UPenn Admissions Interview: What to expect?

Hey fam! So, I got an interview request from UPenn and I'm both excited and nervous. Any insights on what to expect? What kind of questions do they usually ask? Any tips on how to prepare and make a good impression would be so helpful!

Congrats on landing the interview! Here's a breakdown of what you can expect on the big day:

1. Introduction and icebreaker questions: Your interviewer will likely start with some basic questions to get to know you better. They might ask generally about your academic interests, or what clubs and activities you're involved in.

2. Discussion of your experiences and interests: The interviewer will dive deeper into your academic and extracurricular involvement, asking about your roles and what you've learned from these experiences. Be prepared to speak about your accomplishments and how they relate to your aspirations and plans for college.

3. Why UPenn?: Be ready to articulate why you're interested in UPenn specifically - what resources, experiences, and opportunities do you want to pursue there? Research the university and its programs, and connect your interests to what the school has to offer.

4. Broader questions: The interviewer might ask some more open-ended questions about your beliefs, values, or aspirations. They might ask you to describe a time when you faced a challenge or how you plan to contribute to the UPenn community. Reflect on your life experiences and have some examples ready to share.

5. Questions for the interviewer: Towards the end of the interview, you'll have the opportunity to ask your interviewer questions. Prepare a few thoughtful questions related to UPenn, like which resources they found valuable at UPenn, or any advice they have for incoming students.

Here are some tips to help you prepare:

- Review your application: Reflect on your extracurriculars, essays, and achievements, so you'll be able to confidently discuss them.

- Research UPenn: Learn about the programs and resources that interest you, and be prepared to discuss why they appeal to you and how you plan to take advantage of them.

- Dress appropriately: Opt for business casual attire to show you take the interview seriously, without being overly formal.

- Practice active listening: Listen carefully to the interviewer's questions and respond thoughtfully to demonstrate your engagement.

- Be authentic: Share your passions, experiences, and aspirations genuinely. Your interviewer wants to know the real you!

- Utilize CollegeVine's resources: If you want to know what not to do, you can read this testimonial from a student whose UPenn interview didn't go well, and her advice on what she could have done better (https://blog.collegevine.com/how-i-failed-the-upenn-interview). You can also brush up on some specific questions you might face by reviewing more general interview guidance on the CollegeVine blog (https://blog.collegevine.com/15-major-college-interview-questions-to-prepare-for).

Remember, the interview is just one part of your application, so relax and give it your best shot. Good luck!