<p>I just got an email from a Stanford alumni asking if we could meet up for an optional interview. Is this standard for all applicants, or does it mean something else? I was hearing it all week from a classmate who kept bragging that his interview went great and that I didn't get one. </p>
<p>Thanks :)</p>
<p>It is standard for all applicants if alumni are available in your area and Stanford chooses to conduct interviews in the state you live it. It is no indication of where you fall in the applicant pool.</p>
<p>How much of a difference do interviews make for an applicant?</p>
<p>The lack of an interview can’t hurt your application at all, but they can definitely help you out if you wow your interviewer. It depends though, typically they aren’t weighted very heavily in admissions.</p>
<p>My interviewer wasn’t even taking notes or anything. I’m assuming she just reported some general thoughts about me and my personality to Stanford, so I’d agree with you there littlebuilder.</p>
<p>I had an interview a few weeks ago, and my interviewer specifically stated that the interview does not count for much because not every applicant will have the chance to interview. If the interview did hold significant weight, applicants who live in more remote areas would be placed at a disadvantage. Because Stanford wants each applicant to have an equal chance, students will neither be penalized nor “rewarded” by completing an interview. It is simply a way to let the admissions office know a bit more about you.</p>