College interviewer asked my DD her political views

[Anonymous]

I applaud your daughter.

She is absolutely correct. The interviewer was completely inappropriate to ask this question.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like a troll post to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a completely inappropriate question. It does give the sense that diversity of opinion is not welcome. I hope it simply reflect's the alum's poor judgement rather than the college.

You have a right to feel it was a "push" question. Glad to know your daughter wants to be able to be surrounded by people with different opinions. You raised her well.

Well said. And, OP, I've also read your follow-up post. Sounds like your child really handled herself well. If it were my kid, I would suggest that she contact the school and ask for a follow-up interview with a different interviewer and then explain why. Just like you did here. Honestly, as a previous interviewer for my Big 10 school (which definitely skewed left) and on the board of a top 10 school (again pretty far left), I think that the school admissions officials may well be appalled that this was the interviewer broached this subject. I know I would be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a tough question. I think there will be a few schools who are actually looking to find a few good students to help bring a healthy discussion of this question to their campuses.

+1.

I think asking if she went to the march is completely inappropriate. Probably with good intentions, but shows significant tone deafness given the election we just had.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Thank you for your responses. The university in question definitely skews left by all accounts. However, DD felt a good sense of inclusivity on her tours of the campus something that is important to her as she believes human growth cannot occur if we only surround ourselves with those with whom we agree--a form of confirmation bias. At first, DD thought the interviewer was simply trying to discern if she was politically informed or if she was capable of thinking on her feet and articulating a position--although there are certainly ways to go about this without asking a stranger something as personal as political affiliation. DD did an excellent job of responding to this question and the interviewer seemed impressed although it was evident that DD and the interviewer held similar political leanings. However, it all took a turn for the worse when DD was asked and subsequently responded that she had not participated in the march. In light of how this discussion (or perhaps better phrased interrogation) transpired, it became evident to her and to those with whom she shared the conversation that this was something more than just a "test" of her ability to think on her feet. Anyone who seriously considers this university understands that it is known for being far left of center. As DD is herself a progressive she welcomes the social activism. However, she does not want to attend a university that shuts down diversity of thought and is concerned that this interviewer may be indicative of that line of thinking. The interviewer said that she had been asked to pose the question of her political leanings (although there was no indication that the follow up questions regarding the march were "official,") and DD is trying to figure out if a university would actually make this a part of their application decision or if it was simply the interviewer (alumni) taking it upon herself to insert her own standards to the process. In DD's estimation the first would be a problem and the second, while offensive would should not factor into her decision. It really has clouded her views of the university as none of us would relish being criticized in this manner especially when there is an imbalance of power between the two people.

Then just don't go where you will fill uncomfortable. It's as simple as that.

Actually, it isn't. We have a big problem in higher education if political views are considered pertinent in determining admissions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Thank you for your responses. The university in question definitely skews left by all accounts. However, DD felt a good sense of inclusivity on her tours of the campus something that is important to her as she believes human growth cannot occur if we only surround ourselves with those with whom we agree--a form of confirmation bias. At first, DD thought the interviewer was simply trying to discern if she was politically informed or if she was capable of thinking on her feet and articulating a position--although there are certainly ways to go about this without asking a stranger something as personal as political affiliation. DD did an excellent job of responding to this question and the interviewer seemed impressed although it was evident that DD and the interviewer held similar political leanings. However, it all took a turn for the worse when DD was asked and subsequently responded that she had not participated in the march. In light of how this discussion (or perhaps better phrased interrogation) transpired, it became evident to her and to those with whom she shared the conversation that this was something more than just a "test" of her ability to think on her feet. Anyone who seriously considers this university understands that it is known for being far left of center. As DD is herself a progressive she welcomes the social activism. However, she does not want to attend a university that shuts down diversity of thought and is concerned that this interviewer may be indicative of that line of thinking. The interviewer said that she had been asked to pose the question of her political leanings (although there was no indication that the follow up questions regarding the march were "official,") and DD is trying to figure out if a university would actually make this a part of their application decision or if it was simply the interviewer (alumni) taking it upon herself to insert her own standards to the process. In DD's estimation the first would be a problem and the second, while offensive would should not factor into her decision. It really has clouded her views of the university as none of us would relish being criticized in this manner especially when there is an imbalance of power between the two people.

Then just don't go where you will fill uncomfortable. It's as simple as that.

Actually, it isn't. We have a big problem in higher education if political views are considered pertinent in determining admissions.

Then limit your interests to conservative colleges or look overseas. Many conservatives like yourself have found their niche in college. You are deluded if you think there are no conservatives doing well and happy in "left leaning" colleges.

