Interviews

For the past dozen or so years, Herself has participated in an Alumni Schools Committee program for her alma mater, through which applicants to the college have an opportunity for an interview with an alumnus/alumna.  It's an interesting process.  She meets -- either by telephone, Skype, or in person -- intense, academically-oriented, and oftentimes quite interesting high school seniors. (And after she contemplates the myriad extracurriculars and activities in addition to the multiple advanced classes these seniors undertake, she sometimes thinks, she'd never get into college at this point.)

This year, there is an abundance of applicants and a paucity of alumni in her geographic area; as a result, she has undertaken a full third of the interviews personally.  On the one hand, it's a welcome distraction -- the interviews, and her subsequent write-up, occupy the evening hours that she used to spend going for a walk with Cherished friend, and so she feels the absence of that activity a little bit less than she would otherwise.  On the other hand, it's a tricky process -- she has to make small talk with strangers, in a manner designed to elicit information about their strengths, weaknesses, and talents that may shed light on whether they would thrive at her alma mater.  Not an easy feat.

She does not know what the "magic formula," if there is one, may be for admission. She suspects that her interview summaries have a practically negligible effect on the admission committee's decision-making process.  All the same, she must represent the college well and professionally, and do her best to provide useful insight into the applicants.  Some days, it seems like a tremendous amount of responsibility.  But if she does not take on this task, who will?

Best of luck, applicants.  If you make the most of the opportunities presented to you, you will do well wherever you choose to go.