Reply to Interviewer is asking for more information

Forum Index » College and University Discussion

Reply to "Interviewer is asking for more information"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Harvard interviewer here.  The local club tells interviewers to ask these questions of every interviewee.  [/quote]

I can't for the life of me figure out why the interviewer is asking where the parents went to school. I guess its relevant to see if they are a legacy or first generation college, but it seems like the school will have that information. I thought the purpose of the interview was (1) to answer questions, present a face for the school, and (2) get a general sense of the applicant that you can't get on paper. Why would it be to obtain factual information when the school already has that?[/quote]

Alum interviewer, but not for Harvard here. I always ask for a copy of the resume. It tells me what areas to ask about and to focus on.

I do ask about family life as well -- it does give you a sense of the applicant. For example, at an interview last week, the student was from Asia and has lived here 3 years for high school with a host family -- his parents are at home working hard to pay for his (private) school. I mentioned that in my report as I think it's relevant -- it shows he's willing to work hard under tough conditions; how he has adjusted well to his school and his English skills; and also that I felt it was big achievement to only get to see your parents once a year (every summer) and still do well in school. [/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics