How to Make Your Ivy League Alumni Interview Work for You
You check your inbox, and there it is, the email titled "Your Alumni Interview Invitation." Your heart skips a beat. It’s real—your dream school, Ivy League institution, has invited you to take the next step in the admissions process. They want to hear your story and get to know you beyond the application.
For some students, receiving this email might come as a surprise. Maybe you’ve been focused on other parts of the application, or perhaps you didn’t anticipate the opportunity to connect with an alumni interviewer. Regardless of how you feel in that moment—whether you’re excited, nervous, or unsure—take a deep breath. This is an important opportunity to connect with someone who knows the school and share more about yourself in a personal setting.
Alumni interviews are hard to read, just because you’re asked for an alumni interview doesn’t necessarily mean you’re being seriously considered for admissions. Similarly, not being asked for an alumni interview doesn’t mean that you aren’t being seriously considered either. The interview is one part of the overall process. It’s important to keep that in mind and approach it with the goal of connecting authentically.
The interview typically takes place after you’ve submitted your application, but before the admissions decision is made. For Early Decision applicants, interviews usually happen between November and January. For Regular Decision, they typically occur from January to March, depending on the school’s schedule. Interviews can be in-person or virtual, depending on where the alumni are located and what works best for both you and the interviewer.
Know What to Expect – Prepare for a Successful Interview
Before the interview, there are a couple of key things to keep in mind to ensure everything goes smoothly. If your interview is virtual, check your internet connection ahead of time and do a test run to avoid any technical issues. If your Wi-Fi might be shaky, consider having a backup location—like a quiet coffee shop—ready to go, ensuring that you have a strong connection.
Also, dress professionally, even if the interviewer says it’s a casual conversation. First impressions matter, and how you present yourself reflects your seriousness about the process and your respect for the interviewer.
Although every alumni interview is different, it’s important to recognize that the questions are generally standard. Most alumni interviewers will ask questions designed to give them insight into who you are, what excites you about the school, and whether you’ll be a good fit for the community.
Ivy Link has compiled a list of common alumni interview questions to help you prepare:
Tell me about yourself.
Tell me about your family.
What is your favorite class?
What activities outside of the classroom do you enjoy?
What would a friend say about you?
What would a teacher say about you?
What is your favorite book? Why?
What do you want to study in college?
What do you love about your high school?
Do you feel your transcript accurately represents your high school accomplishments?
If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be and why?
These questions may seem simple, but they’re your chance to reflect and answer in a way that reveals who you truly are. Rather than memorizing answers, focus on providing authentic responses that give the interviewer a genuine look into your character, motivations, and goals.
Be Yourself – The Interview Is Not a Test
When Sofia received her Princeton alumni interview invitation, she was both excited and nervous. The thought of meeting someone from her dream school was thrilling, but it also made her feel vulnerable. What if I don’t know what to say? What if I mess up? These were natural feelings that many students face when representing themselves to an alum from a top school.
As Sofia prepared for the interview, she realized something important: this interview wasn’t about giving the perfect answers or impressing the interviewer with rehearsed responses. It was about authenticity. The purpose wasn’t to test her academic prowess but to understand who she truly was and whether she was a good fit for Princeton’s community.
As Sofia prepared for her Princeton alumni interview, the nerves started to settle, and a realization took hold—this wasn’t about crafting flawless answers or impressing someone with rehearsed lines. It was about something far more meaningful: authenticity.
She began to see the interview as an opportunity to share her passion and explain why Princeton was the perfect fit for her aspirations. Instead of focusing on scores and statistics, Sofia leaned into her story—the experiences that shaped her, the goals she wanted to achieve, and how Princeton’s unique programs aligned with her vision.
In that moment, she understood that it wasn’t perfection that would make an impact—it was her genuine enthusiasm, her curiosity, and the way she let her true self shine. That, she knew, was what would stay with the interviewer long after their conversation ended.
Engage in the Conversation – Ask Questions and Share Your Story
While the alumni interview may not be a formal quiz, it’s still important to engage and make sure it’s a conversation. The interviewer isn’t just trying to assess whether you’ve memorized your application. Ask questions that show your interest and curiosity about the school, especially aspects that align with your goals.
Sofia shared her excitement about Princeton’s interdisciplinary approach and how it perfectly aligned with her passion for environmental policy. When it was her turn to ask questions, she was careful to steer clear of anything that might be inappropriate (like asking about SAT or ACT scores, which, as Ivy Link advises, shouldn’t come up in alumni interviews). Instead, Sofia asked about the interviewer’s experience at Princeton and how it shaped their career—this was a great opportunity for her to learn more about the school’s culture while also building a rapport with the interviewer.
Wrap Up the Interview – Be Appreciative and Follow Up
As the interview wrapped up, Sofia made sure to thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to connect. A simple thank-you goes a long way in leaving a positive impression, and Sofia was mindful of this. Afterward, she followed up with a thank-you email, expressing her gratitude for the conversation and reaffirming her interest in Princeton.
Ivy Link encourages students to send a polite thank-you note after the interview. It’s an important gesture, but you don’t want to overdo it. Keep it simple and sincere—thank them for their time, but don’t feel the need to “sell” yourself again. The interview is already done, and the thank-you note is your chance to show your professionalism and respect without seeming desperate or overbearing. For tips on crafting an effective thank-you email, check out our guide on How To Send An Effective 'Thank You' to Alumni.
The Outcome – Your Path to Acceptance
Weeks later, Sofia received the email she had dreamed of: “Congratulations, you’ve been accepted to Princeton!” While the alumni interview wasn’t the sole factor, her genuine approach, thoughtful preparation, and authenticity left a lasting impression.
An alumni interview is a valuable opportunity to share your story and connect on a personal level with someone who has lived the university experience firsthand. By taking the time to prepare thoughtfully and approach the conversation with authenticity, you can leave a lasting impression that underscores why you belong at your dream school. If you have an alumni interview coming up and feeling uncertain about it or simply want expert support, Ivy Link is here to guide you. From preparation to follow-up, we’ll ensure you’re ready to navigate this step in the admissions process with confidence and ease. Reach out today to learn how we can help!
