College Interviews: Tips from Former Stanford Interviewer

Does the thought of college interviews make you sweat? No need for that.

Some of you have wrapped up a few college interviews and others of you will be going through them soon. Hence, we asked our resident former Stanford alumni interviewer at Empowerly, Gelyna, for some tips. Ranging from general advice to specific advice for the Stanford interview for admissions. Enjoy:

The Stanford alumni interviews can both answer questions you have about the school and provide a chance for your personality to shine. Set off on the right foot by avoiding the following faux pas.

• All your answers are general (or otherwise show that you did not do your research on the school you’re interviewing for). You should be conveying to the interviewer that the school is your first choice. For example, a student once said “I want to attend Stanford or a similar university because….” in an interview. Interviewers want to hear that you want to attend their school and for you to be able to give specific reasons why.
  
• Being overly formal. Interviews are supposed to be casual conversations where the interviewer can learn more about the student. The most important thing is to come across as likable and someone who would contribute to the school’s community. By acting overly buttoned up or not genuine, you’re not going to come across as yourself and the interviewer likely won’t have a great impression.

Video: How to Prepare for Interviews

The following Stanford interview questions are the top three:

• Tell me about yourself.
• What are you curious about?
• What motivates you to achieve your goals?

Potentially. After the interview, the interviewer has to fill out information about their impression of the student. If the school was thinking of accepting the student but they came across terribly in an interview, I assume that would potentially lead the school to change their mind, especially at extremely selective schools that admit <15% of applicants.

Not becoming best friends with an interviewer isn’t likely to affect one’s chances, but coming across as arrogant or rude are big red flags for the interviewer and can affect admissions chances. In my mind, I think that colleges want to see that the real student matches who they portray themselves as on paper. 

For example, if the student comes across as heartless in person but portrays themselves as someone who is constantly caring for others and volunteering to help people in their college essays, there would be a stark contrast and that would therefore be a red flag for the admissions committee.

“Tell me about yourself” sounds like a simple question but can actually be difficult for people to answer. I often find that people talk about what they do (classes they like, extracurriculars, etc.) rather than who they are and what makes up their identity, the latter of which is often much more interesting.

If you’re considering how to prepare for your Stanford interview, this is a good place to start.

I think that all colleges are looking for people who are intellectually curious, have high leadership potential, and people who are compassionate and innovative. All colleges want to accept students who will make a strong and unique contribution to their campus community.

Through the Stanford interview questions, the interviewer hopes to see these qualities in a student.

Video: 10 Tips for your College Interview | Former Stanford Interviewer

I’ve never sent a bad review, but I’ve sent many mediocre reviews.

If you’re wondering how to prepare for the Stanford interview, emphasize what makes you unique. Hundreds of thousands of students do the same sports or extracurricular activities, so there are certain aspects of one’s high school career that don’t stand out. What defines you that might be different from others? Have you done an obscure extracurricular activity that your interviewer might not know about? Have you done unique research or taken a class that is not typical, and if so, how can you convey how passionate you are about this?

Do research about the specific program you’d like to apply to. Is there a professor’s research that you’re interested in that you can discuss? What makes the major program unique at the school you’re applying to? (e.g. specific concentrations? Research opportunities? A center dedicated to this topic?) Do they have clubs relevant to the clubs you participate in during high school? Be sure not to mention family members going to the school, the geographic location of the school, or generic facts about the school.

For instance, you can expect the Stanford undergraduate interview questions to pertain to specific Stanford programs and the like.

• Come up with potential questions and outline your answers beforehand so that you’re not caught by surprise and can quickly think of responses to the interview questions.
• If you’re given the interviewer’s name, look them up on LinkedIn before the interview to find out their career, what their major was, and any additional information about them that you can potentially relate to or ask about.
• Prepare at least 3 questions for the interviewer that are relevant to them, such as what they enjoyed about their experience, what most surprised them about their school, or how their major relates to their current career.

And finally, here is another great article that gives you some pointers on how to have a seamless virtual interview, if you aren’t able to meet up in person. Just because it’s a digital meeting doesn’t mean you can’t have a genuine connection!

Stanford University stands out as a truly exceptional college for numerous reasons. Renowned for its academic excellence, Stanford consistently ranks among the top universities globally. The university boasts a distinguished faculty consisting of experts and thought leaders in various fields, creating a rich and stimulating learning environment. 

Stanford’s commitment to cutting-edge research and innovation is evident in its state-of-the-art facilities and groundbreaking discoveries across disciplines. With a history of producing successful alumni who have made significant contributions to their respective fields, Stanford is a special institution that nurtures intellectual growth and fosters a culture of excellence.

One of Stanford’s unique features is its vibrant and diverse student community. The university attracts some of the brightest minds from around the world, fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment. Students at Stanford benefit from a multicultural and interdisciplinary campus that encourages collaboration, exploration, and the exchange of ideas. The university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond the student body, with a wide range of cultural, social, and academic programs that celebrate different perspectives and promote cross-cultural understanding.

Stanford's location in the heart of Silicon Valley contributes to its distinctiveness. Students across the South Bay area can leverage our college admissions counseling in San Jose to build the kind of competitive profile this region's top schools demand. As an epicenter of technological innovation and entrepreneurship, Stanford offers unparalleled opportunities for students to engage with industry leaders and startups.

