<p>I know the interviews are NOT a requirement. But I was just wondering how important are they? What factor do they play in the admissions process?</p>
<p>Thanks, and btw good luck to all applying!</p>
<p>To clarify, it is the Alumni interview. Thanks!</p>
<p>They show you're interested in the school enough to schedule an interview.</p>
<p>It can hurt, but it usually helps more.</p>
<p>MIT statistic:
"In fact, last year, of eligible applicants, we admitted 16% of those who had an interview (or who had their interview waived), but only 6% of those who chose not to interview."</p>
<p>Flippy- that may be true for MIT but at Columbia you cannot schedule an alumni interview. At columbia getting an interview is pretty random, so it does not demonstrate interest and doesn't count for much. Basically if you don't get an interview it won't hurt you and if you do get an interview, take it and don't blow it and you'll be fine.</p>
<p>note the wording there - those who CHOSE not to interview. applicant's choice, they declined the offer of an interview.</p>
<p>the issue with columbia is that they can't interview everyone who applies, there's too many. so it's almost random (and very location-specific) whether you get one or not. i imagine there would be no statistically significant difference in the numbers if columbia produced the same stat as MIT.</p>
<p>How do I schedule an interview? Or will I be contacted? </p>
<p>Thanks!!</p>
<p>you can't schedule an alumni interview; you get contacted by an alumna/us in your area. it mostly depends how early you submitted part 1 of the application, and whether you live in an area with a lot of columbia alumni</p>
<p>There's a million threads on this question; do a search. Or better yet -- just prepare for it and do your best, as if it were the most important part of your application. It shouldn't really affect you how important it is.</p>