Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - September/October 2010 - (Page 41)

planning ahead for college The College Admissions Interview by Daniel G. Creasy, Associate Director of Admissions, Johns Hopkins University One of my most vivid memories from my college search is a bizarre interview experience that took place at the home of an 80-year-old Ivy League alumnus, retired physician, and noted British literature expert. Let’s just say his beliefs and interview style did not mesh well with mine since at that time I was a nervous 17-year-old high school student interested in politics and grunge music. Throughout my 12 years as a college admissions professional, I often reflect on the awkwardness of that experience when discussing the role of interviews with prospective applicants. The interview ranks right up there with the application essay as causing the most anxiety for high school seniors each year. Much of that stress stems from an uncertainty about the role of the interview in the admissions review process and how a student should prepare. Even with full preparation, there would have been a disconnect between me and my interviewer. But I think if I had known the things I’m about to share with you, it might not have been so awkward. The first thing to do is read the interview policies for the colleges you are applying to. Every school has a different policy: a handful require them, some do not offer them, and most recommend but do not require them. For those that recommend or require interviews, note whether the interviews are primarily evaluative, informational, or a mixture. Note also who will conduct the interview; this can vary from admissions counselors to trained current students to alumni. Once you have compiled all of this information, you will need to decide whether an interview is in your best interest. My advice is simple: If you have the chance to schedule an interview, then you should pursue it, even if just the thought of an interview makes you nervous. If nothing else, interviews can provide you with more details about a specific school you are considering. More often, though, interviews provide you with the opportunity to present your individual personality and match that to your application. The next step is to prepare for your interview. It is important that you research the schools where you are interviewing. There is no need to know everything about a school—you won’t be asked trivia—but a working knowledge of a school’s defining characteristics will aid you significantly. During your research, compile a list of questions that you want to ask your interviewer and try to anticipate questions they might ask. You should also consider in advance what you will wear. For most interviews, you should toe the line between formal (a suit is not necessary) and casual (no sweats or flip flops). I usually suggest a semicasual outfit that will make you comfortable and also represent you well. This preparation of knowing about the school, compiling questions, and making conscious clothing decisions will display to your interviewer sincere interest and an organized presentation, qualities that certainly will be noted. But avoid being too strategic with your decisions. The interviewer wants to speak with the real you, not some fabrication of you that you think will best suit your application. The best piece of advice I can offer is to not think of it as an interview at all. The college interview is a conversation. Your interviewer will create a casual environment for you to have a friendly discussion. Rather than a back-and-forth Q&A session, what will transpire is a chat about who you are, who you want to be, and how you see that college helping you along the way. There may be some strange questions, like what kind of tree best represents you, but the goal is to make you feel comfortable in revealing your personality, your strengths, and any struggles. A successful interview is one where you are most true to who you are, present genuine responses, display sincere interest in the conversation, and overcome any nerves by showing confidence in your answers. One final note I feel is crucial and is one of my cardinal rules: Always send a thank-you note to your interviewer. Even after my strange interview experience years ago, I heeded my mom’s advice and sent a thank-you card. I ultimately got into that school, and to this day I think that card sealed the deal. But even if it didn’t, I know it didn’t hurt. i Daniel Creasy is known as Admissions_ Daniel on the Hopkins Insider blog, which offers advice, resources, and behindthe-scenes insights about the undergraduate admissions process at Johns Hopkins university. Learn more at http:// blogs.hopkinsinteractive.com. iStock www.cty.jhu.edu/imagine imagine 41 http://blogs.hopkins-interactive.com http://blogs.hopkins-interactive.com http://www.cty.jhu.edu/imagine

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - September/October 2010

Imagine Magazine - John Hopkins - September/October 2010
Contents
Big Questions
Big Picture
In My Own Words
Biotechnology is
A Survival Guide for the Biotech Revolution
The Indiana Jones of Biotech
Stemming the Monster
Transgenic Animals
Building a Better Hydrogel
Immortal Cells & Bioethics
Selected Opportunities & Resources
Nights at the Museum
One Step Ahead
Middle Ground
Off the Shelf
Word Wise
Exploring Career Options
Planning Ahead for College
Students Review
Creative Minds Imagine
Mark Your Calendar
Knossos Games

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - September/October 2010

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