Overview
Alumni interviews are offered by many selective colleges between December and March. They're not required at most schools, but declining one you've been offered is a negative signal.
How Interviews Are Scheduled
- Alumni interviewer receives your application info from the college
- They contact you via email (check spam; use the email you provided on application)
- You respond within 48 hours with your availability
- Interview happens in-person (coffee shop, library) or via video
Response Etiquette
- Reply within 48 hours, even if just to confirm receipt
- Be professional in email tone
- Propose 3-5 specific times within the next 2 weeks
- Include your phone number
- Clarify format (in-person vs. video) based on their preference
Preparation (see also: Interview Prep task)
- Re-read your application (essays and activities)
- Know 2-3 specific programs/courses at the college
- Prepare 3-5 thoughtful questions
- Research the interviewer briefly (LinkedIn, college alumni directory if provided)
- Think about recent academic interests, books, projects
During the Interview
- Arrive/log in 5-10 minutes early
- Business casual dress
- Eye contact, attentive listening
- Specific answers with examples, not generalities
- Ask your prepared questions
- Take light notes (optional but shows engagement)
The 24-48 Hour Thank You
Send a concise, specific thank-you email:
Dear [First Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me [yesterday / on Tuesday]. I especially appreciated hearing about [specific topic from conversation]. Our discussion reinforced my enthusiasm for [specific program/aspect of college].
I appreciate your time and insights.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
Common Mistakes
- Delayed response to interview request (>48 hours)
- Generic thank-you that could apply to any college
- Asking questions easily answered by the website
- Treating it as a formality rather than an opportunity
- Parent involvement (parents do not attend, do not email the interviewer)
What Interviewers Report
Alumni interviewers submit a brief report to admissions covering:
- Intellectual engagement during conversation
- Specific interests and fit with college
- Character and maturity impressions
- Red flags (arrogance, dishonesty, lack of preparation)
- Overall recommendation
The report is one data point, not determinative. But a clearly positive interview can tip a marginal decision.
Video Interview Technical Prep
- Test Zoom/Google Meet in advance
- Wired internet if available
- Good lighting (face the window, don't backlight)
- Neutral, clean background
- Close laptop camera eye level
- Mute notifications
- Have water nearby
- Dress business casual from waist up (full dress ideal)
If No Interviewer Contacts You
Some schools offer interviews to only a subset of applicants; not being offered one is not always a negative signal.
- Stanford: optional, alumni capacity-limited
- Harvard: most applicants are offered
- Princeton: most applicants are offered
- Yale: most applicants are offered
- MIT: admissions-officer video interview, offered to most
If you haven't heard and the school typically interviews, you can politely inquire through the admissions office.
If the Interview Goes Poorly
It rarely matters as much as it feels. One awkward conversation doesn't ruin your application. Move forward; focus on what you can control.