How should I prepare for Lafayette College's alumni interview?

I heard that Lafayette College offers alumni interviews, and I'm wondering how to prepare. Do alumni ask different questions than admissions officers? Any advice on how I can stand out or connect with the alumni interviewer?

Sure, I'd be glad to share some tips.

The main purpose of an alumni interview is to learn more about you, your experiences, and your aspirations. Keep in mind that with Lafayette alumni interviews, you're speaking with someone who has personal experience with the college and can share unique insights about the school culture, academics, and resources.

Now, let's focus on the preparation:

1. Research the College: Understand the ethos, values, traditions, and strengths of Lafayette. Try to gain an in-depth knowledge of their mission statement, academic programs, clubs, sports, etc. A good understanding of the college’s distinct culture and values can help shape your responses to resonate more with the interviewer.

2. Understand Your CV: Review your own resume or application before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your educational background, extracurricular activities, community service experiences, and any work or internship experiences you've had.

3. Practice Basic Interview Questions: Craft thoughtful responses to interview staples such as "Why are you interested in Lafayette?" "What do you want to achieve in college?", "Can you discuss a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it?"

4. Prepare Questions: Alumni can offer an insider's perspective. This is a golden opportunity to ask thoughtful, specific questions about their experiences at Lafayette. Avoid generic questions that you could easily look up, and aim for those that demonstrate genuine curiosity and eagerness for the college.

5. Be Positive and Engaged: Show that you're genuinely interested in the school throughout the interview conversation. Expressions of authenticity and enthusiasm can create a favorable impression.

Remember, an alumni interviewer might not have a direct link to the admissions process and might not ask the exact same questions an admissions officer would. However, the overall thrust of your preparation should remain the same: showcasing your intellectual curiosity, maturity, and fit for Lafayette.

Good luck! You'll do great!