General Interview Tips
The following is some advice that does not apply to a particular school, but the interview process in general. First, make sure that your clothing is professional, yet comfortable as well. You will hopefully be spending a large amount of time in your suit, so be sure that you are comfortable in it. Make sure that your shoes are comfortable and if possible a half size too big, since your f eet will swell with the large amount of walking you will do at most interviews.

As soon as the semester begins, write each of your test dates and the dates that major papers are due in your planner, so that you can try to avoid scheduling interviews on those dates. When you receive a letter offering you an interview, respond immediately, especially if you need to change the interview day. Some schools might not be willing to change the date, while others are more than accommodating. Don't be afrai d to ask if you have a test and would like to change the date, but be sure that the date to which you change the interview will not conflict with anything else. You do not want to change your interview date more than once. Some schools actually allow you to pick the date that you will come for your interview. Have your planner handy, so that you know what would be a good time for you. Once you schedule these interviews, you usually cannot change the date.

If you are planning on drivin g to the school the night before the interview, check to see if the school offers a student host program or if any hotels offer a discount to interviewing students. If a school offers a student host program take advantage of it. It is usually free and gives you a chance to see where you can live if you attend that school. It also gives you a chance to get to know students who are usually not involved with the interview process. They are a great source of information about the school.

Also, if a parent, sibling, or friend offers to attend an interview with you, take advantage of this opportunity. While you are interviewing, your parent(s)/sibling/friend will be able to see what is in the area around the school at which you are interviewing. They will be able to give you information you might not otherwise receive during your interview day. Also, these individuals know you very well, and they might be able to give you some advice when it comes time to make a final decision.

On the actual inter view day, plan to arrive early at the interview site. That way, if you are stuck in traffic, you should still arrive on time. Arriving early also gives you a chance to take a look at the facilities the school has to offer and to meet the other students with whom you will be spending your interview day before the pressures of the interview day hit home. This will also give you some time to relax and get settled. IF the school has asked you to bring anything that day (a picture, your transcr ipt, etc.) be sure that you remember this information.

Make sure that you bring a portfolio with you, so that you'll have a place to store information that might be given to you by the school and also a place to take notes. If you have the opportunity to attend multiple interviews, the schools will blend together in your mind. The more information you have recorded, the better you will be able to make decisions in the future. You can also slide a small book in the front pocket of the portfol io, which is use ful if a shuttle ride is part of your day or if you have a long wait between interviews and you do not have the opportunity to speak with other interviewees.

During the actual interview, be prepared if the interviewer has not reviewed your application. Many interviewers chose not to read your application until after they have actually interviewed you. They want to hear about what you feel are the important parts of your application, so please do not be shy. This is when you h ave to brag the mo st about yourself. Know that while the school is interviewing you to see if you match well with their school, you should also be interviewing the school, because you might need to decide if that school is the right place for you, as well.

If you did receive disciplinary action for any reason while you were at Scranton, be prepared that almost every interviewer will want to talk to you about it. Be honest and sincere. Do not make excuses for anything. Just tell the truth.

Try to get the contact information of your interviewers, both students and faculty members. You should send a thank you note to each interviewer within two weeks after your interview. For any school that requires a student interview, ask your student interviewers for their email addresses. Not only will you be able to thank them this way, but also they can serve as a source of information if you have any questions in the future about the school.

If you get accepted to the school you migh t want to ask about a Second Look Day. Many schools offer a day where you can receive more information about the school and get another chance to get your questions answered. They are usually in March or April, so that you have time to decide before the deadline.

Thanks to April Puscavage, Class of 2002.