Our college advising process includes a mock interview with an experienced former Ivy League alumni interviewer. Here are some of the tips he suggests when getting ready for an on-campus or alumni interview.
1. Dress nicely! Guys, there is no need to wear a suit or even jacket, but a button down shirt and nice slacks or khakis is the minimum. For girls, nice pants and top are fine or appropriate dress or skirt. No sneakers! No jeans! No t-shirts!
2. Listen patiently! The interviewer is trying to get certain information from you. Carefully think about what you believe he or she is trying to elicit. Do not interrupt him or her or give answers that last more than 3-4 minutes. Don't hesitate to pause for 10-20 seconds after a question before jumping into an answer.
3. Relax! There's an old commercial with the tag line, "Never let 'em see you sweat." Even if you're nervous, do your best not to show it. If you have a leg that is restless, put your mind to stopping it. Make eye contact throughout the meeting with your interviewer.
4. Get there early! As with any important appointment, leave lots of extra time to assure you arrive early (at least 15 minutes) for the interview. Yes, it is ok if your parent drives you to the interview, but your parent will not participate in the meeting.
5. Prepare! Think in advance about the things you believe "sell" you the best to a school. Of course you should be ready to talk about both the strengths and weaknesses in your record, and of course always be upright and honest. But you certainly have the right to show pride in your accomplishments, especially those you believe will matter to a potential school. In a perfect world find someone who has done interviewing to give you a "mock" interview first.
6. Bring stuff! You should bring with you whatever materials might be helpful in assessing your success. Remember this is about showcasing your accomplishments but also your personality, as this is likely the only part of the process where that will be assessed.
Want to learn more? Give a call at 516-721-1858 or email us at yourcollegechoice@yahoo.com. Not local to NY? We can work by email and phone. The first meeting is free and there is no obligation.
Good luck!!!!!!
Monday, September 7, 2009
When Do We Start? Right Now!
So many parents ask me when is the right time to start focusing on college planning. The answer is right now! Well, not if you are in kindergarten of course! I mean that as early as 8th grade decisions that begin to shape your college "resume" start to get made. That includes high school course choices, extracurriculars, summer activities and the like.
But, and let me say this in bold and italics: do not make it an obsession. It should just be in the back of your mind as you make decisions about what courses you are taking and what you are doing outside of the classroom. For example, you may love being on school athletic teams, but in the end it will end up as one line on your list of activities. Unless you are at the level to be recruited for a college team, think carefully when those types of commitments are made. But not everything in high school should be about college. You want to pursue those things you really enjoy regardless of whether it will help in the admissions process.
The next question is, what if you are in 11th grade and you haven't yet done anything to prepare for college? Again, relax. There is time to do a great deal even when starting in 11th grade. And there is much to learn in deciding what schools to visit (and how to stand out in that visit), when to visit and how the admissions and application process work.
So start now, and stay calm!!!!!
Want to learn more? Give a call at 516-721-1858 or email us at yourcollegechoice@yahoo.com. Not local to NY? We can work by email and phone. The first meeting is free and there is no obligation.
But, and let me say this in bold and italics: do not make it an obsession. It should just be in the back of your mind as you make decisions about what courses you are taking and what you are doing outside of the classroom. For example, you may love being on school athletic teams, but in the end it will end up as one line on your list of activities. Unless you are at the level to be recruited for a college team, think carefully when those types of commitments are made. But not everything in high school should be about college. You want to pursue those things you really enjoy regardless of whether it will help in the admissions process.
The next question is, what if you are in 11th grade and you haven't yet done anything to prepare for college? Again, relax. There is time to do a great deal even when starting in 11th grade. And there is much to learn in deciding what schools to visit (and how to stand out in that visit), when to visit and how the admissions and application process work.
So start now, and stay calm!!!!!
Want to learn more? Give a call at 516-721-1858 or email us at yourcollegechoice@yahoo.com. Not local to NY? We can work by email and phone. The first meeting is free and there is no obligation.
Welcome!
Thanks for stopping by! I have just set up this blog to post information for college-bound students and their families. Our business, Your College Choice, offers individualized and affordable guidance for students with all success levels.
You can start with us as early as 8th grade to help you with high school planning all the way to the college admission and application process. The service also includes mock interviews with a former Ivy League alumni interviewer. Our discussions are totally confidential.
Why work with Your College Choice? It was started by a mom, Barbra Feldman, who not only survived this process after years of research for her daughter, but has informally advised many friends as well for quite a number of years. She is a prominent community leader on Long Island, New York, having led three PTAs and served on local boards. She is an attorney and graduate of Brandeis University.
Want to learn more? Give a call at 516-721-1858 or email us at yourcollegechoice@yahoo.com. Not local to NY? We can work by email and phone. The first meeting is free and there is no obligation.
You can start with us as early as 8th grade to help you with high school planning all the way to the college admission and application process. The service also includes mock interviews with a former Ivy League alumni interviewer. Our discussions are totally confidential.
Why work with Your College Choice? It was started by a mom, Barbra Feldman, who not only survived this process after years of research for her daughter, but has informally advised many friends as well for quite a number of years. She is a prominent community leader on Long Island, New York, having led three PTAs and served on local boards. She is an attorney and graduate of Brandeis University.
Want to learn more? Give a call at 516-721-1858 or email us at yourcollegechoice@yahoo.com. Not local to NY? We can work by email and phone. The first meeting is free and there is no obligation.
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