How does the Cornell University interview process work?

I'm planning to apply to Cornell and I'm curious about how their interview process works. Is it standard practice for all applicants, or just for certain programs? Any details on what to expect would be really helpful!

Cornell University considers interviews to be an optional part of the application process. These interviews are not conducted by the admissions committee itself, but by alumni who volunteer to meet with prospective students. The aim of these interviews is to give you an opportunity to learn more about Cornell from someone who has been a part of the community and to allow the university to get to know you beyond your application.

Not every applicant will have the opportunity to interview. This is because availability usually depends on geographical region and the number of alumni volunteers in an applicant's area. Especially in locations with a high density of applicants, or in less-populated areas, there may not be enough alumni interviewers to go around.

If you are assigned an interview, you'll normally be contacted by an alumni volunteer who will establish a convenient time and place for the meeting. It can be an informal setting like a coffee shop, or a virtual meeting platform, especially if there are geographical constraints.

The conversation in the interview usually revolves around your high school experiences, interests, and aspirations. It's also a great opportunity for you to ask questions about student life, academic programs, and other aspects of the Cornell experience.

It's important to remember that while interviews can add another layer to your profile, not having one won't negatively impact your application. Most importantly, every part of your application, including a potential interview, is considered within the context of everything else.

Good luck with your application to Cornell!