Colleges That Recommend Interviews: Are They Important?

I'm a high school junior considering colleges that suggest interviews. How crucial is it to take them up on the recommendation? Does it really impact my chances of admission if I don't schedule one?

When a college recommends an interview, it's usually a great opportunity for you to learn more about the college and for them to learn more about you. However, the significance of these interviews in the overall application process can vary by institution.

For some schools, interviews are just a way to answer any questions you might have about the college, and they don't have a significant weight in the admissions process. This is often the case for larger public universities that have a more numbers-based admissions approach. In these cases, not scheduling an interview isn’t likely to negatively impact your admission chances.

However, for some more selective and smaller colleges, an interview can carry more weight. Especially if the interview is conducted by an admissions officer, it could be quite significant in the decision-making process. These interviews allow colleges to gauge your interest in the institution, personality, and fit with the college community, which can help differentiate between equally qualified candidates. In these instances, not scheduling a recommended interview might be seen as a lack of interest or enthusiasm for the school.

The college’s admission page often clarifies how strongly they recommend interviews, so be sure to check it out when considering whether or not to schedule one. And, regardless of the interview's impact on the admission decision, it's still generally a good idea to schedule one if possible, because interviews provide another opportunity to express your interest and ask questions about the college. You can gain valuable information that could be useful in making your final decision or even crafting your college-specific essays.

In the end, while it's not always necessary, taking advantage of a recommended interview can serve as a way for you to distinguish yourself and show your genuine interest in the school.