On Campus Scholarship Interviews

Paul Caint

Hey all,

I've been selected by Cornell as a finalist for a full-tuition merit scholarship. They're flying all the finalists (Approx 16) to Cornell for a ~2 day interview process (the first day is technically a "social" dinner but it seems like you'd want to be kinda in interview-mode for that).

I was wondering if anyone has had experience with these types of interviews. Was the formal interview you received with one person? A professor? An admissions counselor/dean? Or was it with a committee? Professor committee? Admissions committee?

@goingfor99th I'm not sure if you did the scholarship interview with Berkeley yet, but if you have do you have any advice?

All thoughts are appreciated!

Best,

Paul

Leah M B

No advice, just a big ol' congrats!!! That's amazing, even to just be a finalist. Wooo!!

acsimon

Ah, you got this thang! Congrats!!! (I don’t know anything about this, sorry)—A.c.S

goingfor99th

@"Paul Caint" said:
Hey all,

I've been selected by Cornell as a finalist for a full-tuition merit scholarship. They're flying all the finalists (Approx 16) to Cornell for a ~2 day interview process (the first day is technically a "social" dinner but it seems like you'd want to be kinda in interview-mode for that).

I was wondering if anyone has had experience with these types of interviews. Was the formal interview you received with one person? A professor? An admissions counselor/dean? Or was it with a committee? Professor committee? Admissions committee?

@goingfor99th I'm not sure if you did the scholarship interview with Berkeley yet, but if you have do you have any advice?

All thoughts are appreciated!

Best,

Paul

I withdrew from consideration for the Berkeley Law Opportunity Scholarship. Sorry I can't provide you with more insight.

Congratulations on your selection, though!!! If you win this scholarship, will you go to Cornell?

Paul Caint

Thanks all!

@goingfor99th Dang! I was hoping you'd enlighten me with some of your wisdom !

I'm not sure, I'm still waiting to hear back from a majority of the places I applied. Still, money is a huge factor for me so a full-ride would definitely shoot Cornell to (as of now) my top choice out of the ones I've been admitted to.

westcoastbestcoast

Woot full scholarship to a t14. U got this interview!! Good to hear good news after people being devestated from uva's financial aid

AudaciousRed

Wow! That is awesome! Congrats!!!
If it were me, I would do three things: dress business or business casual (if there's a walking tour, wearing comfy shoes), be utmost mindful of manners (be punctual), and pause and take a breath before interview questions to think my answer over before rambling. Granted, that last one may just pertain to me.
Full tuition at such a highly ranked school is amazing! Not everyone gets this opportunity, so enjoy the experience, whatever your decision.

TabbyG123

This is incredible! Best of luck to you! Sorry I don't know much about the Cornell interview process. There are probably few who could speak to this exact experience.

I'd say just prep for the main questions: why law, why Cornell, difficult experiences you've overcome, what you hope to do after graduation, and practice pivoting your answers to talk about impressive and interesting experiences you've had -- politicians call this a message box.

You're going to be great.

studyingandrestudying

Glad they invited you. Glad you accepted. This is an honor. Convey your appreciation and interest. And yes, like @xadrianas6x was saying, manners are key. Praise the food. Also, maybe buy a new outfit and get a haircut.

OlamHafuch

And stay away from any trace of a sense of entitlement.

Paul Caint

So these interviews are taking place at the same time as Admitted Student's weekend, so I would be doing my interview somewhere between the events being held that day.

Since that's the case, what do I wear lol. It seems strange to be wearing a suit all day...maybe I'll just bring one? Or maybe I'll wear a casual suit like a brown sportscoat and khakis?

Leah M B

@"Paul Caint" said:
So these interviews are taking place at the same time as Admitted Student's weekend, so I would be doing my interview somewhere between the events being held that day.

Since that's the case, what do I wear lol. It seems strange to be wearing a suit all day...maybe I'll just bring one? Or maybe I'll wear a casual suit like a brown sportscoat and khakis?

Hm, interesting dilemma. In that case, I think I would skew a little more toward business casual or a casual suit like you mentioned. Since I'm guessing it will be between other events and you'll want to be relatively comfortable.

AudaciousRed

You can never be too well dressed for dinner.
But if you're going to be wandering around campus, business casual sounds like a smart choice.

goingfor99th

I wouldn't wear a tie to dinner unless it calls for it. Have confidence, wear oxfords, nice pants, button up shirt with complementary undershirt and top button undone.

lawschoolfashion

Paul Caint

Do y'all think this is a good outfit to wear???

https://goo.gl/images/1W37CP

Leah M B

@"Paul Caint" Yeah, I think something like that would be great!

Kermit750

@"Paul Caint" That looks good.

Paul Caint

@"Leah M B" @Kermit750 okay good cause I just spent all day at the mall buying that exact outfit

Paul Caint

I'm selfishly bumping this.

I head up to Cornell Thursday and I'm not sure what the interview process is gonna be like! Any advice that you all can give, especially those that have done these types of interviews before, would be HUGELY appreciated!!!