The Process of Getting in: Steps 6-10 by Alyssa Magsano A
s the last chills of winter nip at our nose we open our eyes to a full and exciting New Year. The time has come to place the harvest of the holidays behind us and welcome in the laundry list of resolutions, reforms, and responsibilities. With your applications signed, sealed, and sent off, as a high school senior you are set to embark on your final semester of high school. However, before this chapter of your life comes to a close it would be best to tie up any loose ends you have left astray. By following these final five steps you will welcome in a stress free spring forward and before you know it will be moving that tassel to the other side.
STEP 6: THE INTERVIEW
While there are simply not enough recruiters, admissions officers, and alumni to grant every applicant an interview, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. You never know who or where you might meet some- one that can be the key ingredient to furthering your future. To begin, let us start with dress: Coco Chanel once wrote, “I don’t understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing her- self up a little—If only out of pointlessness. And then, you never know, maybe that’s the day she has a date with destiny. And it’s best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.” So ladies, and gentle- men, as cliche as it may sound, always dress for success. As tempt- ing as it may be to go to school in sport shorts and your bed t-shirt the world is full of spontaneity and serendipity and you never know if opportunity is right around the corner. Now, while the tips in step 6 may seem commonplace, it isn’t a bad idea to treat everyday like an interview. In our day and age, where success is a hard thing to secure, simple graces can go a long way. If you are lucky enough to secure a scheduled interview with your college of choice, the follow- ing will surely apply.
Part A: Attire. As stated above, dress for success. Unlike the spontaneous situation previously mentioned, if you know that a col- lege interview is on your agenda for the day, prepare yourself in every way you can. For the ladies a cute, but classy, dress is never a bad idea. Make sure it is an appropriate length and always bring a jacket or cardigan to drape over your shoulders. Wear sensible shoes and make sure your hair is neat and in place. For the gentlemen, the same applies. It is true what they say about first impressions, and a properly groomed guy is a rarity today. Comb your hair, and wear a collared shirt. Regardless of the weather, shorts are not acceptable leg wear. While a three piece suit might be over top, one can never go wrong with trousers to slacks. A pair of jeans can be deemed acceptable so long as they are dark wash and properly tai- lored. While it is important to stay true to who you are, stepping outside of your comfort zone might be just what you need to make a lasting impression. Whatever you wear, keep in mind that you’re still young. Have fun with colors and prints; just do your best to keep it classy and professional.
Part B: Questions. Although some recruiters will have a set list of questions to ask you, most of the time the college interview is a chance for you as an applicant to ask any remaining questions you may have about the school. Interviewers accept your interview as an additional supplement to your application. It is a way for them to get to know you off paper, and in person, so being eloquent and educated is important. Having a list of specific questions for the interviewer will surely leave a lasting impression. On the days before
page 18 February 2013
Author Alyssa Magsano working on her applications
the interview, spend some time reviewing the school’s website. Research the details of the programs that interest you. While some general questions are okay, it is important that your questions can not be easily found on their website. By asking broad, yet tactile questions like: “What are some internship opportunities available to students in {your specific major}?” “Would I as a {major} be able to study abroad? What programs do you recommend?” or “Tell me about some of the clubs and organizations open to freshman.” By asking simple questions like this, you show that you are informed but also interested in furthering your knowledge of their program. As a dancer, another good question to ask is whether it is possible for you to double major and/or minor in an additional program of interest. While many schools allow it, the dance program in some schools can be so rigorous that there just isn’t enough time. Whenever the interviewer is speaking, be attentive and interested. Don’t interrupt, and be sure to make an acceptable amount of eye contact.
Part C: Necessities. Along with your well put together outfit, it is always sensible to pack a bag that can save your day. Having a notebook and pen is very helpful. Jot down key points and answers to your questions as the interview goes on. This will show the inter- viewer that you are organized. However, be mindful of your notes, doodling mindlessly will leave an impression that is a dud. It is wise to pack of tissue in your bag, lipgloss, and a small mirror. Include a bottle of water. You will be talking a lot during the interview so it is more than acceptable to take a sip during the process, just be sure to drink daintily. Before you go in, freshen your breath with a mint, smooth out your lips, and check your teeth for any technicalities. Prior to entering the room, make sure your phone is silenced—out of sight, out of mind. In the case that you have a very sick elder in the hospital, or your sister is about to give birth, discretely inform your interviewer of the situation and put your phone on vibrate. However, even in this rare circumstance, your phone should not be visible, place it in your bag and don’t let it distract you.
Part D: Thank You, Come Again. Whether your interview was a rousing success or an epic failure a sincere thank you can go a
www.thedancecouncil.orgDANCE! NORTH TEXAS a publication of the dance council of north texas
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