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Interviewing Part 1: Why interview?

はじめまして、入学事務局のスミス清香です。よろしくお願いします。(≧∇≦)/

And hello everyone in the English speaking world! My name is Sayaka and I'm one of the new admissions counselors here at Tufts. I'm one of the officers who coordinates the alumni interviewing program.

As you probably already know, at Tufts, we offer you the opportunity to request an optional Alumni Interview. My colleague Jaime has already made a fantastic post with lots of tips on this subject.

First things first - to repeat Jaime, optional means optional. It is not a requirement. So, why should you interview?

Are you an international student living outside the US? Want to know how Tufts' education might prepare you for an even more international life?
Meeting an alumnus/alumna living in your country may open your mind up to possibilities you never knew existed.

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Are you sociable? Do you love to talk? (I do!) Want to have a chat with someone who is as pumped about Tufts as you are?
Great! Tell your interviewer about your love for Tufts and what drives it.

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Do you have things on your application that you'd love to expand on?
Perhaps you have tried a different sport every year because you've limited time but you wanted to try them all. Perhaps there was a reason you took this particular part-time job. Maybe you just want to share more of your theories on Beyoncé and feminism with an interested listener. Although your interviewer does not have access to your application, they can share this information with us and love to hear about your passions.

via GIPHY

So you're sold, you want to have an interview. What now?

After you apply to Tufts, you will be given the opportunity to request an interview on your Application Status Page (aka the "Portal"). It's a magical place where you can track your application materials too, so look out for the link to set up this Portal in the email that confirms the receipt of your application.

Next time, I’ll share some tips and advice from our interviewers, so you can prepare with confidence.