<p>I've heard it is optional in every sense of the word and it doesn't play a huge role in admissions. Do you guys think its really vital?</p>
<p>No it's not. It's nonevaluative. It might be bad if you straight-out reject an interview with no good reason, but otherwise, it's for your benefit only, according to the admissions department.</p>
<p>the duke website said that applicants with an interview has about 5% more chance or something that.. can't remember the exact percentage, but it's signficant in context of low percent admissions rate at duke</p>
<p>I really don't think the interview makes a difference at all. On mine, the guy basically looked over my transcript, said something about how it looked OK, and then the rest of the time I just asked him any questions I wanted to about Duke. Also, I sent my application in over a month after the "interview deadine" and they still called me in February for one. So I really don't think it's that structured or that big of a deal.</p>
<p>My interviewer told me I was the most impressive applicant he'd ever interviewed, and that he was going to make that clear in his write-up about me. He said that sort of thing can be a swing-vote, if needed.</p>
<p>if I got my pre-application in on 10/14 for ED is there still a chance I will have a chance to interview or is it too late by now?</p>
<p>If you havent heard yet, it's too late. I had mine three weeks ago.</p>
<p>If you really want an interview, just call and ask for one.</p>
<p>Banana - where do you live? I'm just curious because my interviewer said the same exact thing to me - it would be funny if it was the same guy just trying to be nice...</p>
<p>I'm from Virginia, just east of DC. I doubt it was the same guy; my interviewer never looked at my stats (or transcript as you said) and actually spent the whole time asking me questions.</p>