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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Q:
How should I prepare for an interview?
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A:
It's human nature to fear the unknown. For many high school students the admission interview is, indeed, a mystery. Although the purpose of the interview may vary from college to college, its basic purpose is to exchange information.
The admission interviewer wants to learn more about you and to share details about the college that are not covered in the admission literature. In turn you have the opportunity to put a face behind your application papers, to create a good impression, and to decide how a college's attributes relate to your interests and activities.
Here are ten tips to get the most out of your admission interview at Case Western Reserve University:
- Read as much about Case as you can. If you have not received any of our literature, consult our website or check the college guides in your school or library.
- Prepare some questions to ask in the interview. Some general questions will apply to all schools, but be sure to pose questions that will be unique to Case; this will show you are truly interested in the school. Ask about curricula, majors, financial aid, residence life, social activities, and extracurricular interests.
- Anticipate questions that the admission interviewer might ask you. Here are some possibilities: Why are you interested in Case? Have you read any good books lately? How would your friends describe you? What is your general motivation for going to college? The list of potential questions is endless, so stay flexible.
- Know where you are going. Leave home with our address (or off campus site if you have an alumni or hometown interview,) a contact phone number, and a good set of directions and map.
- Wear comfortable, but tasteful clothes. A three-piece suit or an elegant dress is not necessary to make a positive impression, but faded jeans and dirty sneakers will certainly make a negative one.
- Bring a copy of your transcript with you. Both you and the admission interviewer should want to review it. The interviewer may peruse it to get a sense of your high school curriculum. However, don't feel you have to share the transcript in the interview.
- Arrive early. Give yourself time to relax in the reception area and fill out any forms. If it is an on-campus interview, you may even want time to stroll around the campus and get a feel for the flow of activity.
- Give your interviewer a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, and follow his or her lead. Sometimes you will be asked first if you have any questions, other times the interviewer will take the initiative with questions. Remember: Try to be flexible!
- At the conclusion, thank your interviewer, and request his or her business card. When you return home, send the interviewer a thank you note or email and ask any questions that may have come up since the interview.
- Make a mental (or written) list of what you learned about the college. Do this as soon as you finish the interview, so that the facts are fresh in your mind. This information will be helpful weeks or months later, when you wish to compare schools.
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