I'm an international student looking at applying to universities in the US, and I'm wondering if any schools help cover interview expenses. It would be super helpful if any do, given the costs of flying and staying.
While the value of in-person college interviews shouldn't be disregarded, it's also important to note that many colleges understand the logistical challenges and costs associated with flying for international applicants, international students especially.
To ease this burden, many colleges now use technology to conduct interviews virtually. Services like Zoom are commonly used to facilitate these interviews, which can be performed from anywhere around the world, ensuring that you're not missing out on any opportunities due to prohibitive costs.
Some schools even conduct interviews in the student's home country if they have alumni or admission staff based there. This could be a more feasible option for international students as well.
However, it's rare for colleges to cover expenses related to in-person interviews. I would recommend reaching out to each college's admission office to inquire about virtual or local interview options.
Always remember that interviews are typically a small part of your overall application. Colleges understand that not every student has the means to be physically present for an interview and this will not disadvantage your application in any way. They usually exist as a means for each party to explore the fit, rather than an elimination process. Focus on what you can control, namely your academics and extracurriculars, personal essays, and getting strong letters of recommendation. These carry more weight in the admissions decision.
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