<p>Are my chances of admissions affected by whether or not I choose to interview?</p>
<p>My son was accepted to USC (had a very strong application, National Merit finalist) and did not interview. I think interviews help if you are really good in the cinema area or if you need to clarify any borderline things on your report card. Last year interviews were not required. If you think there is something about you that will shine through better in person than interview, if not, I would pass.</p>
<p>My daughter DID interview and it seemed to help her be considered for a merit scholarship. This is your chance to sell yourself. That said, the admissions person from Marshall told us in the information session last fall that if you have a choice between spending time on your essays and time on the interview, spend time on the essays.</p>
<p>Why NOT interview? If you just do okay, then no one will remember anything except that you demonstrated interest in the school. If you do great, then maybe it will put you into consideration for a merit scholarship. I think kids who are within a relatively short drive (say 1-2 hours) should probably visit the campus and do your interview at the same time. If you go to school in Los Angeles County and choose not to interview, that may send a message that USC is not your first choice. I don't think kids need to be flying in from New York just have an interview for 20 or 30 minutes of face time. If you are trying to get into one of the super competitive schools/majors, you should definitely take every opportunity available to let USC get to know you, time and money permitting.</p>
<p>I'm doing an off campus interview in the major city near me. Does anyone know if it's admissions counselors that do these interviews as well or is it alumni?</p>
<p>In my D's case, it is an admissions; I believe they go to select cities to conduct those, otherwise may be alumni, it list on their web site.</p>
<p>I am not suggesting anyone avoid an interview, but if you cannot find the time to do one, don't panic. My son's experience applying to USC last year might be considered as an additional piece of evidence that the lack of the interview does not count against you. My S (who attended school in L.A. County) did not sign up for an interview. Did the adcom take offense and infer that he was not really interested in USC? No. He was accepted early, invited to interview for the Trustee Scholarship (top merit award), and he was thrilled to receive the Trustee. I know other Trustee Scholars who did not fill out Part 1 or do the optional interview. For one thing, there are kids who are only now deciding on which colleges to apply to, and at a certain point USC no longer has interview dates available on campus, so they could not hold the lack of the optional interview against a student. I agree that signing up early to have an interview might be a good way to show extra interest--however, showing interest may not be a key ingredient to admissions at USC, as it is at some other schools. </p>
<p>Good luck to all who are applying this year. My S is having a fabulous experience as a freshman and loves USC.</p>
<p>My daughter's experience is the same as above. As another student who attended a HS within an hour's drive from USC, she did not interview, was accepted early, and received a Trustee scholarship. She also applied early and completed Part 1, and interview dates were available at the time. Your chances at acceptance will not be affected whether you interview or not. I believe USC invites students to interview if they feel they would like the opportunity.</p>
<p>Same with D's experience and her friend. No interview. They both got in very early in the admission process. Her friend also got in with Dean's scholarship and never even set foot at USC.</p>
<p>Madbean: Very true about USC running out of interview slots early so it makes sense that it would not be held against a student for not requesting one (they would never know if you HAD asked for one since the online request would simply not accept your rsvp/record any requests). I suppose students should choose what they are most comfortable with. And for the poster who asked who comes to off site interviews: I think it is probably your regional rep.</p>
<p>If I'm in Cleveland, will I likely talk to an alum?</p>
<p>It can't really be held against you... I live overseas and therefore can't have an interview cause they don't offer them so if it was held against you that would be REALLY unfair.</p>