Flaky alum interviewers

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have been a long-time interviewer for a school where the interview literally has no bearing on the decision because the only information you give the school is whether the interview occurred. People who are criticizing the student who did not pick up after being cut off at the soccer game should recognize that students take these interviews very seriously and are very stressed about them, even if you try to convince them not to be. They are scheduled in advance and only take about twenty or thirty minutes. If you can't find twenty minutes to give interviewees your full attention, that's fine, but don't do these interviews. If something went wrong and you ended up being somewhere you did not intend to be, apologize and be gracious, but don't treat the kid like this twenty minutes does not matter. Again, if you think the interview does not matter, you should not be an interviewer. Which it totally fine.

I think this is really nicely said. While I don't think PP's kid should have just hung up on the interview, I do think that the interviewer was extremely unprofessional and not a good representative for the school.

I don't do admissions interviews, but, I do volunteer with my alma mater's career office and do informational/practice interviews for students interested in my industry. I consider myself to be representing both my company and my school during these interviews (all done by zoom or phone), and I would NEVER do it from a kids soccer game or anywhere I might be distracted. The young people I interview take these interviews seriously and are for the most part well-prepared. Some of them are very nervous. Nobody is making us volunteer. If you don't want to treat people professionally, don't volunteer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a 20 year Ivy alumni interviewer and I’ve never seen a kid who didn’t interview get accepted. I’m not saying that’s how it works but I wouldn’t rely on anecdata and decline an interview in hopes it increases chances. I do hope colleges are in recent years more open to students who decline interviews. There may be thoughtful reasons such as fear of discrimination based on neurodiversity, race, disability, or other bases.

Most schools, even Ivies, state that declining an interview opportunity won't hurt your application. We couldn't get one from Cornell this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a 20 year Ivy alumni interviewer and I’ve never seen a kid who didn’t interview get accepted. I’m not saying that’s how it works but I wouldn’t rely on anecdata and decline an interview in hopes it increases chances. I do hope colleges are in recent years more open to students who decline interviews. There may be thoughtful reasons such as fear of discrimination based on neurodiversity, race, disability, or other bases.

Most schools, even Ivies, state that declining an interview opportunity won't hurt your application. We couldn't get one from Cornell this year.

No one states this officially other than Stanford

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid had one that was on the sidelines of his kid's soccer game half listening and cheering for his kid. My kid hung up, they called back and my kid let it go to voicemail.

And you're proud of your child for doing this? Sorry, but that was entitled, obnoxious behavior on the part of a 17-year-old.

+1 Sounds like the interviewer made the crucial mistake of thinking he was dealing with a normal person.
There's a lull at his kids' game and he figures, good time to call. (If interviewers don't call the second they are assigned, they're evil, right?) Then suddenly his kid gets the ball and he gets distracted. And your kid reacts like this? Embarrassing.

Do you conduct job interviews from the sidelines of your kid's soccer game? That is f****d up.

Oh puhleeze - these are not job interviews and have no impact on admission decisions.

These kids are so busy and scheduled to the hilt. It is flat rude. What it tells the kids is that the interviewer is disrespectful. Who wants more of that?

NO it doesn't. What it should tell the kid is that an adult who went to the school this scheduled, busy kid would give his left arm to get into to please his tiger mother, is willing to take a little time to chat with him and say hello. The kid is not interviewing for a Nobel Prize. That is all these stupid interviews are, and if you kid behaved that way, it just shows that he is well on the path to becoming an entitled little brat.

[Anonymous]

I’m a long time Ivy alum interviewer. In our school we do have to supply write ups on the interview. I always set aside a time to do the interview - it would never occur to me to sit on the sideline of a game and do it. That’s unprofessional.

I will say this, I think the alum interview can’t get you in, but it can keep you out. Several years ago I had a case where I was assigned an interview. I emailed, texted, and called and no response. The deadline for my submission was clear. The applicant never got back to me. So at about 10 pm the night before the deadline I submitted the “no response from student”, and they ask us to list out the attempts made. Mid morning the next morning I get an email from the student asking if we could meet at 6 pm that night (on a weeknight) and another email from the local admissions director asking what was going on. The student came from a prestigious school and must have freaked out to the counselor who called the local AD with a load of excuses from the applicant (which were also in the email to me). We spoke, and I said what had happened and said if I had an extension I could fit the applicant in in the next couple of days because I had already committed my time that night,because if I could accommodate I would . The AD said “no, you don’t rearrange anything. Clearly this applicant isn’t mature enough to handle Our University”. I didn’t really have any influence, but the way the student flaked and complained sure did because the university checked and pushed that application to,the “nope” bin.

