Princeton Interviews - Availability

Hey guys, I was wondering if Princeton offers interviews to every applicant, especially for those of us who might have weaker extracurriculars? I was hoping to have an interview and increase my chances of admission.

Hello! While Princeton does try to offer interviews to as many applicants as possible, it's important to remember that interviews are not guaranteed. Interviews are conducted by alumni volunteers, and their availability can vary depending on where you live and the number of volunteers in your area. Therefore, not everyone might have the chance to have an interview.

That being said, Princeton interviews don't significantly impact your chances of admission. Although a strong interview performance can help demonstrate your interest in the school and provide more context about you as an applicant, interviews tend to have a minor impact on the overall decision. It's generally more important to focus on your essays, test scores (even though Princeton is test-optional, at schools as selective as Princeton, you want to put as many gold stars on your application as possible), and your extracurricular activities, since these factors will likely have a greater weight in the admissions process.

If you're concerned about weaker extracurriculars, I suggest putting in extra effort to craft a compelling and unique personal essay that highlights how you have demonstrated your strengths and passions through other experiences. Additionally, try to get strong letters of recommendation from teachers who can speak to your intellectual curiosity and personal qualities. By doing so, you can still make a strong impression on the admissions committee even without a chance to have an interview. Good luck!