What Should I Know About Yale University Interviewers?

For those who've been through it, what can you tell me about the interviewers for Yale? Are there any particular things they're known to focus on during the interview?

Yale University's admissions interviews are conducted by volunteer alumni, and they aim to facilitate a relaxed, conversational environment. The purpose of the interview is not to assess your academic abilities, which are already evaluated through your transcript and test scores, but rather to get a better sense of who you are as a person.

Because interviewers are alumni, they can share personal experiences about Yale and answer any questions you might have about campus life, classes, professors, traditions, etc. But remember, they may not be completely up-to-date on current campus activities or the latest in the application process.

Yale interviewers tend to focus on understanding your personal qualities, interests, passions, and how you might contribute to the Yale community. While the exact questions may vary depending on the interviewer, some typical areas of interest might include your hobbies, school involvement, community engagement, and what you hope to achieve at Yale or in your future career.

During the interview, it's also an opportunity for you to demonstrate your interest in Yale. Be prepared to discuss why you're interested in attending the university, whether that's due to certain academic programs, extracurriculars, or the overall campus culture.

One thing to note is that the interviews aren't high-stakes and they don't significantly influence admission decisions. Yale on their website states that interviews are not a required part of the application process and opting not to interview will not negatively impact your admission decision.

So, while you should take the interview seriously and prepare accordingly, you should also treat it as an opportunity to learn more about Yale from someone who has lived and studied there. You should aim to have a genuine conversation rather than scripting answers in advance.