<p>I was recently told that some schools can set up interviews between future applicants and alumni from their area. This, I was told, can help greatly during the application process by giving the school the most honest and unbais view of the student through the eyes of the alumni. Does anyone know anything about this? To what extent is this true? Does a school like NYU offer this opportunity?</p>
<p>Let me know what you think!</p>
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<p>I have not heard of this, exactly. I used to interview applicants for my alma mater, but never future applicants. That, IMO, would be placing an unreasonable demand on the time and volunteer efforts of alumni.
Quite the contrary, actually. The report of the alumni interview is usually the least weighty part of an applicant’s file. This only makes sense, really. The university or college has virtually no control over the alumni or the quality of their work, and has no reason to believe that the alumnus’ or alumna’s report is either honest or unbiased. These interviews are conducted by hundreds or thousands of volunteers, across the country and abroad, usually doing a few interviews each per year. Despite the best efforts of colleges, there’s not a universal standard for these things.</p>
<p>No clue about NYU, sorry. Have you looked that the web page for NYU undergraduate admissions? If interviews are offered, there will be information there.</p>
<p>What are some benefits of alumni interviews considering they are the least weighty part of a student’s application? From what you’re saying, setting up an interview doesn’t seen very worthwhile. </p>
<p>Thank you for your input!</p>
<p>Interviews work both ways. There is some value for the student to have a chance to question an Alumni about the University/College. It’s also a useful way for the applicant to show a “level” of interested in the school.</p>
<p>…at colleges and universities that care about an applicant’s level of interest.</p>
<p>A lot do. A few highly selective ones (e.g., HYPS) don’t.</p>