Tips for Your Virtual Barnard Interview
I began conducting Admissions interviews when I was a senior at Barnard. I loved this chance to meet high schoolers from all over the world. Now, as an Admissions Counselor, interviewing students is still one of my favorite parts of the job. It’s always fun to meet prospective students and have conversations about their interests and life stories — in every interview, I learn something new! If you’re considering signing up for an optional virtual interview this year, here are some tips on how to prepare for your interview.
A note: interviews at Barnard are both informational and evaluative, meaning that they’re both a chance for you to learn about Barnard and for us to learn about you. Interviews are also optional, which means that it’s completely up to you to decide whether or not you’d like to register for an interview. Your application is complete whether or not you had an interview.
Sign up early. We offer virtual interviews on a first-come, first-served basis, and in many different time zones. We ask that you schedule an interview for between 9 AM and 7 PM in your own time zone so that you’re most alert and comfortable during your conversation.
You’ve already practiced for this! Whether or not you’ve ever had a job or college interview, you likely have had a conversation about yourself with a new person. That’s exactly what an interview at Barnard is: a chance to share information about yourself with your interviewer. Your interviewer won’t ask trick questions or look for a “right answer”; instead, they want to learn more about the things you want to talk about, from your favorite teachers in school, to that great article you read last month, to what qualities you’re looking for in a college.
Come ready to engage in a conversation. Students who are excited to engage in a two-way conversation and move off of a prepared “script” get the most out of their interviews, because they really get to learn about Barnard from one of our community members. Practicing thoughtful listening and coming ready to ask questions are just two ways you can prepare for your interview.
Use your interview to think beyond “passions.” Students often think they need to come to an interview with a huge resume of things they’re passionate about — we don’t expect you to have discovered your life-long passions in high school! High school is a time in your life where you’ve likely experienced many different academic subjects and activities out of school. What communities and experiences have you cared the most about? Which have been important to you, and why? Even if geometry isn’t your passion, why did you still enjoy the class? What have you taken away from your part-time job as a dog-walker? What lessons have you learned from your little sister?
We’re all adjusting to a more virtual world. Tech issues are often out of your control, and that’s okay! Our interviewers are there to help you troubleshoot any issues you may have with Zoom, your Internet connection, or your computer/phone so that you can have the best interview experience possible. Any tech issues you might encounter will not negatively affect how your interview is considered in our application process.
Be prepared, so you can be relaxed. Take some time before your interview to make sure your Internet and webcam are working and that your computer or phone is charged. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep, eat, and stay hydrated before your interview. Taking care of these logistical details will help you feel more relaxed when it’s time for your conversation! We know having a conversation through your webcam might not feel like the most natural thing in the world, but your interviewer is ready to help you move past nerves and into a conversation where you can highlight your experiences.
I hope these tips are helpful as you prepare for your virtual interview! Our office is excited to meet you and learn about your unique experiences and thoughts, and to share our Barnard experiences with you.
Register for a virtual Barnard interview here: https://connect.barnard.edu/portal/virtual-interviews