Navigating the college admission process is daunting and exciting!
Once you have submitted your application to an Ivy League university, the admissions process begins.
The admissions committee conducts preliminary screening based on your scores, if you meet their criteria, you could be invited for a personal interview to assess your suitability for the school.
The personal interview is an opportunity to motivate the committee to accept your application. A stellar interview will set you apart from other applicants.
Below are five helpful tips for interviewing at Ivy League schools:
- Brush Up on Your Conversational Skills
Interviews are offered in person, telephonically, or virtually.
Their duration varies between 20 and 45 minutes but are generally not bulleted questions and answers. They tend to be much more conversational.
Do not be fooled into thinking that the interviewer is trying to trick you, there are no trick questions in these interviews.
It generally follows this format because the interviewer is genuinely trying to learn more about you, what business you plan to run one day, and why you think you would be a good fit for their university.
- Which Schools Offer Interviews
All of them, apart from Cornell (for the majority) and Brown.
Cornell only offers Architecture and Fine Arts students interviews – no other applicants.
If you want to learn more about Cornell, you may take part in informational sessions held with alumni. Brown prefers their potential new students to submit videos instead of doing interviews.
If you struggle with anxiety, that could be the best news you have heard all year!
- Consult The Professionals
If you are worried about your chances of getting in, do not panic – that is entirely normal and to be expected.
Instead of losing sleep over it, consult results-driven professionals like Going Ivy Admissions Consulting for advice and assistance. You will need help and guidance with college admissions, tutoring, and test/interview preparation.
The college admissions process is one of the most stressful times for both students and their parents, so get help before anyone starts feeling too overwhelmed.
- First Impressions Last
Your two most important goals for your interview should be to leave a positive impression and stand out from the crowd.
Have informed questions to ask at the end, and make sure they are not ones that you can get the answers to from booklets or published material.
Once you return home, send a thank you note to the interviewing school – it is a welcomed gesture of good manners.
- Share Personal Qualities
Your chosen Ivy League university will receive tens of thousands of applications annually, but only a small percentage are accepted.
Stand out during your interview by being your authentic self. Your interviewer will want to know what makes you tick, what values you hold high, and what makes you unique.
Think outside the box here – do not just recite what is on your application. Discuss your interests, extracurricular activities, and plans for the future.
In Conclusion
No student will be disadvantaged if they do not interview – unless their chosen school requires one.
Check the admissions policies for each program at the universities you are interested in.
