What's an Informal University Interview?

I've heard about informal university interviews, but I'm not sure what they are exactly. Are they less stressful than regular interviews? How should I prepare if I'm invited to one, and does it impact my application a lot?

An informal university interview typically refers to a conversation between a prospective student and a member of the university's community, usually an alumni representative or admissions officer, in a less structured and less intimidating setting. While the conversation might still touch on your academic interests, achievements, and fit for the school, the intent is generally more about you getting to know the school and its community, and slightly less about the school evaluating you.

As these interviews are facilitated in a more casual manner, they might feel less stressful than a formal sit-down interview. However, it's still important to take the process seriously because it is part of your admissions process.

Preparing for an informal interview is somewhat similar to preparing for a formal interview. You should still research the school in depth, reflecting on why you're interested in attending, what unique contributions you can bring to the campus community, and how the institution aligns with your academic and career goals.

The impact of informal interviews on the overall application varies between institutions. Some schools may not factor in the interview much, if at all, while others might consider it as a component of the holistic admissions process. You can typically find information about a school's use of interviews on its admissions webpage.

One last key point to remember is that while the interview may be informal, your approach should be professional. Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and be prepared to ask thoughtful questions about the school. No matter the format, interviews always provide a unique opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the school, clarify any parts of your application, and show how you might fit into the school's community.