The college admission interview can feel like the final frontier in your application journey – a moment where your carefully crafted essays and stellar grades come to life. For prospective students eyeing Emory University, this conversation is more than just a formality; it’s a vital opportunity to showcase your personality, passion, and genuine fit with the vibrant academic and social ecosystem of one of the nation’s top institutions.
While the Emory interview is optional, it is highly recommended. It allows the admissions committee to get to know the person behind the application, offering insights that go beyond test scores and transcripts. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for, excel in, and follow up after your Emory interview, ensuring you make a lasting and positive impression.
I. Understanding the Emory Interview: Purpose and Format
Before diving into the "how," let’s clarify the "why" and "what."
A. The Purpose:
Emory seeks to admit students who will not only thrive academically but also contribute meaningfully to its diverse community. The interview serves several key purposes:
- Personal Connection: It’s your chance to move beyond the paper application and connect with an admissions representative or alumni interviewer on a personal level.
- Demonstrate Fit: Show your understanding of Emory’s unique culture, academic strengths, and values (e.g., its commitment to liberal arts, research, service, and its vibrant Atlanta location).
- Showcase Personality: Let your enthusiasm, curiosity, and unique character shine through.
- Ask Questions: It’s a two-way street. The interview is also an opportunity for you to gather more information and determine if Emory is the right fit for you.
- Demonstrate Interest: Opting for an interview signals your serious interest in Emory, which can be a subtle but impactful positive factor.
B. The Format:
Emory interviews are typically conducted by alumni volunteers or, less frequently, by admissions staff. They are usually conversational, lasting between 20-45 minutes, and may take place in person (depending on your location and the interviewer’s availability) or, more commonly, virtually via video call.
II. Pre-Interview Preparation: Laying the Foundation for Success
Preparation is paramount. A well-prepared candidate conveys respect, seriousness, and a genuine interest in Emory.
A. Research, Research, Research:
Go beyond the basic facts. Your knowledge of Emory should be specific and demonstrate a thoughtful exploration of what the university offers.
- Academics: Delve into specific academic departments, research centers, unique programs (like the Goizueta Business School, Candler School of Theology, Emory Healthcare affiliations), and interdisciplinary opportunities that genuinely excite you. Look up professors whose work interests you.
- Campus Life: Explore student organizations, traditions, campus resources, and residential life. What aspects of Emory’s community appeal to you?
- Values & Mission: Understand Emory’s core values – its commitment to a strong liberal arts foundation, research excellence, service, diversity, and its vibrant location in Atlanta. How do your own values align?
- Current Events: Be aware of any recent news or developments at Emory that might be relevant.
B. Self-Reflection: Know Thyself:
The interview is about you, too. Spend time reflecting on your experiences, aspirations, and how they connect with Emory.
- "Why Emory?": This is arguably the most critical question. Your answer should be specific, personal, and well-researched. Avoid generic responses like "it’s a good school." Instead, connect Emory’s unique offerings to your academic interests, career goals, and personal growth.
- Your Story: Think about key experiences (academic, extracurricular, personal) that have shaped you. What challenges have you overcome? What are you passionate about? How have you contributed to your community?
- Strengths & Weaknesses: Be prepared to articulate your strengths with examples and discuss a weakness constructively, focusing on what you’ve learned or how you’re working to improve.
- Questions for Them: Prepare 2-3 thoughtful questions for your interviewer. These should be questions that aren’t easily answered on the Emory website and demonstrate your genuine curiosity. Good questions might explore campus culture, student-faculty relationships, post-graduation opportunities, or the interviewer’s personal experience.
C. Logistics and Environment:
- Confirm Details: Double-check the date, time, and platform (if virtual) for your interview.
- Test Technology (Virtual Interviews): Ensure your internet connection is stable, your camera and microphone work, and you know how to use the chosen platform (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.).
- Choose Your Space (Virtual Interviews): Select a quiet, well-lit, and tidy space where you won’t be interrupted. A plain background is ideal. Position your camera at eye level.
- Dress Code: Aim for smart casual. This means clean, neat clothing like a collared shirt, blouse, or sweater. Avoid anything too distracting or overly formal. You want to look presentable and respectful.
III. During the Interview: Making Your Mark
This is your moment to shine. Approach the interview as a genuine conversation, not an interrogation.
A. First Impressions Matter:
- Punctuality: Arrive 5-10 minutes early for an in-person interview, or log in 5 minutes early for a virtual one.
- Warm Greeting: Greet your interviewer politely, with a confident smile and eye contact (look into the camera for virtual interviews).
- Body Language: Sit up straight, appear engaged, and nod to show you’re listening. Avoid fidgeting.
B. Answering Common Questions (and How to Approach Them):
While every interview is unique, certain questions are staples. Practice your responses, but don’t sound rehearsed.
"Tell me about yourself."
- Strategy: This is your "elevator pitch." Don’t just list your resume. Start with a brief personal introduction, highlight a few key interests or passions, and connect them to your aspirations. Keep it concise (1-2 minutes).
- Example: "I’m a senior from [Your City] with a deep fascination for the intersection of public health and data science. My experiences volunteering at [Local Clinic] and my independent research project on [Specific Topic] have solidified my interest in finding innovative solutions to global health challenges. Outside of academics, I’m passionate about debate and I’m a co-captain of my school’s robotics team."
"Why Emory?"
