Our Counselors Answered:
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
Tyler BurtonPresident Burton College Tours
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
Each school has its own interview process. Some schools do not interview, some interviews are purely informational, alumni or student interviews. Don’t be fooled if you are interviewed by a student, at some schools the student interviews are evaluative and students even play a roll in the admission committee. Each school will detail the interview policies on line. Please remember to dress respectably. No bra straps showing, dirty T-shirts, flip flops or ripped clothing. Be clean and prompt. Thank your interviewer for their time. Ask questions.
Reecy ArestyCollege Admissions/Financial Aid Expert & AuthorPayless For College, Inc.
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
That’s a distinct possibility, but treat them as someone from the admissions dept.
Claire Law
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
It often can me conducted by a student. Many colleges value student’s input because they want to bring in candidates who will get along with roommates and will become solid participants on campus. Who to better evaluate this than currently enrolled students?
Geoff BroomeAssistant Director of AdmissionsWidener University
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
Yes. There are several colleges where a student ambassador or even alumni will conduct the interview. Sometimes this is done because of travel purposes.
Pamela Hampton-GarlandOwnerScholar Bound
Interviewed by current students
Yes, it is possible to be interviewed by students.
Greg Foster
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
Interviews conducted by students is possible. From my experience, the student interviewer position can be the most coveted job on campus. For that reason, it attracts a highly qualified, highly motivated group of students, and almost always seniors/4th year students. Many student interviewers get their start as tour guides with the hope of landing one of these coveted gigs. Places like University of Chicago, Columbia University, Yale, and Brandeis have student interviewers.
Sarah ContomichalosManagerEducational Advisory Services, LLC
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
Yes, many on campus interviews are conducted by current students.
Bill PrudenHead of Upper School, College CounselorRavenscroft School
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
Yes, but it doesn’t really matter, for regardless of the nature of the interview or the interviewer, the process itself offers an opportunity for an applicant to make a good impression. A student may be more empathetic, having recently gone through the process themselves, and he or she might be able to better and more realistically respond to some of your questions, but ultimately, you should be ready to use the interview to present yourself in as positive a manner as possible, expanding upon what you have already included in your application. The interview is your opportunity to add a human dimension to the wide array of paper work that has gone before, and you want to make the most of it, regardless of who is conducting the exercise.
Cara RaySenior AssociateMontgomery Educational Consulting
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
Yes, it is possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student. In fact, when I was a college student I helped my school’s admissions office with the interviews for visiting students. Many admissions offices use current students and student interns to conduct the interview. This can often provide a more comfortable and conversational environment for the student interviewing. In addition, this is a great way for you to get a current student perspective about the college so go with questions prepared!
Lynda McGeeCollege CounselorDowntown Magnets High School
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
Yes, depending on the school. Alumni interviews and interviews by students are usually what they call “informational”. They may have little to no bearing on your acceptance. This can be a little depressing, considering you are on your best behavior and trying to impress your interviewer. (Admissions offices will tell you when an interview is “evaluative”, and it will be with a staff member of the Admissions Office). Could you really “blow” an interview by a student or an alum? Well yes, if your behavior is so exceptionally awful that they send a very negative report that could reflect badly on you. What really matters is that you have a chance to ask someone who really knows the campus all kinds of questions, and decide if the school is right for you. Remember, the college process is YOUR process, and you have more control over your own happiness than you may think.
Dr. Bruce NeimeyerCEO/PartnerGlobal College Search Associates, LLC
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
It is possible that a student may conduct the “interview” however, in most instances these interviews are informational interviews. In other words, this is an individual meeting between the student and the family and the current student has been trained similar to an admissions counselor to answer any and all questions for the perspective student and family. In these instances, there isn’t any formal questioning that is given to the perspective student that is then used in any way in making the respective admissions decision. The only exception to this may be if the student conducting the interview is a current graduate student. However, if it is an undergraduate student, I would be slightly concerned if their evaluation of the perspective student was being used to render an admissions decision.
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
When applying to college, it’s entirely possible that your interview for the college admissions could be conducted by a student at the school. For one, many of the elite schools include students on their admissions board that is when making final decisions, often not – just the dean of admissions and the admissions director make the decisions, rather chosen professors and students and other members of the community participate in deciding who would be the best fit out of all the applicants for the school. Therefore some of the student do conduct the interview. Another possible idea of course is the alumni interview and in some cases, the alumni maybe one year out of college so it may seem as though the interview is being conducted by a student. In any case, no matter what, everytime you have an interaction with a school, make sure that you take every single one as seriously as the next because schools pay very close attention to how much interest you show in them and you just might be surprised about how much they pay attention to the conversations they have with you whether you’re talking to the dean of admission or you’re talking to a student at the school.
