Scheduling an on-campus interview!

By far the most common question we receive during this time of year is how to request an interview. So how exactly does one go about scheduling one? The process is actually quite simple, and having and scheduling an interview isn’t as daunting as one might think. First, there are 3 types of interviews:

1. an on-campus interview with a Senior Interviewer – this means you will interview with a Barnard senior who has undergone extensive training with the Admissions team.
2. an off-campus interview with a Barnard alumna in your area – this means that you will interview with an alumna in your area who has also undergone extensive training with the Admissions team (more information on that can be found in the previous blog post regarding how to request an alumnae interview!)
3. a Skype interview – this option is only available when it isn’t possible for a prospective applicant to be matched up with an alumna in her area, or for her to come to campus for an interview. What then happens is that we will work with you to figure out the best time to have a Skype interview with one of the Senior Interviewers during the regular interview slots.

Interviews are an optional part of the first-year application process, and the three different interview options are given the same amount of consideration. For the purposes of this post, however, we will focus only on how to schedule the on-campus interview process.  To schedule an on-campus interview, you will call the Office of Admissions at 212-854-2014, Monday – Friday, between the hours of 9 AM – 5 PM EST. Our weekday interview slots are Monday – Friday at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. We also offer weekend interviews on select weekends throughout the fall (and the dates are available on our website). 

When you have a set date and time in mind, you should call the Office of Admissions to book your interview. If your preferred slot is already filled, then you may request another slot (and unfortunately, there is no waiting list for a specific day and/or time slot). Once your interview is booked, you will receive a confirmation email two weeks before your interview, with instructions on where to go and how to get here. You do not need to bring anything with you to your interview – just yourself!

Interviews are your chance to truly connect with us on a personal level and add another dimension to your application. Do not be nervous – it is your opportunity to make us see just how dynamic and well-rounded you are!

Can't make it to campus? Interview in your area!

Every year, Barnard's reach seems to extend farther around the globe. We are thrilled to see that Barnard continues to attract such a diverse group of women from so many different places. However, we know that being from Idaho, India, or even upstate New York can pose its challenges. For many Barnard applicants, it may simply be impossible to visit campus -- or return to campus more than once -- to take advantage of an on-campus interview.

Not to worry! Interviews are truly an optional piece of your application to Barnard. However, they are available to all first-year applicants and can be an excellent way for you to showcase a more personal side of yourself, alongside the academic and written materials in your application.

So what do you do if you can't make it here? As with all other aspects of the Barnard experience, you can benefit from our hearty and widespread alumnae network. The Office of Admissions works directly with alumnae around the world to conduct interviews that are more convenient for you. This is not only a great opportunity to have an interview when you otherwise couldn't, but it also gives you the chance to gather more information about Barnard from someone with yet another perspective.

Some important things to remember:

• Each applicant can only interview once, so be sure to choose the one option -- on-campus or off-campus -- that is best for you.
• Plan ahead! The deadline to request an alumnae interview is October 15th for Early Decision applicants and December 20th for Regular Decision applicants.

If you are going to be a senior this year, now's the time to sign up! The form to request an alumnae interview is live on our website, and our team of alumnae is waiting to meet you.

Request an Alumnae Interview Here