This article answers commonly asked questions that arise during the course of the mentor screening interview. While there is a detailed script for the interview, applicants often have questions about the program, the matching process, logistics, and concerns they may have. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions.

1. If I have to miss an in-person event, can't I just go to the make-ups or do an out-of-program meeting?
   Mentors should attend the events at the school because it's at the same time as other pairs, building community for both mentors and mentees. While make-up pair events are an option, they are an exception not the rule. We don’t want mentors to think they can rely on make-ups for every monthly meeting, especially not in the beginning of the relationship. The PM can work with mentors to arrange make-ups for 1-2 events per school year, but mentors should be encourage to make all if not most. Out of Program/Pair Excursions are important for pair relationship building as well, but should serve as supplements to events. 
2. Are program events on the same weekday?
   It depends on the school. Many schools have events on the same weekday each month. Others schools may have two weekdays per month, especially larger schools (they’ll split the largest cohorts over 2 weeknights). A calendar of events will be provided to the mentor and mentee at the beginning of the school year.
3. Do I still have to message my mentee during the week of the program events?
   Yes, mentors should still write these weeks. The student will write you from class each week, meaning that you will still get a message to respond to during an in-school program week. That week's topic is a great springboard for conversation when you meet in person! You are both more than welcome to supplement your relationship with additional online communications as well. 
4. What is iMentor's idea of a successful mentor/mentee pair?
    Every mentor/mentee pair is different and bring individual challenges, goals, and definitions of success. A pair that meets consistently and develops a trusting relationship may be a success. A pair that achieves college admissions or gets a job after high school may be a success. If you ever have any concerns about your relationship, feel free to reach out to your Program Manager. They will help you stay on track. Feel free to look through our "Success Stories" page on the iMentor website for some inspiring pairs. 
5. What do you look for in a mentor?

In an effort to maintain the safety and integrity of our screening process, we are unable to go into too much detail. In general, the main thing that we ask of mentors is to remain consistent in the weekly writing and monthly meetings. A teenager will not always be reliable and it’s up to our mentors to be the consistent adults in the relationship and model the behavior they’d like to see in their mentee.

6. Can I do a longer/shorter match?
   All volunteers must complete a 2-year high school match. They will then have the opportunity to opt into our Post-Secondary Program (PSP) which typically lasts another 2 years. Remind mentors we are happy to consider a one year match, but they will likely be matched with a previously matched mentee (a 12th grader) whose former mentor left the program. It might also limit the mentor’s ability to participate in the program since shorter matches are fewer. 

7. Why is your process so long?
   The screening process is vital to ensuring that the mentor applicants we pair with minor students will be safe and effective. The safety and success of the mentees is our primary concern. That requires diligent vetting that sometimes takes a few weeks. While our goal is to have mentors ready to be matched in less than 30 days, circumstances outside of iMentor's control, such as pending background checks or non-responsive references, can also delay the process. We will do our part to expedite all steps of the screening process that are under our direct control.
8. When will I hear if/when I got accepted as a volunteer?
   Often, that will depend on when we receive background check results. iMentor has no control over those processes. Once we’ve heard from the background check vendor, we will conduct a final review of your materials. We will then reach out to you via email as soon as we have reached a decision about your application.
9. Will you let me know who my mentee is?
   If accepted into the program, you will learn who your mentee is during our matching season, which starts around October and lasts through the Fall.  The Screening Team does not participate in matching pairs. We do have a very thorough matching process that connects a mentor and mentee based on shared interests and logistical preferences. 
10. If an applicant asks, “is that the right answer?"
    Assure the applicant that screeners want to hear their honest and instinctive answers. For some questions, you can let them know that there are "no right answers" (what they were like as a teenager, personal struggles, college experiences etc). For other questions, while screeners can accept a variety of responses, there are general themes to responses that we look for. It is important not to affirm or fully correct their answers (coaching is based on the situation) to protect the integrity of the screening process.          
11. Do I meet my mentee before the first event?
    There will be online communication between you and your mentee before the first event.
12. Can I be paired with a high achieving student?
    The students participating in the program range in academic performance due to our whole-school model, so you may be paired with a student at any academic level. We support a wide range of students. We will take your preferences and experience into consideration, but the preferences and the needs of the mentees will be prioritized.
13. Can I be matched at XXX school?
    We will take your preferences and experience into consideration, but it's not a guarantee. We always do our best based on availability at the time of matching! [make a note of the request in the Match Logistics section of match notes]
14. What goes on in the summer?
    There is no formal iMentor programming throughout the summer, but you and your mentee are encouraged to stay in touch. In the summer, you will receive a monthly newsletter with iMentor updates, invites to a variety of events such as happy hours, and expectations for the coming Fall. We're always actively recruiting new mentors, so please spread the word through your networks as well!