I’m terrible at phone/ video interviews (this is coming from experience). I don’t feel there is too much impetus for me going out of my way to schedule an interview (given travel cost and time).
In the case that they are mandatory, from experience, can anyone offer me any assurances or qualms. (e.g. Does the interviewer give you the opportunity to speak your mind-- often I force myself into “yes” and “no” for replies. I might be considered one with poor social skills who takes a while to formulate a well thought out, coherent reply. In any case, are interviewers usually hospitable and accepting (to some degree, recognizing that not everyone is polished and easily approachable)?)
The website says they “strongly recommend” and interview. The Common Data set also identifies the interview as “important”.
They offer interview via skype so you would not have to travel.
The interview at Wake is important. It’s an opportunity for the AOs to learn more about you and bring life to your application. Also an opportunity for you to get a better feel for the school.
S would tell you it is far more conversation than interview. The dynamic may be a bit different on Skype vs. live but I would at least make the effort to do the Skype interview. They are telling you it’s important. To not do it is telling them you are not that interested in the school.
It’s normal to be anxious about an interview. They are not looking toquiz you or stump you on any tricky questions. They really just want to get to know you. Wake is a very intimate campus, unusual for a national university. It feels far more like an LAC but has the resources, athletics, school spirit of a major Uni. That’s what makes it special. They want to see what makes you special.
S was a bit nervous prior to his (was his first college interview). He told us, right afterwards, “That was actually fun. I think I’m good at that.”
You will be too!
They are not mandatory but are likely to strengthen a weak application.
I did not have one and I got accepted. As others have said, it can be a phone interview or over video. It gives you a good chance to express yourself in ways that an application cannot.
I hope this helps. It certainly won’t hurt to do it, but you don’t have to.