i interviewed at hopkins a few weeks ago and loved it. i was surprised how laidback it was and now i'm kinda worried because it was almost too laidback. my interviewer just asked me two questions and the rest of the time i asked him questions, which was cool, but now that i am looking back on it, i wonder if they had already made up their minds about me. anyone else had a similar experience? concerns? etc.
I've interviewed at several schools, and while I didn't receive that attitude from Hopkins, I did get a similar response at a couple other schools. My Hopkins interview was incredibly laid-back, but I did get a share of questions. However, none were very rigorous. When I visited the University of Chicago, my faculty interview was scheduled to last an hour. After approximately 7-8 minutes, he mentions "I only have one more question for you and I'll let you ask me some questions about this school." During my interview at the University of Pittsburgh (also one hour long), I was asked 4 questions and the interviewer offered me the same opportunity to ask questions to fill the time. However, I was accepted to both schools. I don't know if such a laid-back interview is a good or bad sign, but don't view it too pessimistically. I think a lot of it just depends on the style of the interviewer. They're trying to evaluate your character, attitude, and personality over the interview. Whether that's accomplished through questioning or just open conversation is probably a choice they make and not a reflection of your application. Good luck!
