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Unweighted GPA: 3.7
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UPenn Interviews—What to Expect?

I just got an email for an interview with UPenn, and I'm a little nervous. How formal should I be? What kind of questions can I expect? Any tips from people who have already had their interviews would be greatly appreciated.

a year ago

Congratulations on securing an interview with UPenn! Here are some insights on what to expect and how to prepare:

1. Dress code: Business casual attire is usually appropriate for college interviews. You want to make a good impression and show respect for the process, but you don't need to overdress.

2. Research UPenn: Uncover what makes UPenn unique, like its culture, programs, and campus life. Be prepared to discuss why you are specifically interested in attending UPenn and how the institution aligns with your goals and values.

3. Common questions: Interviewers may ask questions such as:

- Why do you want to attend UPenn?

- Can you tell me about your extracurricular activities or hobbies?

- What are your long-term career goals, and how will attending UPenn help to achieve them?

- Can you describe a challenging experience and how you learned from it?

4. Behavioral questions: Be prepared for situational questions that can reveal your thought process, problem-solving skills, and character traits. For instance:

- Tell me about a time when you took a leadership role or worked in a team.

- Can you provide an example of when you had to overcome a significant challenge or failure?

- What are your strengths and weaknesses, and how have you worked on improving yourself?

5. Prepare questions for the interviewer: Toward the end of the interview, you may get a chance to ask questions. Prepare a list of thoughtful queries that demonstrate your genuine interest in UPenn and your knowledge about the University. Avoid questions that can be easily answered through a simple internet search.

6. Practice: Conduct mock interviews with a friend, family member, or mentor. Make sure they offer honest feedback, which can help you polish your responses and refine your delivery.

7. Stay genuine: Be yourself, and show the interviewer what makes you unique. Avoid exaggerating accomplishments or providing fabricated answers.

8. Be concise: Answer questions directly and try not to ramble. Provide clear, well-organized responses, but don't feel pressured to stretch them out unnecessarily.

9. Body language: Maintain eye contact, sit upright, and exhibit confident body language. These nonverbal cues can show the interviewer that you are engaged and professional.

10. Follow-up: After the interview, send a thank-you email to your interviewer, expressing gratitude for their time and the opportunity to learn more about UPenn.

Remember, the interview is an opportunity for both you and the interviewer to learn more about each other, so try to relax and enjoy the conversation. Good luck!

a year ago

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