What to expect in a Washington University in St. Louis alumni interview?

I have an alumni interview coming up for WashU in St. Louis, and I'm not sure what to expect. What kinds of questions do they typically ask, and how should I prepare to make a good impression?

For your upcoming alumni interview with Washington University in St. Louis, you might find it relieving to know that the process is usually quite conversational and is meant to be a two-way street. The alumni interviewer will want to learn about you, but they will also want to answer your questions about WashU and convey their experiences.

The typical questions you could expect will target areas such as:

- Your academic interests and why you are drawn to them.

- Your extracurricular activities. Be ready to speak about your engagement and what you've learned from these experiences.

- Why are you particularly interested in Washington University in St. Louis? They'll want to hear specifics here.

- How do you see yourself contributing to the WashU community?

- What are your long-term goals, and how do you see WashU helping you achieve them?

To prepare, I recommend:

Doing your research: Review the WashU website, especially course offerings, clubs and organizations, and key aspects of their campus culture. Knowing these things will help you answer questions about why you are interested in the school.

Reflecting on your strengths and experiences: Take time to think about your passions, interests, strengths, and how they align with what WashU offers.

Practicing responses: You can't predict every question, but practicing your answers to common ones can help you feel more confident.

Be ready to ask insightful questions: Remember, interviews are also for you to learn more about the school. This may signal your interest and engagement. Your questions might touch on the interviewer's experiences at WashU, what they think sets the school apart, or what they wish they might have known as a student.

Lastly, don't forget to stay positive, be genuine, and thank the interviewer at the end. Good luck!