I'm applying to Cornell and I'm not sure if interviews are mandatory. Do all undergraduate applicants need to go through an interview, or is it optional? Any clarification would be awesome!
No, interviews are not mandatory for undergraduate applicants to Cornell University. In fact, Cornell's undergraduate colleges do not conduct formal interviews as part of the admissions process. They primarily assess applicants based on their application, including transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation.
However, there is a process called the "Cornell Alumni Admissions Ambassador Network" (CAAAN). CAAAN is a group of alumni volunteers who may reach out to prospective students to have an informal, informational conversation. These are not interviews, but rather a chance for applicants to ask questions and learn more about the Cornell experience from an alum's perspective. Not all applicants will receive a CAAAN meeting, as availability depends on the number of alumni volunteers in a given area. If you are offered this opportunity, it's a good idea to participate.
Remember, not having an interview or a CAAAN meeting won't negatively impact your application. Good luck with your application process!
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