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College Interview Thank You Letter

This is the time of year of the "college interview".  My last two blog posts spoke about how to prepare for the interview.  Today's blog post speaks to how to "follow up" after the interview.  It is very important to leave a good impression with the interviewer.  Peggy Wallace, founder of Making Conversation, presents an excellent article on the reasons why you should write a thank you note to the interviewer immediately after the interview.  Her article is reproduced in its entirety below. 

The world is fast-paced. Take the time to stand out from the crowd and maximize your chances for admission with a written "Thank You."

You likely spent quite a bit of time worrying about and preparing for the interview. Hopefully, more of the latter than the former -- the better prepared you are, the less worried you will be. When the interview is complete and you have thanked them for their time and parted with another handshake, do you just exhale a sigh of relief, "Whew, that's done" and escape? You could. However, I strongly recommend that you take the extra time to thank the interviewer again in writing. Yes, in writing. This does not mean that you go overboard and send a gift, flowers, candy, bottle of Champagne or anything which could be misinterpreted.

The person with whom you interviewed took time from his or her day to meet you. Even if it is an interviewer's job or a volunteer's pleasure to do the interviews, people like to have their effort appreciated. It may not be what you say, do, or wear that makes the lasting impression. How you made the interviewer feel (I recommend respected), makes the big difference.

The Basics

A meaningful thank you note, one that contains substantive references to the specifics of the conversation (one or two, if you have them, is sufficient) and reiterates your enthusiasm about the school, will reinforce that positive impression you worked so hard to present. To be most effective, it must be sent promptly.

E-mailed Thank You Note

An e-mailed thank you is perfectly appropriate. But, wait until you leave their parking lot, so it can appear to reflect some careful, considered thought expressing gratitude. If you want to attach a file or reference something relevant, so much the better, e.g. some recordings of your original songs or a reprint copy of an article that was published. However, send the e-mail before the end of that day, or certainly within 24 hours. Most interviewers, including regional alums, try to write up their interviews right away. You want them to feel especially good about you, before they press "send" on their report of your interview.

Snail Mail Thank You Note

If you decide to send a note through snail mail, make sure they get it by the next day. A handwritten note makes a standout impression. It can be sent in addition to the e-mail thank you. Make sure that both notes reference different observations or impressions of the topics discussed during the interview and highlight different aspects of your enthusiasm about the school. If the interview was with someone at the school, your handwritten note may go into your file, assuming they are not TOTALLY electronic. If they are online only, they may scan in your handwritten note! The recipient is likely to fondly remember your extra effort when he or she is discussing the merits of your application with the admissions committee and, hopefully, advocating for your admission. I ask my clients to travel with stationery and stamps, so they can mail the thank you note before they leave town! You might want to avoid a postmark from your next location, particularly if it is a city with a rival school. Some additional snail mail tips include the following.

• Use conservative, quality blank note cards. A cutesy, funny or satirical card may be misinterpreted. If you want to add your personal style, get something with a quiet border or tasteful design.

• You do not have to go to their bookstore and buy stationery with the school logo on it. Some clients like this, but to me it seems a bit presumptuous. You most certainly are not expected to have formal stationery engraved with your monogram.

• Do an outline of the points you wish to make in the thank you note. Then do a rough draft so you have the time to review the word choice and sentence structure.

• If you are not used to writing on a blank note card, do a test run on a lined piece of paper and then put a blank lined piece of paper under the stationery. If it is cardstock, you will not be able to see the lines underneath, so mark every other line showing on the sides as a guideline so you can make sure your writing stays horizontal.

Of course, any gratitude would be appreciated by the interviewer. As a volunteer regional alum for University of Pennsylvania for over 25 years, I interviewed many applicants for admission. I can count on one hand the number of thank you notes I received during all those years.

Show the good manners you learned when you were a child. Thank the interviewer in writing.

Present your best self by being authentic and enthusiastically showing your own unique personality; open doors by winning with words.

______________________________________________
Article by Peggy Wallace, founder, Making Conversation

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Most college interviewers ask similar questions.  Some questions will refer to something of interest in your resume that stands out.  Other questions will not be familiar.  These are the wild cards in the interview, and they demand preparation. A few practice rounds with parents, with the following questions thrown in, will go a long way in helping you to maintain composure and demeanor during the interview. By the way, these are the same kinds of wild card questions you may get in a job interview.

• If you could do one thing differently in high school, what would that thing be? Is there a second thing you would do differently?
   
• Can you explain, in detail, a specific challenge that you’ve overcome?
   
• Is there something you’ve read within the past year or two that has special meaning or significance to you?
   
• Who has been the most important person in your own self-development?
   
• What do you see yourself doing 10 years from now? 20 years from now?

Another Way To Prepare Well In Advance of Your College Interview

This cannot be stressed enough: extracurricular activities  matter.  Involvement in sports, clubs, groups, and other school activities are definitely factored into the college admissions process.

One reason for that is because college interviewers are usually trying to get a feel for who a student is, above and beyond a GPA and SAT/ACT scores. Extracurricular activities are one of the best windows, and you can expect an interview to include a good amount of time on the topic.

Remember, it’s not that important in which extracurricular activities you’re involved. What does matter is that you can speak about it with passion and sincerity.

Another thing interviewers will try to discover is your study habits. Keep in mind -- It’s not just about your GPA; interviewers want to know you will be able to handle the responsibility of monitoring your own studies, once away at school.

If you have any other questions about selecting a college, or the admissions process, feel free to contact me through my website at www.Prep4collegeNow.com  or call me at 760.877.7200.  I'd love to answer your questions!

