I applied to Columbia and have submitted my transcripts. However, can you get an interview before test scores and teacher recommendations are submitted. This question is not Columbia specific.
My daughter had one interview for the college she ended up attending in the spring of her junior year. She hadn’t even taken the SAT yet. I don’t know if all schools do this, but I know that in several cases, my kids didn’t have all of their materials in before interviewing. The interview was just another component of the process.
It depends by the school. Some schools will match you with an interviewer after the application is submitted, and does not grant interviews beforehand- Columbia is like that. However, other schools allow you to sign up for on campus/alumni interviews beforehand. Check with the ones you’re interested in.
Agree, it is dependent on the school. I believe my D had all of her interviews early senior year before her applications were submitted.