<p>How important are interviews, really? By most counts, I heard they're pretty insignificant (except in the mandatory ones, obviously!)</p>
<p>I signed up for interviews this summer at my two top choices, Harvard and Yale. I'm getting cold feet though...how important are they really?? I mean, they're optional and not supposed to play a big role (if at all) in admissions b/c not all have access to an on-campus interview, right?</p>
<p>Also, I'm doing research this summer, which is extremely time consuming, and taking those two days off will probably be pretty inconvenient.</p>
<p>Additionally I'm a little bit worried that if I do cancel those interviews, that might count against me, i.e. even worse than not even signing up at all? I have this strange imagination that there's an admissions counselor shrieking "She cancelled her interview! Let's red flag her app!" Lol...paranoid I know.</p>
<p>So basically I have 2 questions:
1. should I do them? Are they important?
2. Would it hurt me to cancel them?</p>
<p>If I were you, I would do the interviews. Needless to say, Harvard and Yale aren't exactly the easiest schools to get into, and it would be good to have every advantage possible.</p>
<p>However, I am just a high school student who would have no chance of getting into either of those schools, so I don't really know what I'm talking about. Take my advice with a grain of salt.</p>
<p>They are "considered," on the same level with location and work experience. If you bomb them, they will obviously have a much greater impact than simply "considered." If you "ace" them, they probably won't put you through the door if the other areas of your application are too lacking.</p>
<p>If you live in the region, you are expected to do an on-campus interview. Not making the effort would raise a red flag as to your comitment.</p>
<p>However, if you live very far away, HYP would overlook the absence and chalk it up to inconvenience or high cost.</p>
<p>As for cancelling the interviews-- it might be seen as fear or indifference, though probably the secretary who schedules them does not give feedback to the adcom.</p>
<p>If you are experiencing some sort of dread, you might ask an adult to do some practice interview questions, found in many admissions books. You might feel calmer and more confident if you've formulated your opinions and practiced answering in an assured voice.</p>
<p>I only asked, because yes I live within 2-4 hrs driving distance (closer to Yale), but several people I know who live in the area and got into Harvard never interviews -_-</p>
<p>I'd say now that you've scheduled them, you should go through with it.</p>
<p>It's one thing not to interview, but it's another thing to cancel an interview you've already requested. Don't be too worried, just present yourself well and you'll be fine.</p>
<p>For Harvard, interviews are in fact a requirement. You'll want to check to see if the one you're doing will count towards that requirement; I'm guessing it would, but usually they do alumni interviews so you don't have to travel.</p>
<p>interviews were not a requirement when I applied to Harvard two years ago. there aren't interviewing alumni for everyone, that just isn't possible. I know two individuals from my school who got in without interviews. I also got into Yale without an interview, so it's not THAT important to your admission.</p>
<p>I'm getting cold feet for my Bates interview. :(
It's technically not required, only "strongly suggeseted," which basically is the same as required. I'm so nervous.</p>
<p>Do the interviews if at all possible. No, they're not a very significant factor, but simply putting in the time and effort to meet with an interviewer shows that you have a genuine interest in the school. I'm quite shy, not a very good conversationalist, and I have a tendency to to turn bright red when I'm nervous--nevertheless I managed to get through five interviews (and got into four of those schools, one of them being Harvard ^_^) Trust me, I think you'll be glad you went. Most of my interviewers were quite interesting, successful people. Even more importantly, they were kind and sensitive to my anxiety, and willing to answer any questions. I can't promise all interviews will be like that--I've heard some real horror stories from my friends--but you may get lucky. As someone already suggested, do some practice interview questions with a counselor or other adult, and make sure you're ready to answer any questions about yourself and your interests, and I think you'll be fine.</p>
<p>Harvard tries to interview everyone. Turning down
an interview will red flag you to any college.</p>
<p>Amongst HPM and D (Where I was accepted and did interview during the app
process), I beleive the P interview was neutral- was not factored into
my app; the D was informational- again not factored in; the H had a slight
positive impact possibly and the M interview was a major reason I was
accepted EA.</p>
<p>It will hurt you if you cancel. Practice with your friends and family.</p>
<p>I have heard (do not have any anectodal or other evidence) that
having a good interview on-campus with any admissions officer at H can be
advantageous. The Yale Summer-and-later campus interviews are
pointless as they are typically conducted by students apparently?</p>