Admission Volunteers

Interviewing

What We Want to Know

For each candidate, please focus on the qualities in each student which are unusual, special, and/or interesting. Though each interview report may not reflect each of the characteristics listed below, you may wish to gain a sense of each of these characteristics as you interview the student so that your report is balanced, fair, and thorough.  Use this quick reference sheet prior to and during interviews.

Intellectual Motivation

  • What academic subjects interest this candidate?
  • What type of reading appeals to this person?
  • Does he/she do extra work because of his/her own interest?
  • Does he/she have any notion of particular subjects he/she would like to study in college?
  • Does he/she seem excited about academic work?

Intellectual Potential

  • Although it is difficult to estimate, do you think this person has potential for growth?
  • Is this person likely to touch only the surface of ideas or is he/she likely to explore them in greater depth?

Imagination

  • Would this person be a leader or a follower, a stimulating addition to a group or a loner?
  • Is this person competitive or cooperative?
  • Is this person creative in art, music, drama, writing, human relations, science?
  • What has this applicant done thus far with the opportunities afforded him/her?

Caliber of Academic Work

  • What kind of courses has this student chosen? Were the courses honors or AP courses and why?
  • Does the student describe his/her coursework as easy, difficult, challenging?
  • Has this applicant written a major research paper? Is writing expected regularly in current classes? What kinds of assignments does the applicant like best and do best at?
  • How does this person describe classmates and friends? Do they share a seriousness about academics or is this student one of few who works hard at school?
  • What can you learn about the depth and breadth of the academic program at this student’s school?

Interests Outside the Classroom

  • Extracurricular activities may merely indicate broad interest, but they may also indicate an ability to lead or to create. Our concern is with the quality of extracurricular activities not quantity.
  • Does the student pursue interest(s) with enthusiasm/energy/dedication? Is there a willingness to sacrifice other things in pursuit of special interest(s)? What is gained through his/her involvement(s)?

Personality

  • What can be said about the candidate’s personality that will make him/her come alive for the Admission Committee?
  • How did the applicant handle himself during the interview?
  • Did the student demonstrate maturity, shyness, enthusiasm, arrogance, a quick wit, seriousness, etc?
  • Is this person creative in art, music, drama, writing, human relations, science?
  • What has this applicant done thus far with the opportunities afforded him/her?

Unusual Experiences

  • Any experiences which may have been of significant value such as living abroad, association with a professional group (in science or the theatre, for example), or a challenging, difficult family situation.

Family Background

  • Any pertinent information which would shed light on the candidates personality or character and round out the “total” picture.
  • Have any others in this family attended and or graduated from college?

Qualifiers

  • Was this student very nervous during the interview? Do you believe you have a fair basis for assessing the candidates potential.

REMINDER: Important Dates for 2011-2012

Early Decision 1: interviews must be initiated by November 15, 2011 and posted online by November 23, 2011
Early Decision 2: interviews must be initiated by December 16, 2011 and posted online by January 9, 2012
Regular Decision: interviews must be initiated by December 16, 2011 and posted online by January 27, 2012
Spring Transfer: interviews must be initiated by November 1, 2011 and posted online by November 15, 2011
Fall Transfer: interviews must be initiated by March 15, 2012 and posted online by April 1, 2012

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