How important are Clarkson University admission interviews?

I'm thinking of applying to Clarkson University and I noticed they offer interviews. Are these interviews critical for admission? Should I focus a lot on preparing for them or are they more optional?

Interviews can serve as a great tool to learn more about an institution, show your interest, and let the college learn more about you. However, keep in mind that at most colleges, including Clarkson University, interviews are often considered a supplemental part of your application, meaning it can add to your overall profile but it's not usually a make-or-break factor in your application outcome.

At Clarkson University, interviews are optional and not a requirement for application consideration. However, if you choose to participate in an interview, it can provide more context to your application and help admission officers get to know you better than they could through application essays and short answers alone.

If you decide to do an interview, it’s a good idea to take some time to prepare. You could consider drafting responses to common interview questions, highlighting key achievements or experiences you'd like to talk about, and thinking about some questions you have about Clarkson University. But there's no need to stress too much over it. Clarkson interviews are generally meant to be conversational and a positive experience for the applicant.

In summary, if you're comfortable with interviews and feel they could showcase your personality, achievements, or interest in Clarkson University effectively, then it could be beneficial to take advantage of this opportunity. But if you find interviews to be highly stressful or uncomfortable, it likely won't drastically impact your chances of admission, especially if the rest of your application is strong.