Doing an interview with college alumni—advice?

I'll be interviewing with a college alumni soon as part of my application process. What are some good tips for making a connection and leaving a positive impression during an alumni interview?

Before you dive into the interview, it's crucial to do some prep work.

1. Research: Learn about the school and prepare meaningful questions - Alumni interviews are a good opportunity to demonstrate your sincere interest in the school. Research the programs, courses, and cultures that appeal to you and prepare to discuss these. You can also ask your interviewer about their own experiences at the school.

2. Prepare: Rehearse your responses - Familiarize yourself with common interview questions such as "Why are you interested in this school," "Tell me about yourself," or "What are your academic and career goals?" Prepare your responses to these questions, but avoid memorizing them verbatim. You want to sound natural and flexible during the discussion.

On the day of the interview, here are some tips:

1. Dress appropriately: Opt for business casual attire - Dress professionally, but not overly formal. Business casual is suitable for college interviews.

2. Be punctual: Arrive around 10 to 15 minutes early - It shows respect for your interviewer’s time and leaves a good impression.

3. Be respectful: Politeness goes a long way - Always listen attentively to your interviewer, show appreciation for their time and insights, and remember to say please and thank you. Good manners can leave a lasting impression.

4. Talk about yourself: Share your interests and achievements - The interview is your chance to showcase your passion, personality, and potential. It's OK to discuss your accomplishments, but do so humbly and always tie them back to why you're interested in the school.

5. Ask questions: Engage in a conversation - The interview is not only about answering questions but also about asking them. A thoughtful set of inquiries can show that you did your homework and are genuinely interested in the school.

Post-Interview:

1. Reflect: Keep track of what you discussed - It's always good to jot down some notes after your interview while everything is still fresh in your memory. This can be useful when writing follow-up thank-you notes and as a reference when you're making final college decisions.

2. Follow up: Send a thank you note - An email or note thanking your interviewer for their time and mentioning something specific from your conversation can leave a lasting positive impression. Don't forget this important step!

Good luck! Remember, the college wants to know you as a person, not just as a set of grades and scores. Let your unique personality shine during the interview.