Admissions is a very serious process for colleges just as it is for students and they don’t want to make a mistake. So don’t – so make sure that you always carry yourself with poise and always express yourself in a manner that you want – you know. Always present yourself in the way in which you want them to perceive you.
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
When applying to college, it’s entirely possible that your interview for the college admissions could be conducted by a student at the school. For one, many of the elite schools include students on their admissions board that is when making final decisions, often not – just the dean of admissions and the admissions director make the decisions, rather chosen professors and students and other members of the community participate in deciding who would be the best fit out of all the applicants for the school. Therefore some of the student do conduct the interview. Another possible idea of course is the alumni interview and in some cases, the alumni maybe one year out of college so it may seem as though the interview is being conducted by a student. In any case, no matter what, everytime you have an interaction with a school, make sure that you take every single one as seriously as the next because schools pay very close attention to how much interest you show in them and you just might be surprised about how much they pay attention to the conversations they have with you whether you’re talking to the dean of admission or you’re talking to a student at the school.
Admissions is a very serious process for colleges just as it is for students and they don’t want to make a mistake. So don’t – so make sure that you always carry yourself with poise and always express yourself in a manner that you want – you know. Always present yourself in the way in which you want them to perceive you.
Reena Gold KaminsFounderCollege, Career & Life, LLC.
Many colleges have students conduct the interviews.
Yes, your interview may be with a current student. Many schools have seniors, tour guides or admission volunteers do the interviews because the counselors simply don’t have the time to offer every interested student an interview.
When you make your interview appointment, ask whether you’ll be meeting with a counslor, student, alum, or other volunteer so that you are not surprised when you arrive.
Benjamin CaldarelliPartnerPrinceton College Consulting, LLC
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
It is very possible that a student working for the admission office may conduct an interview and that their impressions of you will be taken seriously by full time admission staff.
Kristina DooleyIndependent Educational ConsultantEstrela Consulting
Student Interviewers
Absolutely! Many schools employ upper-level (generally senior) students to conduct on-campus interviews with prospective students. This can serve as a great opportunity for the prospective student to speak one-on-one with someone who was in their shoes just a few years prior. If you discover that you are being interviewed by a student, as opposed to an Admission Counselor, don’t feel as if you’re being snubbed. These programs give the Admission Counselors the ability to spend time reviewing applications and answering phone calls and emails from students, while allowing prospective students the opportunity to speak candidly with someone who may be their peer next year.
Kristina DooleyIndependent Educational ConsultantEstrela Consulting
Student Interviewers
Absolutely! Many schools employ upper-level (generally senior) students to conduct on-campus interviews with prospective students. This can serve as a great opportunity for the prospective student to speak one-on-one with someone who was in their shoes just a few years prior. If you discover that you are being interviewed by a student, as opposed to an Admission Counselor, don’t feel as if you’re being snubbed. These programs give the Admission Counselors the ability to spend time reviewing applications and answering phone calls and emails from students, while allowing prospective students the opportunity to speak candidly with someone who may be their peer next year.
Kristina DooleyIndependent Educational ConsultantEstrela Consulting
Student Interviewers
Absolutely! Many schools employ upper-level (generally senior) students to conduct on-campus interviews with prospective students. This can serve as a great opportunity for the prospective student to speak one-on-one with someone who was in their shoes just a few years prior. If you discover that you are being interviewed by a student, as opposed to an Admission Counselor, don’t feel as if you’re being snubbed. These programs give the Admission Counselors the ability to spend time reviewing applications and answering phone calls and emails from students, while allowing prospective students the opportunity to speak candidly with someone who may be their peer next year.
Laura O’Brien GatzionisFounderEducational Advisory Services
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
It is possible but usually these would be considered informational interviews rather than evaluative interviews. This would be a good opportunity for you to find out more about the college. As before any interview, make sure that you have researched the university thoroughly and that you have a list of intelligent questions to ask the interviewer about the school.
Nancy MilneOwnerMilne Collegiate Consulting
Student Interviewers
It is totally possible to have an interview with a current student. Depending on the staffing pattern at that school, time of year, type of interview; all could be student led. These will be students who have been trained in the process. They have been in your shoes, so often they are less intimidating. Students are also better at answering your college life questions as they are living it day to day.
Corey FischerPresidentCollegeClarity
Student interviewers
Yes, you could be interviewed by a student. Don’t think of these interviewers as less qualified than an Admission Officer because they have been selected through a competitive application and interview process and have been trained. In many ways these interviews can be very positive experiences because you are able to hear about their first hand (and recent) experiences at the college. Students usually feel more comfortable with the student interviewers, though it is important not to be TOO comfortable.
