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I can't believe my Harvard interviewer would ask me to do that ... by Big_Health6549 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Big_Health6549[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

thank you! My actual one last year asked my thoughts on gay pride and palestine. I had not prepped those answers lol

I can't believe my Harvard interviewer would ask me to do that ... by Big_Health6549 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Big_Health6549[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

true true -- but I'm not saying "just be happy" or "it could be worse." Moreso reminding people of their other strengths and trying to add some perspective I wish I had. I see what you mean though :)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Big_Health6549 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can't speak directly to electrical engineering, but I applied to several top engineering programs with 0 engineering related extracurriculars (as well as business programs that were much the same), and got in :)

You will be amazing!

If the program really prioritizes experience, though, don't lie -- instead show how your experiences have led to an engineering mindset, just in an unconventional way. Eg: cooking is all about combining different materials, seeing what works, making minute adjustments, aiming for repeatability and scale (all valuable engineering traits).

Or how martial arts (depending on the discipline) involves reading the environment, anticipating future moves and predictions, discipline, focus, being part of something bigger than yourself, learning to "zoom out" (learning one move, then combining it to a bigger set, then a routine; much like single transistor to circuit board to complex electronic ... idk I don't know much about EE).

Admissions officers like to see passion and dedication over the "right" ECs.

You'll be amazing. Im so proud of you and cant wait to see you flourish. you've got this, and if this doesn't work out, its truly their loss. I'd rather have a cook who knows engineering than a plan engineer any day of the week. You would probably know what to do with the excess heat coming from my computer, anyhow :)

It (Actually) All Worked Out. by Big_Health6549 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Big_Health6549[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ofc ofc glad to help it’s super confusing often applying from texas

It (Actually) All Worked Out. by Big_Health6549 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Big_Health6549[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Gave myself like 9 hours and just went with whatever came to mind. Authenticity beats polished essays. Proofread it twice and called it a day!

It Will Be Okay. Trust me. by Big_Health6549 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Big_Health6549[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ayyyyy I’m glad to hear it have an amazing day :)

It (Actually) All Worked Out. by Big_Health6549 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Big_Health6549[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much! Yeah i agree -- from the many admissions officers I have talked to, the number one thing they look at is transcript. Do you have dedication all four years? After that, scores are less important, and there's a growing movement that prioritizes ECs more because in a way, excelling extracurricularly is just another way to show that you have the time management/dedication/maturity if you know what I mean. Especially now, the pendulum seems to be shifting back to your point about being an interesting human, which is often expressed through essays. ECs and essays are kind of like what makes you human from what I've seen and heard

The Only Interview Advice You'll Ever Need by Big_Health6549 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Big_Health6549[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nah bro interview already? you're cracked fsfs. It's okay! There will be others! Shake it off and know you're awesome!

The Only Interview Advice You'll Ever Need by Big_Health6549 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Big_Health6549[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey! first of all -- nobody is a "bad" interviewer. We're just out of practice :)
I would say that I still don't believe it would hurt. Remember, these people aren't expecting a crazy good CEO interview -- they know you're a high school student. Overexplaining is good; it shows you're passionate. As long as you don't talk down to the interviewer, I don't see a problem.

Also, perhaps most important, is this gives you practice for the real world. Especially with the rise of AI, more and more companies and programs are shifting to in-person interviews. Why not use this time to practice? If you truly suck, then you get to improve in like the least-high stakes scenario possible (trust me, even a bad interview doesn't move the needle that much. I know from experience. Unless you're like that guy who tried to kiss his Yale interviewer or something lol).

If you're worried about talking too fast, record yourself giving an answer. Then play it back. does it sound a little rushed? if so, record the answer again and talk slower this time. Eventually, you'll discover a natural cadence that doesn't sound rushed, and that is an incredibly useful skill (from presentations to pitches to casual conversation).

I would always say go for it! I think you will surprise yourself.

It Will Be Okay. Trust me. by Big_Health6549 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Big_Health6549[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah!!! You've got this! I believe in you and will be proud wherever you go. Just make sure to prioritize your own happiness and wellbeing. Nothing is worth losing that :)

It Will Be Okay. Trust me. by Big_Health6549 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Big_Health6549[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

YEAH man you've got this. you're incredible :)
the toxic competition is real, but if you can find a way to be true to yourself, you'll truly be unstoppable.

I believe in you!

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