Does anyone know what to expect from a Cornell University undergraduate admissions interview? I'm interested in applying there and want to prepare as best as I can. Any experiences or tips on how to ace it would be awesome!
Cornell University undergraduate admission interviews are primarily conducted by their alumni network, so the interviewers are generally well-versed about Cornell and you might be able to learn more about the school through their experiences. Here are a few things to consider to prepare for your interview:
Know yourself and why Cornell: Be prepared to answer questions about your academic interests, extracurricular activities, and what you hope to achieve in college. Also, you should have a clear idea of why you want to attend Cornell specifically. For instance, what programs, cultural aspects, or opportunities appeal to you and make it the right match?
Familiarize yourself with your intended major: If you have a specific major or program in mind, it would be best to familiarize yourself with that program. You may be asked about what drew you to this particular area of interest, so be prepared to articulate the factors that led you to choose it, such as relevant coursework, extracurriculars, or individual projects.
Interview etiquette: Despite the casual nature of many interviews, remember to maintain professionalism. Be on time; dressing smartly can make a good impression (even if it's a video interview); listen attentively; avoid interrupting the interviewer; give concise, thoughtful answers; and thank your interviewer for their time at the end.
Practice: The best way to get comfortable with the interview process is to practice. Ask a teacher, counselor, or parent to simulate an interview with you. Run through general questions and learn to articulate your thoughts coherently and convincingly.
Prepare questions: Towards the end of the interview, you'll likely get a chance to ask your own questions. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate your genuine interest in Cornell. Ask insightful questions that can't be easily answered by a quick visit to the college's website.
Remember, the purpose of the interview is for the school to gauge your fit with their community and for you to learn more about the college from a personal perspective. It’s as much an opportunity for you to get to know the school better as it is for them to learn about you. Finally, remember that the interview is one part of the overall application. It carries some weight, but it will not drastically change the course of your application if everything else is solid.
Good luck with your interview preparation and application to Cornell!
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