I'm a high school junior looking into applying to Wesleyan University. How important are the undergrad interviews and what kind of questions should I be prepared to answer?
Interviews are optional in the Wesleyan University admissions process, but can provide an opportunity for you to share more about yourself and your interest in the university. They are usually conducted by Wesleyan alumni or current students, and are mainly a chance for you to ask questions about the school and to share more about your academic and extracurricular experiences.
In terms of importance, having a successful interview can strengthen your application though it's not a deal-breaker if you choose not to have one or if it doesn't go as well as you hoped. The role of the interview is largely to add dimension to your application and to give you a chance to show your individuality and enthusiasm for the school.
The questions asked during a Wesleyan interview are often quite conversational, so it will be more like a chat than a formal interview. You can expect questions about your experiences in high school, academic interests, extracurricular activities and reasons for applying to Wesleyan specifically. Be prepared to talk about why you think Wesleyan could be a good fit for you.
For example, an interviewer might ask, "Why are you interested in attending Wesleyan University?" or "What can you contribute to the Wesleyan community?" Remember, these interviews are conversational and reflective, so there's no need to rehearse specific answers. Instead, spend some time thinking about your motivations, interests, and goals as they relate to your college journey and specifically to Wesleyan.
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