<p>does anybody know that if you apply to duke, whether there's an interview and if so, is it required or recommended?</p>
<p>I recommend it, but it's not required. If you get a chance to sell yourself in person, I say jump at it. There is a deadline for applicants that want to have an interview, but even if you meet it, there's a chance that you may not receive one depending on the # of applicants in your area. In my case, I missed the deadline by a month and still got an interview and a friend who met the deadline didn't.</p>
<p>Ideally, applicants will automatically be offered an interview--they do not have to request one. However, to clarify what Netcos suggested, sometimes there are no alumni in the regional area of the applicant, so no interviews are offered. Or, an interviewer may contact an applicant, but the distance is too great for the applicant to be able to make the interview. Interviews are recommended, but not mandatory. They usually function as an additional recommendation and offer a chance for the interviewer/Duke to get to know more about the candidate than what an application can provide. Also, often the interview is an opportunity to visit with the alumnus and learn more about the Duke experience.</p>
<p>My alumni interview was really relaxed. I think this type of interview can almost always help your case, and even if it goes horribly, I don't think it does too much damage. Just be yourself if you end up being offered an alumni interview.</p>
<p>I applied well before the deadline and I was never called for an interview, even though I live in a major metropolitan area. I emailed my admissions rep. and she apologized but said absoutely not to worry about it. She was right.</p>
<p>its recommended. def. ask other duke applicants if you don't get contacted for one and you want one, i had to email them to get it</p>
<p>i sent in the first part of my application before the interview deadline, but i still didn't get an interview. i remember emailing them and telling them that i haven't been contacted for an interview yet because that's what they told us to do if we didn't receive news by i think...february something? i forgot haha but yeah i was pretty freaked out that i didn't get an interview from duke but after admissions came out i don't think you have to worry about it. definitely accept it if you get the chance, but don't worry too much if you're not offered one.</p>