_________________________________

Excepted from Scott Weingold, College Planning Network, LLC

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Make Sure the Impression You Make is a Good One

The college interview probably isn't the most important part of your application, but it can help you if you make a good impression. A bad impression can hurt your chances of getting accepted.

During the interview, DO NOT...

1. Be Late

Your interviewers are busy people. Alumni interviewers are probably taking time out of their full-time jobs to meet with you, and campus admissions folks often have back-to-back appointments scheduled. Lateness disrupts schedules and shows irresponsibility on your part.  

DO - Plan on arriving a full 30 minutes early to avoid problems.

2. Underdress

Business casual is your safest bet, but the main thing is to look neat and put-together. You'll look like you don’t care if you show up wearing ripped jeans or saran wrap. 

DO - Girls should wear a modest blouse and skirt or dress to the knee, with pumps, or flat shoes.  Open toe sandals are not appropriate.  Less make-up is more in this situation.  Boys should wear a button down shirt and tie with neat slacks and shined shoes. 

3. Talk Too Little

Your interviewer wants to get to know you. If you answer every question with a "yes," "no," or a grunt, you're not impressing anyone, and you're not demonstrating that you can contribute to the intellectual life of the campus. 

DO - Let your personality shine through but don't over-speak or ramble on.

4. Make a Prepared Speech

You want to sound like yourself during your interview. If you have prepared answers to questions, you might come off sounding artificial and insincere.

DO - Create a sampling of questions at home so you are prepared should that question be asked.  Practicing your answers at home can avoid sounding artificial and insincere.

5. Chew Gum

It's distracting and annoying.

DO - Drink some water prior to the interview.  It will help stop "dry mouth" and hoarseness.

6. Bring Your Parents

Your interviewer wants to get to know you, not your parents. Also, it's hard to look like you're mature enough for college if Dad is asking all the questions for you.

DO - Have your parents bring you but wait outside during the interview.

7. Show Disinterest

This should be a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised what some students will say. A comment like "you're my back-up school" or "I'm here because my parents told me to apply" is an easy way to lose points during the interview.

DO - Show genuine interest in the school.  Remember, the interviewer is either an alumni or works for the school.

8. Fail to Research the College

If you ask questions that could easily be answered by the college's website, you'll send the message that you don't care enough about the school to do a little research.

DO - Ask questions that show you know the place: "I'm interested in your Honors Program; could you tell me more about it?"

9. Lie

This should be obvious, but some students do get themselves in trouble by fabricating half truths or exaggerating during the interview.

DO - Tell the truth, no matter what the question. 

10. Be Rude

Good manners go a long way.

DO - Shake hands. Address your interviewer by name. Look him in the eye when answering a question.  Say "thank you." Introduce your parents if they are in the waiting area. Say "thank you" again. Send a hand written thank you note.

Applying to college used to be easy. You submitted an application, sent in your test scores and official transcript and a decision was made.
But things have changed. These days, application requirements vary, but most schools require that you submit more than just a form. The supporting documents help the admissions committee decide if you and the school are a good fit.

Application Form
Most schools have at least two ways to complete the application form: paper or online. Some schools allow you to submit the Common Application. The Common Application is an application you complete once and submit to several schools. Information about this form is available at www.commonapp.org. The information on your form will help the committee match materials to the correct person, so make sure the information is correct. 

The forms for 2011-2012 are available August 1, 2011.  You can see a preview of the new form on the website and after July 1, 2011 an updated list of all the colleges that accept the Common Application.

High School Transcript
You must request copies of your high school transcript to be sent directly to the colleges to which you apply. If you earned college credit in high school or are applying as a transfer student, you must request transcripts from any college or university attended. The transcripts should show classes taken and grades earned. Committees will look at your overall grades and the progress you have made.

Standardized Test Score
Most colleges and universities require that you submit SAT or ACT test scores. Test scores help admissions committees measure your probable success in college. Some schools take your highest composite score, while others take the best combination of scores from different sections. Contact each school to which you are applying to see how they consider scores. It may determine whether or not you take the SAT or ACT and how many times you take the standardized test.  

Letters of Recommendation
Depending on a school’s requirements, a guidance counselor, a teacher, or another adult may write a letter or complete a form about you. Give your recommender the form or instructions well in advance of the application deadline. The letter should include your full name, in what capacity they know you, and the length of time they have known you. The person should attest to your capabilities and character.

Personal Essay
A personal essay may be the toughest and most time-consuming document to put together. It is important to find your voice because this is the chance for the committee to get to know you beyond the numbers. Read the questions carefully and follow directions. You will want to brainstorm ideas, create rough drafts, and have others read your essay. Certain characteristics are true for a number of students, so talk about what makes you special. It is not enough to just say you have lived in an interesting place or had a unique experience. You need to elaborate on what you learned or how you have changed because of this experience. Most importantly, proofread! proofread! proofread! 
If you are using the Common Application and sending the same essay to several colleges, make certain the essay is written so that it does not matter which school receives it.  The admission committee frowns upon finding a reference to wanting to attend a different school in the body of the essay (this happens a lot according to admission committee members).

Interviews
While not required by all schools, an interview can be another way for the committee to get to know you. Contact schools to find out if they offer interviews. Most interviews are done with an admission representative, and it is that person’s job to get to know you. Be prepared to answer questions about yourself. “Yes/no” answers will make the interview quite boring, so be ready to elaborate on answers and to have a real conversation with the other person. The representative may ask you if you have any questions. It is best to have a few questions prepared.
Deadlines
Make sure you meet all application deadlines. In most cases, you need to have a completed application file by the deadline, which means that all documents must be turned in by that date. Applications postmarked by the deadline may be OK, but you will want to contact a school to find out what their policy is.