Knowing the logistics will remove a potential source of stress on the day of the interview, helping you focus on sharing what you've prepared. Below I've compiled the items I think are helpful to know.

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Most schools provide your name and contact information to your interviewer so they can reach out to you and schedule your meeting. My school does not share applicants’ admission materials, test scores, transcripts, recommendations, or essays. Count on your interviewer knowing only your name, contact info, and the fact that you’ve applied.

 

If they contact you by phone, make sure you note their first and last name. Some students have called me ”Mr. Pizarro.” I always ask them to call me by my first name. I recommend you either address the interviewer by their first name or ask them if it's okay to do so.

 

When they contact you, they may indicate how long they expect the interview to last. An hour is typical, give or take. Put an extra half-hour cushion in your schedule just in case the conversation goes longer. Don’t ask the interviewer how long the conversation will take. (They might misinterpret this question as impatience.)

 

After you’ve agreed to the place and time for your interview, ask the interviewer for their email and phone number and make sure they have yours so you can contact one another if either of you have an emergency change of plans.

 

These interviews used to happen in coffee shops, interviewers’ professional offices, and other public spaces. Today, many are happening remotely. I've only done mine in person. Think ahead of time about which format will give you a better opportunity to shine. If you’re given a choice, make the one that plays to your strengths. (If your interviewer doesn’t offer you an option, take what they give you and don't ask for an alternative format.)