Alumni Interviews - are they useful?

<p>I have been hearing quite a bit from students in my D's HS this year about alumni interviews, some good, some bad. I have been interviewing applicants to my alma mater for years, and my mantra has always been "can't hurt, might help" as far as getting an interview and/or a recommendation from an alum is concerned. I know in the case of my alma mater, my interview report is not going to make or break an applicant's chances 99.99% of the time, however, it is one of MANY factors admissions considers in making their decision.</p>

<p>That being said - do you think it would be a good idea for D and her NHS friends to build a database of parents, community members, business owners in our community who are willing to get to know a student applying to his/her alma mater and then writing a recommendation? Is there anyone out there going to a HS that does this now, and if so, how is it working out? Thanks in advance for your input!</p>

<p>Most schools where interviews matter already have an extensive network of alumni interviewers...both my parents are bugged on a monthly basis from October through March about conducting interviews!!! Idk if it would help in schools that don't require interviews/recs/whatever...</p>