ARE COLLEGE INTERVIEWS PASSE?

Many people ask us the same question: “Do interviews really matter?”   Our answer is that it depends on the schools you are applying to; some do, some don't.  Today, schools continue to offer on-campus interviews, so you need to contact the schools now if you are a Junior or in the first couple of weeks of September to see if you need to schedule a time slot.  

Schools that do offer interviews, add a small benefit to your profile because they can not associate a face with the name, and so at those schools the interviewers notes are added to your file should you apply.  Interviews in more cases than not, they do help a bit; at least the admissions committee can put a face with the name. USC, Stanford,  Yale and Harvard still give interviews although at Harvard the interview is NOT added to a student’s file. UPenn used to grant interviews to legacies, but  that policy has since changed.  
 

In general, smaller schools (usually private) tend to be more dependent on the interviewing process to really get to know the candidate and, sometimes, to sell the applicant on the college. Colleges like Connecticut College, Wellesley, Haverford, and other small colleges and universities not only offer on-campus interviews, but they "strongly suggest" them. In other words, many smaller colleges use the interview process to distinguish between who is really interested in attending their school, and who isn't.
 

Juniors, in particular, should be looking to arrange on-campus interviews for the summer, if possible. The trick is to call or email each admissions office now to find out the earliest date they accept appointments and then you have to be sure to call on that day!  Make sure you get an appointment. 

Middlebury, (a cute, small liberals school I feel in love with on my last visit), only offers interviews from June-December, so these spots go quickly.  You don't have to interview at EVERY school -- but it makes sense to interview at your top pick schools on your list.  If you are unable to schedule an interview directly with the admissions office, you can always have an alumni interview in the fall/winter, as time allows.

Therefore, if you are very interested in a particular college, check their website and/or call and ask to see if they suggest an interview or require one. Don't put it off! If they offer an interview, Take It!!! and be first in line.