Alumni Interviews

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Alumni Interviews

• Princeton University and Harvard University
• February 25, 2015

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Background

• Alumni interviews are used by select colleges and
  universities in the admissions process as part of
  the overall review of a students application
• Interviews are a chance for applicants to talk to
  someone that is familiar with the institution and
  for alumni and the admissions office to learn
  more about the applicants
• Applicants should think of the interview as an
  opportunity to tell their own story, share their
  reasons for applying and ask questions
• The number of applicants invited to interview may
  vary by institution
• All Princeton applicants will receive an
  invitation to interview
• A large subset of Harvard applicants will receive
  an invitation to interview

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What to Expect Before the Interview

• After applications are submitted, candidates
  receive a call or e-mail from an assigned alumni
  interviewer to schedule a convenient meeting time
  and place
• A prompt, polite response from the applicant to
  the interviewer is expectedfirst impressions are
  important!
• A typical meeting location is a coffee shop,
  library, office or applicants school
• Interviewers are not permitted to share names of
  applicants with anyone

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What to Expect During the Interview

• The interview should be a two-way exchange of
  information giving applicants the opportunity to
  ask questions
• Appropriate dress code is neat school attire
• Typical interview length is 30 to 45 minutes, no
  more than 60 minutes
• The interviewers feedback is included in the
  application review, but the process may differ by
  institution
• Princeton interviewers submit reports directly to
  the admissions office
• Harvard interviewers discuss and rank applicants
  as a committee. However, the decision rests with
  the admissions office

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How to Prepare

• Interviewers do not have access to a students
  application
• Princeton should not ask for grades or test
  scores during the interview
• Harvard should ask for GPA, test scores and class
  rank during the interview
• Applicants should be prepared to share
• Their personal narrative to help interviewers get
  to know them as individualsmay include
  background, accomplishments, future goals, etc.
• What interests them about the institution, what
  sets it apart in their selection process
• Questions that demonstrate their excitement and
  interest
• Applicants may be asked to talk about a favorite
  book or film, an interest or hobby, a job or
  summer activity. Its not a test, but a
  conversation-starter
• Work samples are not expected at the interview
• No follow-up is expected, but a short note or
  e-mail is appreciated

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Questions?
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