<p>how necessary are they? would it be catastrophic to not be able to schedule one? i mean i called the person but i am just so sick right now and hes crazy tied up.. please get back</p>
<p>and also, how long are they usually? 30 mins? 1 hour?</p>
<p>I would make every effort to do it. They're definitely not critical, but they can help confirm what other people are saying about you (like recommenders), and what you say about yourself. Furthermore, if you're well prepared with questions about the school (even if they're critical of the school), you can impress your interviewer . . .</p>
<p>I read somewhere that students who applied to the very selective colleges and had an interview typically got in at a higher rate--this is generally because students who seek interviews are more willing to show themselves off, more proud of what they've done, itching for that extra advantage . . .</p>
<p>If you feel like crap, don't do it of course--you wouldn't want to get the person sick! But if you can meet, and want to help your chances, by all means go ahead.</p>
<p>In my experience, interviews lasted 30 min-1 hr, sometimes longer if it felt more like a conversation (which the ideal interview does) . . .</p>
<p>BTW, for what school is it?</p>