Do universities interview every applicant?

I'm trying to understand more about the college application process. Do most universities interview every applicant, or is it something that's only done in certain cases? If anyone could share their experiences with college interviews, I'd appreciate it.

Hello! The approach to interviews can vary significantly among universities. While they can be a valuable part of the application process, many schools do not have the resources to interview every applicant, considering the volume of applications they receive every cycle.

For several schools, interviews are not mandatory nor are they guaranteed for every applicant; rather, they are often offered based on geographic location and availability of alumni in that region. Some schools may not offer interviews at all. The interviews are generally used to provide additional context to your application and help the admission committee learn more about you.

Alternatively, there are colleges that place a high emphasis on interviews as part of their application process. These are often smaller institutions, as they have fewer applicants and therefore more time to dedicate to the interview process.

Keep in mind that not being offered an interview has no negative reflection on your application. In many cases, if you are offered an interview, it's generally a good idea to take up the opportunity as it shows your interest in the school and aids you in making an informed decision about whether the school is a good fit for you.

In general, if interviews are part of the admissions process at the schools you’re applying to, they’ll give you the relevant details on their process, whether that be on their admissions webpage, within the Common App itself, or in follow-up communications after you submit your application.