Erica WhiteCollege & Career CounselorMiddletown High School
Student led interviews
Some colleges use seniors to conduct admission interviews. These students go through elaborate training and practice regarding the interview process. Wesleyan University is one school that has perfected the student led interview and many other colleges follow their program design. The advantage of a student led interview is that the current student knows what type of student will be successful on their campus. Please be aware that these interviews are still evaluative and should be taken just as seriously as an interview led by an admission officer.
Nicholas Umphrey
Students interviewing students
I have never heard of this. Certainly it is common for students to conduct campus tours, but this must be a new concept.
It is helpful talking to current students, especially if they are in the same major your are interested in.
Helen Cella
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
Yes, often
Peggy WallaceFounderMaking Conversation, LLC
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
When you think of the college interview on campus, you might think that you will be meeting with some imposing admissions officer who is there to judge you and scrutinize your every word while you are on the Hot Seat. Indeed, that is a very remote possibility! Many times the admissions office interviewer is a fairly recent grad from that school or another (who else could read all those applications!). The interviewer wants to find the gem in you. They want to discover more about you. How you will fit into the rest of the incoming class? What did not come across in the paper application? The interviewer can become your advocate before the admissions committee. They are on your side!
Peggy WallaceFounderMaking Conversation, LLC
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
I have heard of more and more schools using their work-study or other volunteer students to conduct the applicant interview. This can be a student from any class. It is not at all a slight to find out that you are meeting with a student, not an Admissions Officer, for your interview. Indeed, in speaking with some Admissions Officers, I have been told that the yield (those who come as a percentage of those who are accepted, a factor in evaluating the admissions officers themselves) is considerably higher from the student interviewers. Turns out the students are better evaluators of “fit.” So when you get a student interviewer consider its benefit. If ever there were a time to have questions about student life, this would be it! Also, be sure to treat the student interviewer with respect. They might be particularly sensitive about this.
Peggy WallaceFounderMaking Conversation, LLC
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
Definitely. Student Interviewers tend not to ask questions from your resume. They won’t ask you to explain why you got a 1 in the some AP test. They know it happens. They want to meet the real you. They want to know that you will become actively involved in the campus. They are figuring out whether you’ll be a good classmate and can benefit campus life. They want a great conversation, after all, they are “volunteers.” For this reason, it is important to work on your conversational skills as well as or as part of your interview skills. Make sure your conversation is a mutual sharing of information, thoughts and strengths stories. Give details in your responses. You want to make sure that being an easy conversationalist becomes your new natural. If it is, you will have better, more comfortable conversations with the interviewer, no matter how stressful the situation might be for you.
Scott Herrmann-KeelingCollege Counselor
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
Yes it’s possible. Current students are great at answering questions like “Would I want to have this applicant as a roommate?” and “Would I want this applicant to be one of the other members of a 5-person class?” That sort of feedback is valuable to admissions officers who may never have attended the instituation they worked or and/or may have graduated from college some years ago.
If your interview is being conducted by a student, it’s important to remember that it’s still an admissions interview. Your job is the same: be polite, be professional, and make sure you tell your story.
Helen H. ChoiOwnerAdmissions Mavens
Yes!
In some schools where the interview takes place on-campus, you might be interviewed by a current student who is working at the admissions office. This is a great opportunity for you to find out more information about the school so try to view this as a positive rather than a negative.
Eric DoblerPresidentDobler College Consulting
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
Yes! At some schools, students who are in their senior years can be the ones who conduct interviews. Recently, I was at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT and that’s how they work on-campus interviews. You interview with a Wesleyan senior who works for the Admissions Office. They won’t be reviewing your application, but their feedback on your interview will be shared with the admissions counselors who are reading it.
A tremendous benefit of interviewing with a student is that you will be able to get answers from a student’s point-of-view on campus life, activities, the academic experience – anything you want to know. You may also not feel as nervous interviewing with a student as opposed to interviewing with an admissions counselor. However, be prepared for the interview, go in with a plan and give it everything you have!
王文君 June ScortinoPresidentIVY Counselors Network
Most likely no
colleges do use the best resources to interview students for admissions purpose. However, if you are not interviewed by one of the admission reps, your interview may not carry too much weight. For students oversea, normally does not require interview but highly recommended. Believe me, all students should be interviewed for selective schools.
Nina BerlerFounderunCommon Apps
Is it possible that a college interview could be conducted by a student?
Absolutely! I am well aware of this happening to my students. Sometimes student interviewers are volunteers or interns at admissions offices, and the student interview can be a wonderful opportunity for the applicant to be comfortable answering and asking questions. Sometimes students are used because of the soaring volume of applications facing admissions officers. Just because a student interviewer is conducting the interview is no excuse for not being prepared and respectful. Nearly all interviewers will share their results orally or in writing, and those notes could become part of the applicant’s file.