What to expect during a Princeton admissions interview?

I've been invited for an interview with a Princeton alum! Super excited but anxious too. Can anyone give me some tips on what to expect or how I should prepare for the interview?

Congratulations on being invited for an interview with Princeton! It's completely normal to feel excited and anxious. Here's what you can expect and some tips to help you prepare:

1. Format: The interview will likely be about 30-60 minutes long, conducted either in-person or via video call. As an alum, your interviewer will obviously have prior experience at Princeton and can answer your questions about campus life, academics, and their experience as a student, in addition to inquiring about your own fit with the school.

2. Questions: Anticipate a mix of standard and open-ended questions. The interviewer will ask about your academic interests, extracurricular activities, why you're interested in Princeton, and your future goals. Some examples include:

- Tell me about yourself.

- Why did you choose your intended major/area of study?

- What extracurricular activities or experiences have been most meaningful to you?

- Why do you think Princeton is the right fit for you?

- Can you describe a challenge you've faced and how you handled it?

- What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

You can read up on some more common interview questions, and how to respond to them, on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/15-major-college-interview-questions-to-prepare-for.

3. Preparation:

- Research: Learn about Princeton's programs and campus life, and be prepared to discuss why they appeal to you. Be specific about the courses, clubs, or opportunities you find intriguing.

- Revisit your application: The interview provides you an opportunity to expand on aspects of your application. Familiarize yourself with your essays, extracurriculars, and accomplishments to be able to discuss them with confidence. Keep in mind that your interviewer likely won't have seen your application, so in your answers you don't want to assume any prior familiarity with your background or interests.

- Practice: Run through common interview questions with a friend or family member. Practice articulating your thoughts and providing examples from your experiences.

- Prepare questions: Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer about their experience or insights about Princeton.

4. Mindset:

- Be authentic: Be yourself and share your genuine passions and experiences. Your enthusiasm and sincerity will leave a lasting impression.

- Stay relaxed: Keep in mind that the interview is just one aspect of the application process, and not a particularly significant one - your grades, activities, and essays are all much more significant. While it's normal to feel nervous about this one opportunity to discuss your fit at Princeton face-to-face, try to think of this interview as simply a conversation to learn more about Princeton and share your story, rather than a test.

5. Logistics: If your interview is in person, dress business casual and arrive early. If it's via video call, test your equipment and internet connection beforehand. Make sure your background and lighting are appropriate.

Finally, remember to send a thank-you note to your interviewer after the interview, expressing your appreciation for their time and insights.

If you want to know more about one student's personal experience with her Princeton interview, you can read her description on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/princeton-interview-what-its-like. Best of luck with your own interview!