Did opting out of the interview drastically hurt my chances?

<p>Okay, before you criticize me, I have realized that this was my single dumbest decision throughout my entire college admissions process...</p>

<p>Okay...so to justify my action (or inaction)...in the heat of many college applications, I was worried about interviewing (I know it's dumb...but it's something I really haven't done a lot of...). Anyways...it took me a couple of weeks from start to finish with my Tufts application; at the start, I was nervous about interviewing and checked the opt-out box. However, I started realizing that it would be a good idea to interview...but, looking back at the application which was submitted a few weeks ago...I guess I never checked the box...</p>

<p>Wow, I'm. An. Idiot.</p>

<p>Anyways, I think I'm a pretty competitive applicant...semi-decent test scores but great recs, class rank/grades, ECs, and I'm doing some pretty unique and interesting stuff on the side which correlates to my intended major (anthro)... </p>

<p>Realistically, I know they would ideally prefer applicants to interview, but how much does my stupid decision hurt my chances?</p>

<p>p.s. I’ve read online that you shouldn’t worry too much about a Tufts interview because it is only a “considered” factor rather than a “very important.” However, most of these threads are about people who didn’t do well on their interviews or something…I, on the other hand, didn’t do one at all…</p>

<p>It certainly won’t help, but you could probably still email them and say that you messed up on the app and still wanted an interview. Worth a shot imo.</p>

<p>The interview is optional. Literally optional. </p>

<p>Really.</p>

<p>Thanks, Dan!</p>

<p>I signed up for an interview and still haven’t been contacted about one. It’s optional–I think we’ll both be okay :).</p>

<p>For future applicants sake, I am posting. My DD didn’t interview and she was accepted. Like the OP, she worried about it (and wanted to kick herself for not interviewing on campus while visiting), but she realized that the Tufts essays really gave her a chance to “show” her personality. It all worked out ok so I guess the interview is optional as they say.</p>

<p>You actually can’t interview on campus, they only offer alumni interviews.</p>

<p>Ditto jerzgrlmom–my D did not interview, hates interviewing, and she got accepted.</p>

<p>Oops, my mistake. Not an official interview but when we were on campus, we went back to the Admissions office after the info session, and at least one counselor was available to speak with students. It was an easy way to talk one on one and some students took advantage. We also attended an off campus session later on and again, a counselor was available. He seemed to recognize some students from prior contact.</p>

<p>No interview and accepted.</p>

<p>Left out - my daughter did not do an alumni interview either</p>

<p>My interview was only 2 days before my decision date, so it really couldn’t have influenced my results at all. Regardless, my interview was more conversational than anything else. It was truly a way for me to get to know Tufts from a person who has been involved. The interview’s just another way for Tufts to get to know you, as an applicant, as well. Unless you end up being a cyborg monkey-robot alien with 57 eyes instead of the Connecticut resident you claimed you were, I don’t think you have too much to worry about an interview (although, I do think that cyborgs can be considered an unrepresented minority). In the end, you just have to be yourself. If you’re sincere and true, Tufts will see your personality shine through (neat, I rhymed!). If you decide not to do it, Dan even said it’s optional. There are some schools that expect you to do an interview, but Tufts definitely isn’t one of them.</p>