You and your kid are already at a disadvantage going at this with a chip on your shoulder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Thank you for your responses. The university in question definitely skews left by all accounts. However, DD felt a good sense of inclusivity on her tours of the campus something that is important to her as she believes human growth cannot occur if we only surround ourselves with those with whom we agree--a form of confirmation bias. At first, DD thought the interviewer was simply trying to discern if she was politically informed or if she was capable of thinking on her feet and articulating a position--although there are certainly ways to go about this without asking a stranger something as personal as political affiliation. DD did an excellent job of responding to this question and the interviewer seemed impressed although it was evident that DD and the interviewer held similar political leanings. However, it all took a turn for the worse when DD was asked and subsequently responded that she had not participated in the march. In light of how this discussion (or perhaps better phrased interrogation) transpired, it became evident to her and to those with whom she shared the conversation that this was something more than just a "test" of her ability to think on her feet. Anyone who seriously considers this university understands that it is known for being far left of center. As DD is herself a progressive she welcomes the social activism. However, she does not want to attend a university that shuts down diversity of thought and is concerned that this interviewer may be indicative of that line of thinking. The interviewer said that she had been asked to pose the question of her political leanings (although there was no indication that the follow up questions regarding the march were "official,") and DD is trying to figure out if a university would actually make this a part of their application decision or if it was simply the interviewer (alumni) taking it upon herself to insert her own standards to the process. In DD's estimation the first would be a problem and the second, while offensive would should not factor into her decision. It really has clouded her views of the university as none of us would relish being criticized in this manner especially when there is an imbalance of power between the two people.

Then just don't go where you will fill uncomfortable. It's as simple as that.

Actually, it isn't. We have a big problem in higher education if political views are considered pertinent in determining admissions.

Then limit your interests to conservative colleges or look overseas. Many conservatives like yourself have found their niche in college. You are deluded if you think there are no conservatives doing well and happy in "left leaning" colleges.

You and your kid are already at a disadvantage going at this with a chip on your shoulder.

. You might want to check your knee jerk reaction. Op clearly states that her daughter is a progressive. There are progressives that have no desire to shut down diversity of thought or to only surround themselves with people who share their world view. Obviously, you are not one of those people.

[Anonymous]

Your DD should have raised the issue then and there. I would have.

I would have articulated then and there that I think it's an inappropriate question to ask for a college interview because it gives the impression that there's a political litmus test for acceptance into the college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your DD should have raised the issue then and there. I would have.

I would have articulated then and there that I think it's an inappropriate question to ask for a college interview because it gives the impression that there's a political litmus test for acceptance into the college.

Are you 18? If not, what you, as an adult would do, has no real bearing here. I think she handled herself well under the circumstances.

[Anonymous]

I agree this is inappropriate & highly doubt the alum's story that the admissions office instructed them to ask this question. I do alum interviews for HYP and there are no required questions; the goal is to make the student comfortable and get them talking so we can learn about their strengths, personality, passions, etc. Also as a PP said to be a positive outreach from the university to candidates. BUT I do believe that some alums take it upon themselves to appoint themselves as unofficial gatekeepers, unfortunately. Years ago in my own alum interview when I was a senior I found myself talking about politics, at the alum's prompting. It was only later, when I became more politically savvy and aware of PC dynamics on campuses, especially at many elite schools, that it occurred to me how fortunate I was that my views aligned with my interviewer's. Based on my experience, no way I believe that if I'd articulated an opposing viewpoint well and defended my ideas, that it would have been welcomed as warmly. I've also heard fellow alums "joking" recently about asking an applicant their opinion on Trump, as if that was the only question that mattered. Many of them presume that "enlightened" people could only think one way . . .

OP, whether this questioning came from the alum or the college (doubtful), I do think that if your DD is someone who cares about diversity of thought and wants a school that's truly tolerant, she should think very carefully about this dynamic.

[Anonymous]

OP you are reading way too much into this.

Asking about current events is relevant. If you want to shield an incoming college student from discussing current events for fear of upsetting them, I don't think college (any college) is going to be a good place for your daughter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP you are reading way too much into this.

Asking about current events is relevant. If you want to shield an incoming college student from discussing current events for fear of upsetting them, I don't think college (any college) is going to be a good place for your daughter.

I disagree. Asking about current events like what are the biggest concerns facing society today is very different that asking your political views and affiliation. The first gives you an idea if the student is well informed and able to articulate a position. The second is no one's business and should have no bearing n the admissions process and as our country becomes more and more polarized politically can impact an interviewers opinion on a candidate. In fact, the mere question gives the impression of a political litmus test.