What's Carnegie Mellon University's interview process like?

I'm really curious about how interviewing at Carnegie Mellon University works for undergrad admissions. Do they require interviews? How should I prepare if I get one? Any tips or experiences would be super helpful!

Carnegie Mellon University actually has a unique policy regarding interviews for undergraduate admissions. Unlike many universities, CMU does not offer evaluative admissions interviews. Instead, they encourage prospective undergraduate students to schedule Non-Evaluative Information Sessions. These sessions give students the opportunity to learn more about the university, and give admissions staff a chance to learn about the student's interests, but they do not directly affect a student's chances of admission. These meetings are essentially the student interviewing the school, not vice versa.

In these information sessions, you will have a one-on-one conversation with an admissions staff member or a trained Admission Fellow, which is a current CMU student. You can ask questions about student life, study abroad opportunities, or specific academic departments—whatever you're interested in knowing more about.

Preparation for these sessions would be similar to preparing for an evaluative interview, minus the stress of knowing you’re being assessed. Make sure you're familiar with the university and the particular track you're considering—CMU is known for its strengths in areas like computer science, engineering, and the arts, among others. Being able to discuss why you're interested in CMU and what you hope to accomplish there can showcase your enthusiasm and preparation.

You may also want to prepare some thoughtful, specific questions about the university and your intended area of study—asking about a particular course you're eager to take, or how students in your intended major pursue research opportunities, for instance. This reflects your genuine interest in CMU and helps you gather information that will be vital for making your own college decisions.