What should I know about Tulane University interviews? If you've had one, what kinds of questions were you asked? Were there any surprises or things I should know about the process?
Tulane University does offer optional interviews and coffee chats to prospective students, and as you seem to be interested in doing one, here's some information to know:
Interviews (more formal) and coffee chats (less formal) are great ways to learn more about the Tulane experience, as well as to give depth and add a personal touch to your application. Both interviews and coffee chats are optional, not required, parts of the application for admission to Tulane. Students that cannot interview will not be at a disadvantage for admission, nor will an interview be the deciding factor in the admission decision. Students may sign up for either an interview or a coffee chat, but not both. Tulane offers limited interviews for international students only. Once interviews are posted, students will be able to sign up for a slot.
While optional, interviews and coffee chats provide you a platform to express your interest in the university and to ask any questions about Tulane, New Orleans, or the student experience, and you can share more about your background, experiences, and future plans.
Questions: Most of the questions revolve around the basics that you would expect, like your academic interests, extracurricular participation, reasons for applying to Tulane, and what you hope to accomplish as a student there. You might be asked more casual questions about how you like to spend your free time, non-academic interests, or what books you've recently read.
Preparation: Doing some research about Tulane will be useful. Not only will it help you answer questions like why you want to study there, but it also shows your genuine interest in the university. Prepare examples of leadership or teamwork, think about a few key points you'd like to introduce about yourself, and rehearse your answers, but don't memorize them verbatim - authenticity is key.
Surprises: No intended surprises really, but be ready for more introspective questions such as your strengths and weaknesses, or where you see yourself in 10 years.
Remember, interviews are as much about you getting to know the university as they are about the university getting to know you. Don't hesitate to ask the interviewer questions about their experiences or impressions of Tulane. It's also an incredible opportunity to express your interest in Tulane and build a good rapport with a member of the Tulane community.
Lastly, breathe. The interview is meant to be an enjoyable conversation and not a stressful interrogation. Best of luck on your interview!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.