Interviews at HMC: Hayden Reflects

When I introduced our senior interviewers last month, I promised to share some of their insights into the HMC community & the interviewing process.  Here's what Hayden Hatch '12 wrote about his on-campus interview four years ago.

Believe it or not, I've wanted to be a senior interviewer since I was a prospective student!  I have this vivid and distinct memory of entering the Harvey Mudd Admissions Office for my interview during my senior year in high school.  I was frightened, insecure, and nervous, and I felt like the whole world was literally sitting on my shoulders.  It felt like every student, administrator, and wart (!) was staring at me as I traversed campus, judging my worthiness and deciding if I belonged.

As I entered the Admissions office, I noticed that I was in similar company; two other prospective students were sitting there -- hands intertwined and struggling to display an air of confidence.  As I sat in the waiting room, I tried to imagine what my interview would be like.  My mind was flooded with images of myself burping and drooling as I explained why I liked Harvey Mudd.  My heart began to race, and I was certain that I would be drilled with questions about Special Relativity and Quantum Mechanics.

Then my interviewer, Rachel, walked in. She had a humongous smile on her face and asked me how my day was going.  She was very funny and outgoing and the interview was pretty casual.  The anxiety, nervousness, and stress that were devouring me in the waiting room suddenly melted away.

This experience was a very vivid and comforting one that I really would want to pass on.  I really want to hear these students' stories, relate to them, and tell them how great Mudd is.  I want to express how truly exciting it is to be around other intellectuals who share the same interest as you.

Note from Colleen: Hayden is just as funny and enthusiastic as Rachel Howden '08.  And he probably won't ask you about Special Relativity and Quantum Mechanics.