<p>Hi guys,
I was just wondering if anyone knew what being called for an interview means. Does it mean the school has already glanced at my application and liked it, or do they normally always contact international applicants?
Also, has anyone already had an alumni interview? What were the topics discussed?
Thank you so much!</p>
<p>It is Middlebury’s policy to offer an alumni interview to all applicants living within a certain distance of an alumni admissions rep. The alumni interviewer will not have seen your application. In other words, being offered an alumni interview has no bearing on the likelihood of admission.</p>
<p>Not sure how Middlebury decides to offer interviews but proximity to an alum can’t be the only consideration (unless there are no alums in the greater Boston area). We live very close to Boston and my daughter was NOT offered an interview. She was accepted ED anyway. </p>
<p>I do agree with arcadia that you should try not to read anything into the interview offer. Prep a little beforehand so you can ask reasonable questions and try to enjoy the conversation.</p>
<p>In certain areas with LOTS of applicants (e.g., MA (esp. Boston area), CT, NH, VT, NY), there simply aren’t enough alumni interviewers to handle all the interviews. In fact, in some years, the admissions office handles the overflow by trying to arrange for Skype interviews with an alum located in a less popular area. With application numbers approaching 9,000, this will continue to be the case.</p>
<p>A NESCAC adcom, not at Middlebury, reports that Middlebury is up in apps (3%) and topped 9000 this year. As Arcadia said, the issue of interviews will not get any easier. Midd has yet to release application totals, but looks like another record year for apps at a good number of schools.</p>
<p>Yeah, no extra dice for this one. </p>
<p>However, keep in mind that in spite of how many prospective students get interviews and how insignificant many deem them, these interviews are a great way to show personality that is otherwise missing in your file. Many – well most – of the individuals who are conducting these interviews love their alma mater. If they see you fit the school profile well and have everything going for you, they will fight for you. Their write-up does not necessarily have much weight in adcoms, but if it is glowing and states you would matriculate if admitted, it can favorably bolster an on-the-fence applicant. </p>
<p>Dress well, prepare good, pointed questions, do not be afraid to be controversial and articulate your beliefs (within reason), and above all, do not judge how well you interviewed by something superficial. Interviewers are asked to do some marketing of the school, so no. They will not have you thinking you don’t meet minimum admission requirements. Afterwards, don’t forget to send a brief thank you note. </p>
<p>Best of luck with your apps this season.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone!</p>
<p>For international students, Midd only offers interviews to those they are strongly interested after they have reviewed your application. And according to last year’s poll on CUUS(Chinese Undergrad in US), all of the students who enrolled during the ED and EDII round applicants have been interviewed.</p>
<p>@ennrui: For international student, How do you know that Midd offers interviews to those who they are strongly interests in ? Thank you</p>
<p>@ennrui, while what you say MAY be correct (I don’t have specific knowledge contradicting what you say) I find it very unlikely. Also, I agree with lovinlife. While I have had plenty of applicant interviewees who interviewed extremely well, but were ultimately denied, I’ve never had an applicant who interviewed poorly, be admitted. Not to scare you. It’s an opportunity for you to speak up, have opinions, and articulate them. Just be excited to be interviewed, show interest and be sure to have good questions to ask the interviewer. Know some things about Middlebury. Think of it as if you are interviewing Middlebury. I find that puts most applicants at ease and gets the interviewee more engaged. Good luck. </p>
<p>International admission is very very different from domestic admission. Harvard for example is well known to state that interview does not affect admissions and yet everyone knows that only selected, pre screened applicants are interviewed. Yes interview does not count much but for internationals quite a lot of colleges only interview applicants that are likely to be accepted. Its not evaluative but its a sign that you do have a stronger chance. I know that middlebury college also does this because my friend’s interviewer said that interview is a good sign. </p>
<p>An interview is one factor “considered” in the application process but it is not a “very important” or “important” factor (as per the common data set). Being called (or not called) doesn’t mean you have a higher (lower) probability of being admitted as it is a function of the number of alumni and applicants in your area:</p>
<p>From the Middlebury website:</p>
<p>"We do our best to interview international applicants, but due to the large number of applicants and the limited availability of interviewers abroad, we are unable to guarantee an alumni interview for all applicants living abroad.</p>
<p>While we strive to arrange as many alumni interviews as possible, please remember that an interview is not a requirement for admission to Middlebury, and that not having an interview will not have a negative impact on your application. In many areas the number of applicants exceeds the number of available volunteers. We do our best to offer interviews to as many applicants as possible."</p>
<p>The role of the interview conducted by the Alumni Admissions Program is explained here:</p>
<p><a href=“The Case for Alumni Interviews - The Middlebury Campus”>The Case for Alumni Interviews - The Middlebury Campus;
<p>That is what exactly Harvard also states. But it has been confirmed from multiple international students that their interviewer actually said that interview for international students in areas where there are limited alumni is selective. I believe that logic can be applied to Middlebury also. Yes interview is not evaluative and I agree with that but I do believe its a good sign for certain schools. For Middlebury, maybe not. But from my friend’s own experience and the post mentioning Chinese students I do think there is a possibility. </p>
<p>Of course there is a possibility so you can believe what you want to despite that Middlebury’s admission pages state otherwise.</p>
<p>I’d have to say it means nothing. Accepted son and waitlisted son both got interviews. They really try to interview everyone, but I think it is more informational than useful for your case.</p>