Does Cornell University offer phone interviews?

I'm wondering if Cornell University has the option for applicants to do phone interviews instead of in-person ones. Is this something that can be requested and, if so, how should I go about it?

Cornell University does offer alumni interviews, which typically take place in the applicant's local area. However, due to varied alumni outreach across different regions, not all applicants will be offered an interview. The tradition, in pre-pandemic times, had generally been to hold these in person.

Now, given the ongoing culture of remote engagement and varying safety measures, many alumni interviews have moved to virtual platforms. This usually means video calls through software like Zoom, rather than traditional phone calls. The reason for this is that they mimic the in-person interview more closely, allowing for non-verbal cues, like facial expressions and body language, which are important parts of the communication process.

That said, if you're offered an interview and have a specific reason for preferring a phone interview instead of a video call, it's possible the alumni interviewer could accommodate that request. It's best to proactively communicate with them about your circumstances and request a phone interview. Of course, remember to express your appreciation for their flexibility should they accommodate your request.