Tips for handling a mean college interviewer?

I had an unpleasant college interview where the interviewer seemed harsh and off-putting. How should I have handled it, and how could this affect my application? Should I address this in a follow-up or just let it go?

Unfortunately, you had a difficult college interview, but there are several things you can do to handle this situation properly.

The first thing you should remember is that the interviewer may not necessarily reflect the college's overall attitude or culture. Their behavior might simply be an attempt to gauge your response under pressure or it could be a result of personal factors. Of course, this does not comfort your experience.

If you found yourself in a similar situation again, you could try to maintain your calm and composure throughout the interview. Try to respond to their comments or questions as politely and accurately as you can. Remember, the goal of the interview is to learn more about your interests, experiences, and ambitions, not to evaluate your response to stress or hostility.

An important note: You can always address discomfort in the moment. For example, you might say something like, “I understand your point. It might be helpful for me if we could turn the conversation towards [insert topic here]."

As to whether this experience will affect your application, it truly varies. Interviewers usually provide a report to the admissions office, which is included with your application materials. But remember, it is just one component of your overall application, not the definitive decision-making point. Furthermore, admission officers are trained to decipher personal biases in interview reports.

Following up with the admissions office about your experience might be appropriate, especially if you felt you couldn't effectively represent yourself or if the interviewer behaved unprofessionally. You can send an email to explain that you felt uncomfortable and provide context for any parts of the interview report that may not accurately reflect you or your interaction. Try to be tactful and objective in your approach, without blaming or criticizing the interviewer.

Ultimately, you are learning and growing through this process. Dealing with challenging situations is part of life and it can help you be prepared for similar circumstances in the future. Remember, one unpleasant experience does not define your abilities or your potential at the college. You've got this!