Hey there! I've got a question about Duke University's admissions process. Do they conduct interviews with applicants? If so, are interviews required for admission?
Hello! Duke University does offer optional alumni interviews to some applicants during the admissions process. These interviews are not required for admission, but they can be an opportunity to provide additional insight into your background, interests, and experiences.
If you are selected for an interview, an alumnus or alumna from Duke will reach out to you to schedule it. Since not all applicants receive interview invitations, it's important not to worry if you don't get one—it won't negatively impact your application. Usually, not getting an interview just means there wasn’t an alum in your geographic area available to interview you, so it’s no commentary on the status of your application.
The interview itself is typically a casual conversation with the main goal of learning more about you, allowing you to share aspects of your personality and achievements that might not be apparent in your written application.
During the interview, be prepared to discuss topics like your academic interests, extracurricular activities, and future goals. Additionally, it's good to have some questions ready for the interviewer, as they can provide valuable insights into life at Duke University.
In summary, while interviews are not required for admission to Duke, they can be helpful if offered. Just remember to be genuine, personable, and prepared to discuss your background and interests. If you want to learn more about the significance, or lack thereof, of being offered a college interview in general, you can find further guidance on this topic on CollegeVine’s blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/does-being-offered-a-college-interview-mean-anything.
Good luck with your application to Duke!
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