Always being mature and professional helps you out. Remember, the person who wants something is the applicant, not the interviewer. So if your interviewer is harried or odd, still be professional. Ghosting that call was not a good look.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You are dealing with volunteers. They have varying levels of investment in the process. Many may also have become disillusioned, because their input has such a minimal impact.

BUT, I do agree that this is not respectful to your child, for whom this feels like a very high stacks moment.

I agree, but I also think the child was far more disrespectful in hanging up on the interviewer. That was an arrogant and immature snub. It does not compensate for the lack of respect shown by the interviewer.

Agree. In life, you have to deal with rude authority figures. Hanging up is not a smart strategy. Teach your kid to manage a situation like that to their advantage. E.g. ask how the game is going, get engaged, or wait it out and then say "hey it seems like a great game, I don't want to distract you, can we try another time?"

I already posted at 12:36 that they respectfully asked to reschedule at a better time, the request was ignored due to the interviewer not listening due to cheering for a rec soccer game. What's the kid supposed to do, sit there with their finger up their nose? Get off your high horse people.

Yes. Yes, that's exactly correct. Your precious little Johnny is in the subservient position here, possibly for the first time in his charmed little life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a long time Ivy alum interviewer. In our school we do have to supply write ups on the interview. I always set aside a time to do the interview - it would never occur to me to sit on the sideline of a game and do it. That’s unprofessional.

I will say this, I think the alum interview can’t get you in, but it can keep you out. Several years ago I had a case where I was assigned an interview. I emailed, texted, and called and no response. The deadline for my submission was clear. The applicant never got back to me. So at about 10 pm the night before the deadline I submitted the “no response from student”, and they ask us to list out the attempts made. Mid morning the next morning I get an email from the student asking if we could meet at 6 pm that night (on a weeknight) and another email from the local admissions director asking what was going on. The student came from a prestigious school and must have freaked out to the counselor who called the local AD with a load of excuses from the applicant (which were also in the email to me). We spoke, and I said what had happened and said if I had an extension I could fit the applicant in in the next couple of days because I had already committed my time that night,because if I could accommodate I would . The AD said “no, you don’t rearrange anything. Clearly this applicant isn’t mature enough to handle Our University”. I didn’t really have any influence, but the way the student flaked and complained sure did because the university checked and pushed that application to,the “nope” bin.

Always being mature and professional helps you out. Remember, the person who wants something is the applicant, not the interviewer. So if your interviewer is harried or odd, still be professional. Ghosting that call was not a good look.

Yet said student is in a higher ranked school. Maturity and professionalism goes both ways. I don't know how to say this any clearer. Interviewer schedules an interview...interviewer decides to conduct the interview during a child's soccer game and is non-responsive when the interviewed is trying to be present. The interviewed respectfully asks to be rescheduled to a time when the disrespectful interviewer has time to sit down and do the job they volunteered to do and be an ambassador for the University. The interviewed is met with screaming at a soccer game with no response so says screw it, this is worthless and not how I grew up where people do what they say they are going to do. Anyone saying my kid is immature and I am a bad parent good on you, just glad I raised my child to have a backbone and stand up for what is right. Being 17 does not mean you have to be weak, this individual was a disrespectful unprofessional representative of the school. Again, get off of your high horse people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a long time Ivy alum interviewer. In our school we do have to supply write ups on the interview. I always set aside a time to do the interview - it would never occur to me to sit on the sideline of a game and do it. That’s unprofessional.

I will say this, I think the alum interview can’t get you in, but it can keep you out. Several years ago I had a case where I was assigned an interview. I emailed, texted, and called and no response. The deadline for my submission was clear. The applicant never got back to me. So at about 10 pm the night before the deadline I submitted the “no response from student”, and they ask us to list out the attempts made. Mid morning the next morning I get an email from the student asking if we could meet at 6 pm that night (on a weeknight) and another email from the local admissions director asking what was going on. The student came from a prestigious school and must have freaked out to the counselor who called the local AD with a load of excuses from the applicant (which were also in the email to me). We spoke, and I said what had happened and said if I had an extension I could fit the applicant in in the next couple of days because I had already committed my time that night,because if I could accommodate I would . The AD said “no, you don’t rearrange anything. Clearly this applicant isn’t mature enough to handle Our University”. I didn’t really have any influence, but the way the student flaked and complained sure did because the university checked and pushed that application to,the “nope” bin.

Always being mature and professional helps you out. Remember, the person who wants something is the applicant, not the interviewer. So if your interviewer is harried or odd, still be professional. Ghosting that call was not a good look.

