Group interview moral conundrum

[s3rr8s]

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Hey guys - I've got a situation (not my own) that a friend and I were discussing the other day, and am curious as to what pre-allo thinks.

Let's say you and a close friend both land interviews at a school that holds group interviews in addition to an individual session. You get an email confirming the interview day/schedule, and it turns out you and your friend are not only scheduled for the same day, but are in the same group interview session. I feel like there is a possibility for conflict with the intended goal of the group interview if you're grouped with a close friend.

Are you obligated, in such a situation, to contact the scheduling office and at the very least make them aware of the situation? Does it even matter? Should you and your friend just pretend not to know each other on interview day? I'd love to hear what you guys think (esp if some adcom members would chime in).

 

[Goro]

How is this a conflict? You two are not competing for a single seat, you're both competing for seats, period. At my school, each of you would be getting different questions. We also have multiple group pools, so if the school you're interviewing at does the same thing, you might not be in the same group.

 

[s3rr8s]

How is this a conflict? You two are not competing for a single seat, you're both competing for seats, period. At my school, each of you would be getting different questions. We also have multiple group pools, so if the school you're interviewing at does the same thing, you might not be in the same group.

That's a good point - you're not competing for a single seat. I suppose this was my reasoning -

In a group interview, are you not also being evaluated for more abstract characteristics, such as how you interact with others you are not familiar with? I specified in the post that you are in the same group. If it's a group of 4 people and two of them are close friends, does that not put the other two group members at some sort of disadvantage by being in a minority position?

 

[Goro]

That's a good point - you're not competing for a single seat. I suppose this was my reasoning -

In a group interview, are you not also being evaluated for more abstract characteristics, such as how you interact with others you are not familiar with? I specified in the post that you are in the same group. If it's a group of 4 people and two of them are close friends, does that not put the other two group members at some sort of disadvantage by being in a minority position?

The interactions are far more subtle than, say, acting out a scenario where you have to give bad news to your right hand neighbor.

We look to see if you're paying attention, or are bored, etc. But more importantly, we look to see if you can think on your feet, and how well you deal with pressure.

 

[Lawpy]

Honestly I would reschedule independently. Yeah applicants don't compete for one seat but it's still indirect competition. Not to mention the stress and anxiety involved in interview day: interviewing the same day/time with a close friend can make things stressful for both parties given the self-interest involved in getting accepted.

Not worth the hassle. Reschedule.

 

[ortnakas]

Don't pretend you don't know each other. That's weird. And will only get weirder if you both get in and faculty happen to remember you.

I don't think it really matters, but if you're uncomfortable with the situation I don't think there's harm in asking the admissions office about switching groups (you might as well keep the same date, you can share costs of hotel and whatnot that way).

 

[longhaul3]

No ethics consult needed here. You are not at an unfair advantage or disadvantage for knowing this person. As long as you're not colluding to throw each other softballs or torpedo the others, I don't see a problem.

 

[kwu]

Well, I voted to attend and act like friends because that is what would I do. However, if you feel that your friend presence is causing you extra unneeded anxiety, I would definitely reschedule. Interview day is stressful by itself, so try to minimize stressors as much as you can.

 

[OchemOficionado]

How cool! I'd be more comfortable if I knew someone in the group. It would be nice to go through the process with someone that knows and supports you. I guess that only works if both you realize there is room for you both to succeed and genuinely want the best for each other.

Man, you can split housing and Uber AND be able to reflect on the day with someone in a unique position to understand.

I don't see the problem unless you're actually frenenies.