<p>While scheduling an "interview" with me, a Cornell alumna said over the phone that she has to arrange it soon as the "report to the university is due November 30th." (Note: I did not apply to the colleges that require interviews.) Cornell claims that it does not offer "interviews" per se, but if the information gained therein factors into admissions decisions, precisely how is it any different? And if it does not, then why would the deadline be November 30th? Please cite sources other than the Cornell Admissions FAQ. I am a bit astonished as I see no reason for Cornell to mislead so.</p>
<p>because while the alumnus will fill a report for the university, it is essentially a judge of character thing. If they say this student is passionate about stuff or this student is a nice person great, that's not going to overcome a 1300/3.0/1 EC type of profile.</p>
<p>As we have always said here, the alumni interview can be viewed as a "proving my interest in the school" item or a "tipping device" in a tie breaker, it is really not that important. As long as you're a decent and polite person, they're pretty hard to F up...</p>
<p>here's the real conundrum...they can't get to all the applicants. Back in the days of 10,000 applicants they had a resonable chance, but now with just in time submission via internet and 24,000 plus applications, there is just no way to contact all of the applicants, so Cornell (and other Ivys) have made the decision to downplay the time honored alumni interview. If you don't have one, it can't hurt you. But alums do send in a report and the adcom does read it. As Sparty said, it could make a small differennce if it reinforces some already apparent talent... No matter what, it will never work against you.</p>
<p>Here's the CAAAN website:</p>
<p><a href="http://caaan.admissions.cornell.edu/%5B/url%5D">http://caaan.admissions.cornell.edu/</a></p>
<p>Wharf</p>
<p>sparticus: Is this true for Hotel/Architecture also? I hear the Interview is required for both these programs. I understand that your scores do matter and it cannot be overcome by having a fantastic interview. But do you know how much impact does the interview have? Especially for Architecture?</p>
<p>Thanks for the link. This link - <a href="http://caaan.admissions.cornell.edu/EffectiveReports.cfm%5B/url%5D">http://caaan.admissions.cornell.edu/EffectiveReports.cfm</a> - gives a sense of what is transmitted to Cornell.</p>
<p>my alum interviewer specifically said "well i don't have a say in the admissions process..." and even laughed casually...i cant remember in what context she said it..but it definatley stuck out..</p>
<p>Panatha1:</p>
<p>
[quote]
Is this true for Hotel/Architecture also?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Hotel and Architecture are the exceptions. Their interviews are required.</p>
<p>Yes, Hotel and Architecture school interviews are evaluative, required, and very important to your application. One could even go so far to say that they are around the importance of GPA and SAT</p>