Do interviews affect college admissions chances?

Hi, I have an upcoming interview for one of my top-choice schools, and I'm feeling a little nervous about it. Do college interviews have a significant impact on my admissions chances? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Hi there!

I understand your nervousness, but rest assured, college interviews are just one part of the admissions process. Typically, they're considered as a way for the college to get a better understanding of who you are beyond your application and essays, while also giving you the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the school.

While they usually don't have a significant impact on your final decision, especially when compared to factors like your GPA, test scores, and essays, they can still be a valuable way to showcase your personality, leadership skills, and passion for the school. So it's essential to prepare well and put your best foot forward.

If it reassures you, interviews are usually more for alumni engagement than for the admissions aspect. But you can check how important it is to the school by looking up their Common Data Set and seeing how important different application components are to the school.

To help you feel more confident, research the college, practice answering common interview questions, and have a few thoughtful questions of your own to ask. Remember to be yourself, maintain good eye contact, and dress professionally.

Best of luck with your interview! You've got this!