Esos regueros imposibles, ahora son fáciles para mamá (FOTOS)
Adivina de quién es: Vello facial de un legendario latino (TRIVIA)
Carol Ciriaco, Co-Editor of Latinos in College
I walked into the crowded Starbucks, dressed as nicely as I could so as not to look ridiculous among the coffee and tea drinkers in weathered jeans and printed tees (I opted for a plain, well-fitted, and neutral-toned blazer, scarf, pants, and boots), and looked around nervously. I felt my heart thump its irregular rhythm as I searched for a young Asian man wearing a tie. This is it, I thought. Years and years of envisioning my college interview had finally come to an end.
In a matter of minutes, I would meet my alumni interviewer and the moment I had stressed over since I first set my heart on attending college would no longer be a mere figment of my imagination.
As it turned out, I had nothing to be anxious about. I had been so worried that the interview would be scary or awkwardly formal that I forgot that my interviewer would be a human being- someone like myself who knew how to laugh, smile, and give advice. I had forgotten that they had gone through the same process and that they were there to get to know me and to vouch for me as I applied for acceptance into one of my dream universities: Harvard.
Since I had prepared for my interview by making charts that included all of my extracurricular activities, awards, and community service (with descriptions of my roles and an estimated count of hours per week dedicated to the activities), I made it easier for my interviewer to get a sense of who I am. Another thing that helped me with my interview, which was really a conversation regarding my hobbies, ethics, and reasons for wanting to attend the school, was being myself; I left the nervousness behind as soon as I met my interviewer and let my bubbly and driven personality show through. I was confident as I explained my passion for helping Latinos graduate from high school and college, as I talked about my strong connection with friends and family, and as I stressed my commitment to my educational career; my mind was clear, my thoughts were collected, and my integrity was obvious.
So for all of you out there who are worried about taking that next step towards going to college, don't be! The whole college interview process is not as scary as everyone makes it seem, I promise. Just make sure to discuss the qualities you have that make you a unique student, including the fact that you're a Latino who's trying to beat the stereotype and make a name for yourself in this country, dress for success, and really let the interviewer see you for the amazing and intelligent person that you are. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your upcoming interviews, feel free to ask; I'd love to help you guys out in any way possible!
www.latinosincollege.com
www.marielablog.com
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Comentarios
(6)Edelmira
23/01/10, 3 :32PM
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I like this story. Is very inspirational and I hope we see more storeis like this to help my children wtih college and school. I want to know if you set up your own interview or someone did it for you? Thanks and I hope you get in!
Jess
23/01/10, 3 :34PM
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Is it hard to get an interview for a university like Harvard? It's my dream school too and I'm a junior but I'd like to apply. Is the application hard?
Luisa Antonieta
23/01/10, 5 :20PM
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Important information for hispanics. What i like to know is how you prepared charts, what kidn and how you wrote the information about your activites,, the format you use, etc.
Carol Ciriaco
28/02/10, 7 :18PM
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Luisa, all I did was make a few tables using Microsoft Word. I made columns for the activity, grade level at the time of my participation, the hours per week that I'm involved in the activity, the weeks per year, and one for a sentence or so describing my role. I made four tables in all: one for extracurricular activities, one for awards, one for volunteer work, and one for conferences or special events I particpited in. I also made sure to include travel experience. You can also include any activities that you feel make you stand out. Hope this helps!
Carol Ciriaco
28/02/10, 7 :18PM
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Jess, you should definitely apply if it is your dream school! The application itself is not hard, it's just like all of the other private university's applications, with a short supplemental section in which you provide brief answers to any questions they might have about you. Then there's the interview, which if you ask me, is not as stressful as everyone makes it out to be. Finish this year as best as you can, make sure you're involved in your school and community, and apply next fall. Best of luck Jess!
Carol Ciriaco
28/02/10, 7 :23PM
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Edelmira, thank you so much for your support! Actually, for most schools, such as USC, I had to call the school or book my interview online. For Harvard, however, since interviews are mandatory, I was contacted by the alumni interviewer in my area. So it all depends on which schools your children apply to. Make sure to check out the specific university's website for more information.