Georgetown interview: what to expect?

[Anonymous]

Your daughter should ask the interviewer what clubs and acitivites they did as an undergrad.

[Anonymous]

My husband conducted interviews for Georgetown last year (he did them over zoom). He was SFS late 90s.

They provided him with nothing in terms of suggested questions.

The interviews he enjoyed most were the ones that flowed easily. Where the students clearly took the time to learn about the program and prepared questions to allow DH to share the best parts of a Georgetown education. He was surprised by how many interviewees were unfamiliar with the course catalog and couldn’t mention specific courses of interest by name.

[Anonymous]

I'm a Georgetown alumni interviewer and have probably done 50 or more interviews. I'm sorry that this is making your child nervous, though I can understand why. Nobody ever says so but I'm almost sure they have a virtually no effect at all on decisions for the typical candidate. The interviewer is there to talk the school up and to present the candidate in the best possible light. If the student happens to have even a brief one page resume (no test scores or grades or anything, just activities and summer jobs) that is great. It helps me to focus on the conversation without having to worry about taking down basic information. I wouldn't worry for a minute about what to wear or drink. Just be on time.

[Anonymous]

No impact on admissions.

Georgetown has a hard time attracting top local students. Run down facilities, boring campus life, reputation for uptight slightly awkward undergrads, mean it isn't a top choice. Plenty of legacy admits who's parents help get the more average kids in, but interviews are pretty much meaningless.

[Anonymous]

Another interviewer here - I get there early to find a good table and order myself a drink for the business needs of the coffee shop. The interviewee just needs to show up on time prepared to chat about interests and experiences. Please don’t Google me or tell me if you did because I am pre-Millennial so that makes me uncomfortable. Just ask me how the school prepared me for what I do now and I will take it from there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Who buys the coffee or whatever for the applicant - the interviewer or the applicant? I assume the applicant buys their own?

I dont believe that the interviewer is going to expect a 16-17 year old to buy their own drink.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My husband conducted interviews for Georgetown last year (he did them over zoom). He was SFS late 90s.

They provided him with nothing in terms of suggested questions.

The interviews he enjoyed most were the ones that flowed easily. Where the students clearly took the time to learn about the program and prepared questions to allow DH to share the best parts of a Georgetown education. He was surprised by how many interviewees were unfamiliar with the course catalog and couldn’t mention specific courses of interest by name.

The office at Georgetown that organizes the Alumni Interviewing program holds a zoom for interviewers every fall at which they discuss questions as well as protocol/procedures. They also send out emails multiple times a year with suggested questions. Tell your husband to check his spam folder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Who buys the coffee or whatever for the applicant - the interviewer or the applicant? I assume the applicant buys their own?

DS had this Georgetown interview last year. They each ordered and paid separately.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Who buys the coffee or whatever for the applicant - the interviewer or the applicant? I assume the applicant buys their own?

I dont believe that the interviewer is going to expect a 16-17 year old to buy their own drink.

They’re typically 17-18 and I sure hope they know how to buy their own drink.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Who buys the coffee or whatever for the applicant - the interviewer or the applicant? I assume the applicant buys their own?

DS had this Georgetown interview last year. They each ordered and paid separately.

There is some question in the rules at my college as to whether interviewers are allowed to buy the drink. This is the safest approach.

[Anonymous]

I would get there early, buy your own drink, dress nicely but not too formal (sweater and neat jeans are fine). DD should sit there trying to stay calm and relaxed, drinking her drink and looking at her phone. Casually looking up to find/make eye contact with the interviewer.

I (interviewer, different but comparable college) always try to get there early, but if the student has taken care of securing a table and is ready for the interview, that is always a good thing. It's not something I will put in my report or hold against someone either way, but you want to create a good impression start to finish.

What's key is being a good conversationalist, not just giving quick, wooden responses. Share what you are passionate about. Ask thoughtful questions about Georgetown and their college experience.

I know it's nerve wracking, but it can also be fun. good luck.

[Anonymous]

I interview for a different but highly competitive school. I had a kid who was incredibly nervous but he was so clearly kind, sincere, and authentic. I wrote him a fabulous review and he was accepted (not suggesting causation there though). I’ll take the nervous kid over the arrogant one any day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Who buys the coffee or whatever for the applicant - the interviewer or the applicant? I assume the applicant buys their own?

I dont believe that the interviewer is going to expect a 16-17 year old to buy their own drink.

They’re typically 17-18 and I sure hope they know how to buy their own drink.

And the interviewer could very well be only one year older, as a current Georgetown student. How weird of a response to say that a 16-17 year old would not be able to get their own drink.

[Anonymous]

Main point to have come across...that she loves the school and wants to attend. If she wants to attend...she should have many things to discuss, and make sure she listens.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Main point to have come across...that she loves the school and wants to attend. If she wants to attend...she should have many things to discuss, and make sure she listens.

And be specific about what she loves at the school, preferably something that no other school provides.

+1 to the listening part as well. She should ask questions about what the interviewer is saying to show that she is engaged and interested in learning more.