Do interviews help or matter in college admissions?

I'm looking at a few different colleges and trying to gauge the importance of interviews in the admissions process. Do they really make a significant difference in decisions, or is their impact usually minimal?

The crucial thing to know about interviews is that, overall, they tend to hold relatively minor weight in the actual decision-making process. Their main role is to provide additional context and personal insight about the applicant and offer an opportunity for applicants to display their interests, enthusiasm for the school, and communication skills. They are also an excellent way to show a demonstrated interest in a school if it's a factor that the institution considers in the admission process.

However, the importance of an interview also depends on the school's policies. For example, if a college or university offers an interview and you reject it or don't participate without a legitimate reason, it may send a negative signal about your interest in the school. It's usually a good idea to take advantage of it when offered.

On the flip side, many colleges do not consider the interview as a part of the admission process or sometimes don't offer interviews at all. For instance, Vanderbilt University does not offer interviews. Furthermore, due to geographical constraints, the number of available interviewers, and the sheer volume of applicants, every qualified student might not receive an interview opportunity. In such cases, not receiving an interview does not negatively impact your application.

In the end, while the interview can be a valuable tool, it's just one facet of a multi-faceted decision process. It's best to consider it as an opportunity to supplement your applications with personal details that might not come through in your essays or transcripts, rather than as a make-or-break factor.