Do college interviews matter for getting into schools like College of Charleston?

I'm debating whether I should do an admissions interview for the College of Charleston. Do interviews have a big impact on your chances of getting in, or are they more about getting to know the school?

At many colleges, interviews are actually used as an opportunity for both the school and the prospective student to get to know each other better. It's a chance for you to ask questions about the school and for the college to learn more about you as a person, beyond what's on your application.

Now, as to whether they "matter" for getting into the College of Charleston in particular, it can definitely vary by school. For many colleges, interviews aren't necessarily going to dramatically change your chance of acceptance. Their purpose can often be more about showing demonstrated interest in the school, as well as enhancing your application by adding additional context to your academic and extracurricular experiences.

If the College of Charleston offers optional interviews, they aren't going to be the primary factor in whether you get in or not. Instead, your academic qualifications, essays, and extracurriculars are still going to be the most critical factors in your application.

However, if you have the time and feel comfortable doing so, an interview can be a good way to set yourself apart from other applicants, particularly in a holistic admissions process. Plus, it may help the admissions committee get a better sense of your passions, personality, and interest in the school. So while an interview might not dramatically change your odds of acceptance, it can potentially give you an edge, especially in close admissions decisions.

In conclusion, if you feel comfortable with it, I would recommend going for the interview. It could showcase your interest in the school and might help give your application a bit of an edge. But remember, the academic credentials you present in your application will still play the most significant role in your admission decision.