<p>how do interviews factor into the equation? most schools say they are not mandatory, but will an interview actually make or break you in the admissions process?</p>
<p>I think it could put a borderline candidate into the 'accept' pile, depending on the school. Interviews are more important at some schools than others (Ex: if a school considers 'demonstrated interest,' an interview shows interest).</p>
<p>At top schools or prestigious schools, I think it's best to interview because it helps you in the very competitive applicant pools.</p>
<p>I think it's also important to interview with at least your top choice- that way you can learn more information about the school, etc. It helps your application but it also helps you get a more 'firm' idea of the school.</p>
<p>My interviewer said herself that her review will not likely affect my chances :(</p>
<p>Just do the blasted interview and remove any doubt.</p>
<p>you'll read differing points of view on this; some say it matters, some it doesn't. Keep in mind that the interviewers are volunteer alums and have both only a few hours training (if that) and don't talk to hundreds of candidates so their opinions are based on a limited sample. Which means that you'll get a lot of variation in the interview reports if the same candidates talked to different interviewers. So I don't think colleges put a lot of weight in a glowing rec. What will cause the admission office to sit up and take notice, though, are big negatives. For example some kids actually will say they're applying because their parents made them, admit they've made up some of their ECs (esp. if they face a local interviewer familiar with the program they claim to be heavily involved in and the interviewer can tell they're lying), etc.</p>
<p>Fact is, at many schools the "interview" is more a sales job. Mom and Dad expect an interview at a private, the school knows many of the kids it sees will also have lots of other acceptances, and so a big goal of the interview from the schools' point of view is to give some personal contact and help persuade strong applicants to choose them.</p>