What kind of questions are asked in MIT admissions interviews?

Preparing for my MIT admissions interview (hopefully!) and I'm stressing out a bit. Anyone have an idea of the types of questions they ask? I want to be prepared and make a good impression. Thanks guys!

It's normal to feel a bit stressed before an interview, but remember that this is a great opportunity for you to showcase your personality, interests, and passion for MIT in real life, to enhance what you've already told them on paper. Here are some common types of questions asked during admissions interviews in general, including those for MIT:

1. Tell me about yourself: This is often an icebreaker question that allows you to set the tone for the interview by sharing the most important aspects of your background, interests, or hobbies. Focus on what makes you unique and how your experiences have shaped you as an individual. CollegeVine's blog has a thorough breakdown of how you want to approach this question, as its open-ended nature can be intimidating to many students: https://blog.collegevine.com/what-to-say-in-a-college-interview-responding-to-tell-me-about-yourself/

2. Why MIT?: Be prepared to discuss your reasons for wanting to attend MIT, as after all, that's the whole reason why this interview is happening in the first place! Consider the specific programs, resources, and opportunities available at MIT that align with your goals and passions. Avoid general statements that could apply to many other schools, like "I want to go to college in Boston."

3. Discuss your academic interests: Be ready to talk about your favorite subjects, research projects, or any other academic experiences that have been important to you. Explain why you're passionate about these particular topics and how you’ve pursued them outside of the classroom.

4. Extracurricular activities: Be ready to discuss your involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or other experiences that have been meaningful to you. Elaborate on what you've learned from these experiences and how they've influenced your personal growth.

5. Community involvement: Interviewers may want to know about your engagement in your local community or any community service projects you've participated in. Share details about these experiences and the impact they've had on you.

6. Challenges and achievements: You may be asked to discuss any significant challenges you've faced and how you've overcome them, or to share any personal or academic achievements you're particularly proud of.

7. Future goals and aspirations: Be prepared to discuss your long-term goals, including potential career paths and how MIT can help you achieve those goals.

8. Questions for the interviewer: It's always a good idea to have a few questions prepared for the interviewer, to demonstrate your genuine interest in MIT and engagement in the process. Consider asking about their experiences at MIT, advice for incoming students, or any recommendations they might have for making the most of your time there. CollegeVine has a list of more specific questions you might consider asking: https://blog.collegevine.com/8-meaningful-questions-to-ask-during-your-college-interview/

For a comprehensive list of specific questions you might encounter, as well as detailed guidance on how to approach them and even sample responses, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/15-major-college-interview-questions-to-prepare-for/

Remember that the interview is a conversation, so don't feel pressured to answer every question perfectly. Practice speaking about these topics in a natural and authentic way, and make sure to be yourself throughout the conversation. Best of luck with your MIT interview!