Yet said student is in a higher ranked school. Maturity and professionalism goes both ways. I don't know how to say this any clearer. Interviewer schedules an interview...interviewer decides to conduct the interview during a child's soccer game and is non-responsive when the interviewed is trying to be present. The interviewed respectfully asks to be rescheduled to a time when the disrespectful interviewer has time to sit down and do the job they volunteered to do and be an ambassador for the University. The interviewed is met with screaming at a soccer game with no response so says screw it, this is worthless and not how I grew up where people do what they say they are going to do. Anyone saying my kid is immature and I am a bad parent good on you, just glad I raised my child to have a backbone and stand up for what is right. Being 17 does not mean you have to be weak, this individual was a disrespectful unprofessional representative of the school. Again, get off of your high horse people.

PP I applaud your kid. Good for her. I think the other posters are just jealous they are too timid to do it themselves.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a long time Ivy alum interviewer. In our school we do have to supply write ups on the interview. I always set aside a time to do the interview - it would never occur to me to sit on the sideline of a game and do it. That’s unprofessional.

I will say this, I think the alum interview can’t get you in, but it can keep you out. Several years ago I had a case where I was assigned an interview. I emailed, texted, and called and no response. The deadline for my submission was clear. The applicant never got back to me. So at about 10 pm the night before the deadline I submitted the “no response from student”, and they ask us to list out the attempts made. Mid morning the next morning I get an email from the student asking if we could meet at 6 pm that night (on a weeknight) and another email from the local admissions director asking what was going on. The student came from a prestigious school and must have freaked out to the counselor who called the local AD with a load of excuses from the applicant (which were also in the email to me). We spoke, and I said what had happened and said if I had an extension I could fit the applicant in in the next couple of days because I had already committed my time that night,because if I could accommodate I would . The AD said “no, you don’t rearrange anything. Clearly this applicant isn’t mature enough to handle Our University”. I didn’t really have any influence, but the way the student flaked and complained sure did because the university checked and pushed that application to,the “nope” bin.

Always being mature and professional helps you out. Remember, the person who wants something is the applicant, not the interviewer. So if your interviewer is harried or odd, still be professional. Ghosting that call was not a good look.

interviewing with you can’t help but can hurt? Nice

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid struck Swarthmore off his list after a poor interview situation. From the scheduling to the no-show, to the difficulty in getting rescheduled, to the utterly snotty attitude of the alum during the interview, DS was turned off. That alum is like a one-woman recruiting wrecking ball for her alma mater.

This is such an important point. My kid had a fantastic experience with an interview that only made her more excited about the school. Some schools include info from them, but for all schools, they are marketing.

PP here. Totally agree. I don’t even blame the interviewer—she seemed like a lost cause. I think Swarthmore is at fault for choosing bad interviewers or for not training for guiding them or holding them accountable. In my kid’s case, Swarthmore was a top 3 choice, and kid loved the vibe and nerdy emails and other marketing. In any event, he was accepted the next week to his ED choice, a top 10 college. Swarthmore obviously spends a ton on marketing it’s quirky vibe. It may not even realize that it’s losing kids based on rude and weirdly aggressive interviewers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You are dealing with volunteers. They have varying levels of investment in the process. Many may also have become disillusioned, because their input has such a minimal impact.

BUT, I do agree that this is not respectful to your child, for whom this feels like a very high stacks moment.

I agree, but I also think the child was far more disrespectful in hanging up on the interviewer. That was an arrogant and immature snub. It does not compensate for the lack of respect shown by the interviewer.

Agree. In life, you have to deal with rude authority figures. Hanging up is not a smart strategy. Teach your kid to manage a situation like that to their advantage. E.g. ask how the game is going, get engaged, or wait it out and then say "hey it seems like a great game, I don't want to distract you, can we try another time?"

I already posted at 12:36 that they respectfully asked to reschedule at a better time, the request was ignored due to the interviewer not listening due to cheering for a rec soccer game. What's the kid supposed to do, sit there with their finger up their nose? Get off your high horse people.

Yes. Yes, that's exactly correct. Your precious little Johnny is in the subservient position here, possibly for the first time in his charmed little life.

It's Jenny and no. No, my little Jenny is never in a subservient position when disrespected in her uncharmed little life. My little Jenny is strong and doesn't accept ignorance and disrespectful interactions with privileged people that can't be bothered to represent their school. You seem like a privileged person that will never understand, good luck on your kids journey, I wish you all the best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You are dealing with volunteers. They have varying levels of investment in the process. Many may also have become disillusioned, because their input has such a minimal impact.

