<p>How would you say alumni interviews factor into the admissions process? Do they really affect an applicant's chances? The reason I ask is because the deadline is over a week earlier than the normal ED deadline.</p>
<p>Also, under the instructions for applying to Duke, it says that the final piece is an Optional grade report or first quarter report. Are both of these optional or just the first?</p>
<p>They say on the website that it will not be formally part of the application, read that part and determine if it is worth it.</p>
<p>“Because the interview is not mandatory, the interview evaluation cannot be used as a deciding factor in the admissions process.”
From the Duke Alumni part of the site</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. Any answers to the second question?</p>
<p>First quarter grade reports are definitely mandatory…not sure about the other one though</p>
<p>Oh okay, so it’s one or the other. Thanks.</p>
<p>Another quick question: what types of questions do they ask at the alumni interview? I’m just curious if they simply ask about you and your interest in duke or more along the lines of elaborating on you ec’s or essays.</p>
<p>Questions vary depending on the particular interviewer. But basically be ready to answer questions about your interest in Duke, what you hope to gain from college, your ECs and passions, and have questions to ask them. They don’t have access to your essays or any information about you really other than your contact information and desired major. While most of the time the interview won’t have that much of an effect on the final decision, the evaluation is certainly read by the admissions so definitely take it seriously. It’s considered as a portion of one of the areas of evaluation. But as long as it doesn’t go terribly (e.g. you explicitly state you don’t want to go to Duke or something like that), you won’t be rejected based simply on a below average interview.</p>
<p>^ I’ll second the above. </p>
<p>While it is optional, don’t blow it off if you decide to take it. Because this is a way for Duke to get to know you better as an applicant, a bad evaluation is akin to a bad first impression. It can be overcome, but probably puts you at a disadvantage. If you don’t think you’ll make a favorable impression, then don’t do it.</p>
<p>If you do it take it seriously, but it’s not imperative to take it</p>
<p>I’ve met with Dean Guttentag before as part of my work with a Duke Student Government committee, and he told me that the adcom is taking a closer look at interviews to get a better picture of an applicant’s character and personal qualities. While your chances for admission may not be negatively affected , it could definitely demonstrate interest for Duke and help you out by providing another dimension that the adcom could look at. I suggest aiming to get your app in early (only if the essays are polished) in order to get an interview.</p>
<p>Also, I second SBR’s point… only request an interview if you feel you can make a decent or good impression.</p>