I had a really great interview in NYC a few weeks ago and I’m wondering how much of an impact it will have on my chances for admissions? Pomona does value the interview more than most top CC’s so I’m hopeful that if my application is on the fence it will push me over. Any ideas?
I think that the interview really demonstrated my love and interest in the college, my intellectual curiosity and love of learning, and my leadership skills/interest in making a difference in my community. I believe these are qualities that Pomona specifically looks for in an applicant, right?
Also, I would love to hear from past applicants who had great interviews and maybe decent or average applications if they got in? (or any stories from past applicants, really I’m just dying for some information here).
It sounds like it will help you. Pomona’s common data set marks the interview as the only thing under “important”, which is the second highest category. The factors which are weighted more are: rigor, class rank, GPA, test scores, essays, recommendations, extracurricular activities, talent, and character.
My guess is that the weight of the interview depends on how it was composed and perceived, as well as the impact of the evaluation to the reader.
If an interviewer advocates for you as the very best applicant or near it they have interviewed in the season (or years, a lifetime, etc), you won’t be surprised to learn that it will make a big impact to your admissions folder. Especially at Pomona, where the admission readers usually know the degree to which different interviewers give out extraordinary ratings, if you get a glowing one from someone who doesn’t give that for many other applicants, it will be noticed.
If you an interview that highlights something not mentioned or elaborated on by your admissions folder, those details will be noticed. This can go both positively (say, your enthusiasm and fit for Pomona as evidenced by an alum) or negatively (you weren’t enthusiastic, or likeable, or interesting, etc.) You seem to be in this category (positive, of course).
If you have a good-great interview that doesn’t add much to your already presented narrative and accomplishments, then it won’t really have much of an impact. That’s because most applicants who interview are in a similar position.