Do many universities require interviews for undergrad admissions?

I'm starting to work on my college list and heard some schools might have interviews as part of their admissions process. How common is that for undergrad programs, and does anyone know which universities are known for it?

Interviews are used in a variety of ways in the undergraduate admissions process, depending on the institution. Some universities require or strongly recommend them, while for others they are entirely optional. These conversations, which may be with an admissions officer or an alumni representative, can serve as an opportunity for you to further illustrate your passion for the school and your chosen field of study.

For example, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one university that places heavy emphasis on the interview process. If a student doesn't conduct an interview, MIT takes note of this in the application review.

At the other end of the scale, many universities like Johns Hopkins University and Vanderbilt University do not offer interviews as part of their undergraduate admissions process.

In many cases, the availability of interviews also depends on your geographical location and the pool of alumni interviewers in your area.

In conclusion, it's wise to research each school on your list and understand their specific policy. If an interview is offered and fits into your schedule, it's typically a good idea to take it as this could help personalize your application and demonstrate your genuine interest in the school.