College Interview and Middlebury

Show up on time, wear clean clothes and a friendly smile. Don't try to impress the admissions representative by being a smart aleck. You'll come across as arrogant, a definite no no.

The on-campus interview may be with a student, with someone the college has hired because all of its admissions representatives are very busy or with the admission rep for your region. Of course, this person is extremely important for you because he or she reads your application first.

All three Middlebury photos were made and provided by Oliver Weisser. (Abitur 2008)

www.middlebury.edu

 

"Batell Beach." Our main lawn for freesbie and homework, the "Chateau" further back, for French classes and the Adirondacks in the background.

The admissions rep just wants to get to know you. Therefore an easy conversation is the most likely scenario. Questions about your favorite subject in high school usually lead to a lengthy conversation on the German School. Be prepared to know your favorite sports and books, but you don't have to know what you will study! Liberal arts colleges don't even want you to know what you would like to study, just indicate an interest in natural sciences or languages or music or literaure or politics or whatever your first love may be. Remember that this openness is very different from applications in Germany and the UK where you need to know why you want to study a particular subject.

In applications to US colleges that specialize in certain subjects such as engineering schools, you also need to indicate a strong preference for these areas of study.

 

College Street mit Mead Chapel im Hintergrund und zwei Vorlesungsgebäude im Vordergrund.

Check the website and literature on the college where you are having the interview because the rep will ask you whether you have a question on the college. You need to ask something (maybe about exchange programs, volunteer opportunities, specific housing options, the theater group, choir etc). If you say that you have no question, it comes across as "I am not really interested."

 

McCardell Bicentennial Hall, the science building

Weirdest question in an on-campus interview: If you were a shoe, what kind of shoe would you like to be? (Happened to Martina, Abitur 2007)

Weirdest situation in an off-campus interview with an alumnus: The seat across the desk was taken by a large doll. Interviewer did not say anything about it to the student. (Happened to Peter, Abitur 1989)

College Interview 101

The OFF-Campus Interview


You need to call the college to get an interview!
Some colleges require interviews!

Call after May 1 of the 11th grade, during the summer between your junior and senior year and in the fall of your senior year. Avoid application crunch times such as after November 1. (early decision deadline)


Feel under pressure? Do not worry, most college interviews are easygoing conversations. Many are off campus interviews with alumni who are proud of their school, successful, and like to give information rather than squeeze you like a lemon.

Such conversations may be at their home or office, but more often the alumnus/alumna will invite you to Starbucks or some other public place. Some prattle on and on about their own achievements.
Go with your gut feeling when it comes to interrupting them to ask your own questions about their alma mater. If you are the quiet type, let them talk. Nod, smile, and say 'great'.

Colleges place greater value on on-campus interviews than on alumni interviews. So stay cool, be polite, friendly and behave like the nice young woman or man you are.

Do not forget to write a short thank you note!