<p>First of all, I know that interviews tend to carry vary little weight, but how are they factored in to the application/admissions process? For example, if I submit my application on like Oct. 15 and Princeton (or any school, really) reviews it on Nov. 23, how can they factor in an interview that can take place after the 23rd? See what I mean? I'm just kind of confused and curious as to how it works. Thanks!</p>
<p>From what I understand – which is admittedly pretty little – the interview is both a chance for the school to get to know you and you to get to know the school. I have a suspicion that its real weight depends on how much the interviewer was impressed by you. I know mine was taking notes, so I’m assuming he has some form of report to send in. I can’t tell you specifics about how the logistics of the interview-evaluation process work, but I have faith that the admissions people can work it out. They seem to pride themselves on truly striving for a holistic approach. I don’t think they’d jeopardize that reputation by either A, totally disregarding an interview or B, messing up the dates of review and interview. So, basically, just stay calm. Think about this garbage too much and you’ll get an embolism long before December 15.</p>
<p>" its real weight depends on how much the interviewer was impressed by you." </p>
<p>Not really. I take notes b/c my memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be.</p>
<p>Although not Princeton specific, both these posts correctly mirror Princeton’s practices
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/yale-university/804985-alumni-campus-interview-faq.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/yale-university/804985-alumni-campus-interview-faq.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/brown-university/810532-brown-interview-faq-answers.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/brown-university/810532-brown-interview-faq-answers.html</a></p>
<p>T26E4 is probably right. Again, my comment about the interviewer being impressed with you somehow affecting its weight is just a suspicion I have, not founded in any real fact. I suppose I just wish they counted for more; to me, an interview should be a very important part of an application.</p>
<p>"an interview should be a very important part of an application. " As an interviewer for another Ivy, I couldn’t disagree with you more.</p>
<p>It deservingly is the least important part precisely due to the subjective nature of the meetings and the quality variation in the interviewers.</p>
<p>By that logic, the interview for a job would also be the least important aspect of an application. And yet, countless people are hired or rejected based entirely in this subjective nature. There are countless things that can be faked or fabricated on a written application: essays could be copied, grades could be inflated, scores could be vapid, letters of recommendation could be lies and awards could be exaggerated. An interview, though, with a decent interviewer, cannot be faked. Any alumni willing to conduct interviews for a college takes pride in their school, and would do all in their power to ensure the quality of their interviewing. I believe that putting such little weight on the interview shows a lack of faith in both the interviewers and the candidates, and demonstrates a blindness towards the humanity of applicants. I’ve never liked how impersonal and cold the college application process is, and this policy of undervaluing the only truly human aspect of it only exacerbates that chill.</p>
<p>^There are just too many applicants to ensure the quality of the interviewers. Basically they will take any alum they can get to conduct these.</p>
<p>I interview for Princeton and to be honest about it, although I am improving, I am not that good. I would hate for the university to put too much weight on my impressions. :)</p>
<p>when do we get interviews or do we even get one if we submit by the regular date ?</p>
<p>Beo : The top colleges expend millions of dollars on outreach, recruiting and eventually, evaluating the applications. If they felt there was any more utility to be had by the volunteer alumni reports, they’d certainly do so. Interviews have gone on for many decades. Your assumptions must fly in the face of experience – or the relative weight of interviews would be greater than it is. </p>
<p>I’m not here to argue with you. I’m just saying that decisionmakers are logical and they wouldn’t eschew a valuable data source without reason during their very difficult task.</p>
<p>And the employment example is poor. You can actually whittle down 500 resumes to 4-5 applicants – and then send your HR people to google them to death – before having them come in. Plus, if the worker doesn’t fit, you drop him during the probation period and offer to the 2nd candidate or post again. You don’t send away college admitees.</p>
<p>The sheer volume and diversity of applicants create natural inequities – what does Princeton do with the Nepalese applicant? Or rural Wyoming applicant? How is that handled versus the kid from Long Island or Palo Alto?</p>
<p>Beo: may I direct you to this post?</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/15080734-post3.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/15080734-post3.html</a></p>
<p>When is the interview deadline for SCEA applicants? I just got an email today telling me to look forward to an interview “sometime in November.” But it’s already the 26th…so I don’t know if there is even enough time. Help anyone?</p>