[fblike]Hannah Pennington
March 2nd is quickly approaching and for those lucky enough to have received an invitation to the Gatton Academy Interview day, some anxiety about the day may be slowly creeping in. So you may be thinking what I can do to prepare for the interview. During the last week, I talked to the “experts” (current students) to see if they had any advice for the Class of 2015 and they said:
1)Practice a little: Ask a parent, teacher or counselor to give you a “mock-interview.” Many students struggle more with the thought of having an interview rather than the interview itself. It’s okay to be nervous – the interviewer’s know that it is often your first “real” interview – but don’t let your anxiety get in the way of your personality.
2)The Interviewers are there to HELP you: Though these are the people that could have a major impact on your future, they are not searching for your flaws. As insane as it sounds, they are there to find what is unique and wonderful about you. Don’t be afraid of them – in fact, feel free to talk their heads off.
3)Talk to the Academy students: While at the Interview Day, there will be many of the current Academy students and staff to talk to you. They are there to keep you company while you are waiting. They all love to talk, especially about their time at Gatton. You can even ask them about their own personal experience with the interview. If you have any lingering questions about attending the Gatton Academy, they can provide real answers.
4)Talk to the Other Interviewees: All of the people that you will be surrounded with are going through the same anxiousness and excitement as you! Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation. Many friendships are formed at interview day.
5)Don’t focus on your Academic History: When you applied, you gave the staff all of your academic qualifications. They read about your GPA and coursework, so they know that you have the intellect that the Academy course work requires. They now want to know about the person behind the ACT score and GPA, not how you studied (or didn’t study) to get those great grades.
6)Be Yourself: This is, without a doubt, the most important tip on this list. You were offered an interview because the admissions committee knows you have the mind of a Gatton Academy student. Now show them how much more you can be. At the Academy, there is not a person who can solely be represented by their grades or standardized test scores – each and every student has a passion that helps define them as more than just a “nerd”. Give the interviewers a chance to see the real you.
When March 2nd comes, keep in mind that the interviewers are excited to meet all of the prospective students. Everyone at the Gatton Academy wishes you the best of luck and hopes to see you next year in Schneider Hall!
