How important is the University of Virginia admission interview?

I'm applying to the University of Virginia, and I was wondering how much the admission interview matters? Does anyone know if it's a big part of their decision process or more of a formality?

The University of Virginia, like many other colleges, offers optional admission interviews which are conducted by alumni volunteers or admissions officers. Overall, these interviews are usually not considered a huge factor in the admission process. They are typically more informative and evaluative, providing the applicants an opportunity to learn more about the school, while the school gets to learn a little more about the personality and interests of the student beyond what is written in the application.

However, having an interview can contribute positively to your application if you can articulate your thoughts well and demonstrate genuine interest in the university. It gives you a chance to make a strong personal impression and share more about your passions, experiences, and how you might fit into the UVA community.

So, the interview can make a difference, but it's one of many factors and not doing one won't make or break your application. UVA understands that not all students may have access to these interviews. If an interview is offered to you, taking advantage of it would be beneficial, but if you're unable to do the interview for whatever reason, don't stress too much. Your application's other components - GPA, test scores, essays, extracurriculars, letters of recommendation - will carry much more weight in the admissions decision.