BUT, I do agree that this is not respectful to your child, for whom this feels like a very high stacks moment.

I agree, but I also think the child was far more disrespectful in hanging up on the interviewer. That was an arrogant and immature snub. It does not compensate for the lack of respect shown by the interviewer.

I'm PP and it is my kid. No it was not an arrogant and immature snub. The interviewer scheduled an appointment during their kids soccer game, was not engaged at all and my child after asking to reschedule and being ignored decided to end the conversation. Kids work hard and have pride, the interviewer representing the university was the one that acted arrogantly and snubbed an interested hard working perspective student. The fact that you don't get that is pathetic.

I get it, you just don't like my perspective (or you incorporated hyperbole initially). If your kid just hung up, that was rude. I get that the interviewer was inconsiderate, but your kid trying to school them was arrogant, and it doesn't help the situation. Part of interviewing is dealing with situations like this with grace. Complain to admissions after the cycle to change it. This just makes your kid look bad too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid had one that was on the sidelines of his kid's soccer game half listening and cheering for his kid. My kid hung up, they called back and my kid let it go to voicemail.

Well, your son won't be going to that school!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a long time Ivy alum interviewer. In our school we do have to supply write ups on the interview. I always set aside a time to do the interview - it would never occur to me to sit on the sideline of a game and do it. That’s unprofessional.

I will say this, I think the alum interview can’t get you in, but it can keep you out. Several years ago I had a case where I was assigned an interview. I emailed, texted, and called and no response. The deadline for my submission was clear. The applicant never got back to me. So at about 10 pm the night before the deadline I submitted the “no response from student”, and they ask us to list out the attempts made. Mid morning the next morning I get an email from the student asking if we could meet at 6 pm that night (on a weeknight) and another email from the local admissions director asking what was going on. The student came from a prestigious school and must have freaked out to the counselor who called the local AD with a load of excuses from the applicant (which were also in the email to me). We spoke, and I said what had happened and said if I had an extension I could fit the applicant in in the next couple of days because I had already committed my time that night,because if I could accommodate I would . The AD said “no, you don’t rearrange anything. Clearly this applicant isn’t mature enough to handle Our University”. I didn’t really have any influence, but the way the student flaked and complained sure did because the university checked and pushed that application to,the “nope” bin.

Always being mature and professional helps you out. Remember, the person who wants something is the applicant, not the interviewer. So if your interviewer is harried or odd, still be professional. Ghosting that call was not a good look.

Yet said student is in a higher ranked school. Maturity and professionalism goes both ways. I don't know how to say this any clearer. Interviewer schedules an interview...interviewer decides to conduct the interview during a child's soccer game and is non-responsive when the interviewed is trying to be present. The interviewed respectfully asks to be rescheduled to a time when the disrespectful interviewer has time to sit down and do the job they volunteered to do and be an ambassador for the University. The interviewed is met with screaming at a soccer game with no response so says screw it, this is worthless and not how I grew up where people do what they say they are going to do. Anyone saying my kid is immature and I am a bad parent good on you, just glad I raised my child to have a backbone and stand up for what is right. Being 17 does not mean you have to be weak, this individual was a disrespectful unprofessional representative of the school. Again, get off of your high horse people.

PP I applaud your kid. Good for her. I think the other posters are just jealous they are too timid to do it themselves.

Are you the same poster?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You are dealing with volunteers. They have varying levels of investment in the process. Many may also have become disillusioned, because their input has such a minimal impact.

BUT, I do agree that this is not respectful to your child, for whom this feels like a very high stacks moment.

I agree, but I also think the child was far more disrespectful in hanging up on the interviewer. That was an arrogant and immature snub. It does not compensate for the lack of respect shown by the interviewer.

I'm PP and it is my kid. No it was not an arrogant and immature snub. The interviewer scheduled an appointment during their kids soccer game, was not engaged at all and my child after asking to reschedule and being ignored decided to end the conversation. Kids work hard and have pride, the interviewer representing the university was the one that acted arrogantly and snubbed an interested hard working perspective student. The fact that you don't get that is pathetic.

I get it, you just don't like my perspective (or you incorporated hyperbole initially). If your kid just hung up, that was rude. I get that the interviewer was inconsiderate, but your kid trying to school them was arrogant, and it doesn't help the situation. Part of interviewing is dealing with situations like this with grace. Complain to admissions after the cycle to change it. This just makes your kid look bad too.

Your perspective is bad, and no, my kid is in their first choice. I've said multiple times, she didn't just hang up, she asked for another time for an interview and was ignored, WTF is wrong with you people?