- Strategy: This is where your research pays off. Be specific! Connect your academic and personal interests directly to Emory’s unique offerings. Mention specific programs, professors, research opportunities, campus culture aspects, or even the Atlanta location.
- Example: "I’m drawn to Emory’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning, particularly how the Goizueta Business School integrates with the College of Arts and Sciences. I’m especially excited about the [Specific Program/Center] and the opportunity to collaborate with professors like Dr. [Professor’s Name] on [Specific Research Area]. Beyond academics, the vibrant student community and the opportunities for service learning in Atlanta deeply resonate with my desire to engage with diverse perspectives and make a tangible impact."
"What are your academic interests/What do you want to major in?"
- Strategy: Be honest, even if you’re undecided. If you have a clear idea, articulate why those subjects appeal to you and how you plan to explore them at Emory. If you’re undecided, explain your process of exploration and what types of subjects you’re currently drawn to.
- Example: "While I’m currently leaning towards a double major in Neuroscience and Spanish, I’m also very excited by Emory’s strong pre-med advising and the research opportunities at Emory Healthcare. I love how the liberal arts curriculum allows for exploration, and I’m eager to delve into courses in philosophy and ethics as well."
"What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
- Strategy: For strengths, provide an example of how you’ve demonstrated it. For weaknesses, choose a genuine one, but focus on what you’ve learned from it or how you’re actively working to improve. Avoid clichés.
- Example (Weakness): "Sometimes, I can be overly critical of my own work, striving for perfection to the point where it occasionally delays my progress. I’ve learned to counteract this by setting realistic mini-deadlines and seeking feedback earlier in the process, which has helped me manage my time more effectively and trust my initial instincts more."
"Describe a challenge you’ve faced and how you overcame it."
- Strategy: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Choose a meaningful challenge, explain the situation, describe your actions, and highlight what you learned from the experience.
- Example: "During my junior year, our school’s debate team lost several key members, and morale plummeted (Situation). As a co-captain, my task was to rebuild team spirit and recruit new members quickly (Task). I organized weekly peer mentoring sessions, introduced fun, low-pressure practice debates, and created a social media campaign to showcase our team’s camaraderie (Action). By the end of the year, we not only had a full roster but also placed higher in the state competition than the previous year, and I learned invaluable lessons about leadership and resilience (Result)."
"What do you do for fun/What are your extracurricular interests?"
- Strategy: Show your personality and passions outside of academics. Be enthusiastic and convey genuine interest.
- Example: "Beyond my academic pursuits, I’m an avid hiker and a passionate photographer. I love exploring national parks and capturing the beauty of nature. It’s my way of de-stressing and finding creative inspiration."
"What questions do you have for me?"
- Strategy: This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your thoughtful engagement. Ask questions that are specific to Emory, show genuine curiosity, and cannot be easily found on the website. Avoid asking about things like "What’s the acceptance rate?"
- Good Examples:
- "What’s one aspect of Emory’s culture that you feel isn’t adequately captured in the brochures?"
- "From your perspective, what makes an Emory student truly thrive?"
- "Could you share a bit about your personal experience at Emory and how it shaped your career path?"
- "How has Emory’s emphasis on [specific value, e.g., research, service] evolved since you were a student/since you’ve been involved with admissions?"
C. Important Demeanor Tips:
- Listen Actively: Pay attention to the interviewer’s questions and comments. Don’t interrupt.
- Be Authentic: While preparation is key, don’t sound robotic. Let your genuine personality come through.
- Be Enthusiastic: Show your excitement for Emory and the opportunity to learn.
- Be Honest: If you don’t know an answer, it’s okay to say so. "That’s a great question, and I haven’t fully explored that yet, but I’m excited to learn more about X at Emory."
- Keep it Conversational: The best interviews feel like a natural dialogue.
- Time Management: Be mindful of the time. If you tend to be long-winded, practice being concise.
IV. Post-Interview Etiquette: The Final Impression
The interview isn’t truly over until you’ve sent a thoughtful follow-up.
A. The Thank You Note:
- Timeliness: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview.
- Personalization: Do not send a generic thank you. Reference something specific you discussed during the conversation. This shows you were listening and that you value their time.
- Reiterate Interest: Briefly reiterate your strong interest in Emory and why you believe it’s a great fit.
- Proofread: Ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors.
Example Thank You Note Snippet:
"Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me yesterday. I truly enjoyed our conversation, especially when you shared your insights on [specific topic discussed, e.g., the collaborative spirit among students in the College of Arts and Sciences]. It was particularly helpful to hear about [another specific point, e.g., how the undergraduate research opportunities are integrated into the curriculum]. Our discussion only further solidified my excitement about the prospect of attending Emory and contributing to its vibrant community. I am especially eager to explore [mention a specific program/club again].
Thank you again for your time and guidance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]"
V. Key Takeaways and Mindset
- It’s a Conversation, Not an Interrogation: Approach it as a chance to learn and share.
- Relax (as much as possible): Your interviewer wants to see you at your best. Take a deep breath.
- Be Yourself: Authenticity is highly valued.
- It’s a Two-Way Street: You’re also assessing if Emory is the right fit for you.
- Don’t Obsess Over Perfection: It’s okay to stumble slightly. Focus on conveying your genuine interest and personality.
The Emory interview is an invaluable opportunity to add depth and dimension to your application. By preparing thoroughly, engaging authentically, and following up thoughtfully, you can leave a lasting positive impression and significantly strengthen your case for admission to Emory University. Good luck – you’ve got this!
