.o The interviewer speaks with the student, takes notes and

reports all impressions to the admission committee.

• Informative interviews are meant to inform you about the school and its academic culture.o The main purpose of this interview is to answer student

questions about the college,

• Whatever the type of alumni interview you will attend, you have to give it your best shot!

Evaluative vs. Informational Interviews

Tips on How to Nail Your Alumni Interview

• Alumni interviews are a perfect venue for you to display strong interest in a college.

• It is also a chance for borderline students to present themselves as winning candidates by virtue of sincerity, and lets the interviewer get to know the personality behind the grades and test scores.

• Thus, it is important that you not only attend the alumni interview, but nail it!

• LET ME SHOW YOU HOW!

• If you receive an interview invitation from an alumnus or alumna, respond right away and show your enthusiasm about the interview.

• Thus, it is advisable that you regularly check your email as interviewers normally send invitations online.

TIP #1: Respond Immediately

• After accepting an interview invitation from an alumnus or alumna, you would have to agree with the interview schedule.

• Make sure that you are flexible and can conform to their schedule.

• If that alumni interviewer asks if you’re available next Thursday at 4 PM to meet him at Starbucks for an interview, don’t say that you have basketball practice. Don’t say that you’re busy. Their time is more valuable than yours.

TIP #2: Be Flexible With Your Schedule

• Know where the interview will take place and arrive on time.

• Dress appropriately. Formal attire is not required, but choose a decent attire that makes you look neat and professional.

• Offer a firm handshake to the interviewer and don’t forget to smile.

TIP #3: Make a Positive First Impression

• Do your research and learn as much as you can about the school.

• Alumni interviewers want to know that you cared enough about the interview and their alma mater to research the school.

• List down your questions and concerns, and make sure to ask them to the interviewer.

• Bring a copy of your resume in case the interviewer asks for it.

TIP #4: Plan Ahead and Come Prepared

• Days before the interview, prepare for and anticipate questions that will be asked to you.

• This would not only help you practice your answers, but should also help you boost your confidence.

• A good way to practice is talk to your friends or parents about the possible things that may be asked to you or practice out loud in front of a mirror.

• However… (see next tip)

TIP #5: Anticipate Questions to be Asked

• While preparing for an interview is important, memorizing word-for-word answers will not show the interviewer who you really are.

• Be genuine and not scripted. Take the interview as simply another conversation with a former student in the college you plan to attend in.

• It’s one human talking to another, so you don’t need to sugarcoat yourself or your life.

TIP #6: Be Yourself

• The interview is your shot at showing the school who you are beyond the application, so answer questions openly and with details.

• The more you talk to the interviewer about yourself, the easier it is for the interviewer to write a meaningful report.

• Sharing relevant anecdotes can help.

TIP #7: Don’t Be Shy

• Use the interview to supplement your application, not to repeat it.

• The school already has a record of your SAT scores, GPA, and your grades. The purpose of the interview is to tell the interviewer more about yourself.o What makes you tick?o Why do you want to come here?o What interests you?o What are your passions?

TIP #8: Don’t Repeat Application Info

• Interviews are a “two-way street”.

• The alumni should learn something about the students, and the students must learn something about the school through the alumni.

• Thoughtful questions from you will provide you with important information about the school. These will also give your interviewer insight about what you value and what interests you as a student.

TIP #9: Ask Questions

• After the interview, do not forget to thank your interviewer by sending a thank you note expressing your appreciation for his or her time and insights.

• This personal touch reinforces your sincerity to the interviewer and goes a long way.

• It is also advisable that you stay in touch with your interviewer as he or she may help you with other academic matters down the road.

TIP #10: Send a Thank You Note

Final Words of Advice

• Don’t waste this opportunity to present yourself in the best possible light to the college of your dreams.

• Don’t over prepare or psych yourself out. This is not a quiz, an audition, or a job interview. Do some self-reflection and think about your questions thoroughly.

• Be your 17 year old self. You do not need to play-act as a middle aged professor to convince your interviewer that you are smart.

• Finally, relax and take a deep breath.

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