Alumni Interview Questions for Stanford?

Hi all, I have my Stanford alumni interview scheduled soon and I'm feeling a bit nervous. What are some common questions to anticipate, and what do they typically look for in a candidate?

It's normal to feel nervous before an interview, but remember that alumni interviews are meant to be a conversation and not an interrogation. Here are some common questions alumni interviewers might ask during a Stanford interview:

1. Can you tell me about yourself?

2. Why are you interested in attending Stanford?

3. What are your academic interests and goals?

4. What extracurricular activities are you involved in, and why are they meaningful to you?

5. What qualities do you think are important for a successful Stanford student?

6. Describe a challenge you've faced and how you overcame it.

7. How have you made a positive impact in your school or community?

8. What would you like to contribute to the Stanford community?

9. Can you tell me about a time when you worked as part of a team or collaborated with others?

10. What are some current issues or topics you are passionate about?

In terms of what interviewers are looking for, they're generally interested in getting a sense of your personality, values, and interests to see if you would be a good fit for the Stanford community. They'll be assessing your intellectual curiosity, communication skills, attitude towards learning, and potential to make a positive impact, among other qualities.

To prepare for the interview, it's a good idea to:

1. Reflect on your high school experiences, goals, and reasons for applying to Stanford.

2. Practice speaking about your extracurriculars, why they're important to you, and any meaningful experiences you've had through them.

3. Keep informed about current events and consider how they may intersect with your interests.

4. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer.

Finally, just be yourself and try to relax. By being genuine and articulate about your experiences and goals, you'll make a positive impression on your alumni interviewer. Good luck!