The university has strong ties with the business and technology sectors, facilitating internships, research collaborations, and mentorship programs. Stanford’s proximity to Silicon Valley provides students with a unique ecosystem that nurtures innovation, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, and offers numerous career prospects in tech, engineering, and entrepreneurship.

Beyond academics, Stanford offers a vibrant campus life with a wide range of extracurricular activities and organizations. Students can choose from over 600 student clubs and organizations, catering to diverse interests and passions. From performing arts to community service, sports teams to academic societies, Stanford provides ample opportunities for students to pursue their interests and develop leadership skills outside the classroom. The university’s commitment to fostering a well-rounded student experience ensures that students not only receive a top-tier education but also have access to a rich and fulfilling college life.

In summary, Stanford University’s exceptional reputation is well-deserved. Its academic excellence, distinguished faculty, diverse student community, proximity to Silicon Valley, and vibrant campus life collectively contribute to making Stanford a truly special college. From its commitment to cutting-edge research and innovation to its inclusive and dynamic community, 

Stanford offers a transformative educational experience that prepares students for success in a rapidly evolving world.

• Discuss a time when you streamlined a process or made something more efficient. What steps did you take and how did you measure its success?
• Can you recall a situation where someone pointed out a weakness of yours? How did you handle their feedback?
• Tell me about a challenging individual you’ve worked with. What lessons did you learn from that experience?
• Describe a scenario where things didn’t go as planned. What did you learn and how did you adapt?
• Share a time when you faced failure. What did you learn from it and how did it impact other areas of your life?
• Talk about a situation where you had to choose between two equally appealing opportunities. How did you make your decision?
• Describe a moment when you felt like giving up. How did you overcome that feeling?
• Share an example of when you drove change within an organization.
• What is one accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?

• Describe a time when you encountered a significant obstacle. What was your approach to overcoming it?
• Tell me about an ethical dilemma you faced. How did you handle it and what did you learn from the experience?
• Share an instance where your beliefs or values were challenged. How did this experience influence your worldview?
• Describe a situation where you had to assert yourself. What was the outcome?
• What is a personal weakness you’ve been actively working to improve?

• Describe a time when you had to navigate a difficult relationship with a team member or manager. How did you manage the situation?
• Talk about an experience where you led a team. What did you learn about your leadership abilities?
• How would you describe your leadership style? Can you provide an example of its effectiveness?
• Share a time when you played a key role in a team without leading it.
• Describe an instance when you had to step up because a leader was falling short.
• Tell me about a situation where your leadership was questioned. How did you respond and what did you learn?
• Discuss an experience working with a diverse group. What insights did you gain?
• Can you provide an example of how you helped others grow and develop?

• Share an overview of your background and walk me through your resume. Follow-up: What was the most impactful experience during your undergraduate studies? Follow-up: Can you describe a recent challenge in your job and how you tackled it?
• What extracurricular activities have you been involved in? Which ones are you most proud of?
• What are your immediate and long-term career goals?
• What drives your desire for an MBA?
• Why did you choose Stanford for your MBA?
• Have you applied to other programs? How did those applications go?
• Why do you believe now is the right time for you to pursue an MBA?
• How will you uniquely contribute to the Stanford community?
• Can you share something interesting or new that you’ve learned recently outside of your professional work?

Video: Stanford Interview: College Interview Tips & Advice!

Getting into Stanford University, one of the most prestigious institutions globally, requires a combination of academic excellence, compelling extracurricular involvement, and a standout application. To increase your chances of admission, focus on achieving outstanding grades in challenging coursework, including Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes. Maintaining a high GPA and demonstrating intellectual curiosity through rigorous academic pursuits will impress the admissions committee at Stanford.

Apart from academic achievements, Stanford values well-rounded individuals who showcase their passions and talents outside of the classroom. Engage in extracurricular activities that align with your interests and demonstrate leadership potential. 

Join clubs, participate in community service initiatives, excel in athletics, or pursue creative endeavors. Stanford appreciates individuals who make a positive impact on their communities and exhibit a strong commitment to personal growth and making a difference.

Stanford’s admission process also places emphasis on personal essays and recommendation letters. Craft compelling and authentic essays that reflect your unique voice, experiences, and aspirations. Use these essays to convey your personal story, highlight your values, and demonstrate your intellectual curiosity. Additionally, secure recommendation letters from 

teachers, mentors, or supervisors who can provide insightful and positive assessments of your character, abilities, and potential.

Demonstrating a deep understanding of Stanford’s values, mission, and academic programs is crucial during the application process. Conduct thorough research to tailor your application to Stanford’s specific offerings and showcase how you can contribute to the university’s diverse and dynamic community. 

Take advantage of campus visits, virtual information sessions, and interviews (if available) to gain firsthand knowledge and convey your genuine interest in Stanford. Remember to present a well-rounded application that showcases your academic achievements, extracurricular involvements, personal qualities, and alignment with Stanford’s core values.

Ready to turn your college admission dreams into reality? Join the 98% of students who have worked with Empowerly and been accepted into Ivy League and top 25 schools. Our college counselors are the best-rated in the country and have proven to improve college admission rates by 11x. Book your FREE consultation today. 

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