<p>I am from Florida and it is going to cost me a bundle to do on-campus interview etc. Will I get rejected if I decide not to attend one? Why can't they conduct a video interview via SKYPE? I understand that I may not get to see the campus tour etc.</p>
<p>You can request an alumni interview. You do not have to do the on-campus interview.</p>
<p>As for skype, it is hard to get a full picture of someone over web chat</p>
<p>How critical is the alumni interview? We had a great conversation, except that right at the beginning, he asked me “not many students around here know about Rice”, what made you interested? All I said was that I read about it online and in the Princeton Review College book where they said it had a great quality of life. So basically I blew that question.</p>
<p>not necessarily. The end of the interview sets the mood so if it ended well then he wouldn’t be too phased by your beginning response. Plus, i think that’s a core reason for pretty much everyone so it’s a candid reply.</p>
<p>the interview helps give your application a face. As for your answer, it is truthful. How did I find out about Rice? - they same way.</p>
<p>I don’t think that your answer hurt you at all.</p>
<p>You won’t be rejected just because you don’t have an interview. It is optional, and as far as I know, not frowned upon to not do it. I got in without interviewing, if that helps. Also, like others have suggested, try to get an alumni interview. Good luck! :)</p>
<p>I think expressed interest is very important. Last year, two strong applicants (4.0 GPA, 2300+ SAT, National Merit Finalist) did not make it into Rice, probably because they did not show enough interest. Also, Rice lists “demonstrated interests” as an important factor on collegeboard.com. Don’t need an on-campus interview. Just do an off-campus one…I did and I’m from Ohio</p>