Should You Interview for College If It's Optional?

Hey everyone, I'm curious if optional interviews for colleges are really worth it. If I skip them, will it negatively impact my application? I want to make sure I'm putting my best foot forward. What do you think?

It's important to understand that at most colleges, interviews are optional and are awarded based on how many available alumni interviewers are in your area. Not getting an interview doesn't reflect negatively on your application. In smaller cities, there might simply not be any available interviewers, and in larger metropolitan areas, there are often too many applicants for the number of alumni volunteers.

With that said, if an interview is offered, it's generally a good idea to accept it. Even though it's optional, it can help in painting a fuller picture of you as an individual beyond your application materials. It's a great opportunity to show your interest in the college, learn more about the school through personal anecdotes from the interviewer, and demonstrate aspects of your personality and experiences that might not come through as vividly in your written application.

Ignoring or declining a college interview, especially when it's offered to you, can give the wrong impression. It could indicate a lack of interest in the college, which might not bode well with the admissions committee. So, even though an interview isn't required, it can be beneficial if done well.

In preparation for your interview, familiarize yourself with common interview questions, research about the college and its programs, and reflect on your academic interests, extracurricular activities, and future goals. Being well-prepared will help you feel more comfortable and confident during the interview. Good luck!