I received any email from someone in the “Cornell Ambassador Network” asking if I wanted to meet to get more information about Cornell. I guess this is Cornell’s version of the interview, although from the email it appears that it is not an interview at all, but an information session where I can learn more about the school from an alumnus.
He says it won’t hurt my application if I choose not to attend, but I don’t really believe him because I’m afraid it will show a lack of interest in the school.
I think going to this meeting would be a total waste of time since I have already spent two summers on the campus and I have a family member who recently graduated from the school in the same major which I intend to pursue.
I heard that for the Ivies, interviews barely matter anyways.
So my question is, will it actually hurt me if I choose not to go? Is it actually an interview or an informational thing? Given that I won’t benefit from it and I’ve already done tons of research on the school, I don’t see the point of going.
So for real, it is not considered an interview but a way to get information out to potential students. Ambassadors are volunteers and they long ago stopped considering these meetings as officially influential. The alumnus told you exactly what he was supposed to tell you.
That said, each college at Cornell has its own admissions committee, and may be able to see in your file that you declined a meeting. The alumni do submit reports and if positive this can help an applicant.
If you are so interested in Cornell, why would meeting an alum be a waste of time? Do you not believe in networking? An older alum that you don’t know has any valuable information for you? You are working for a presidential campaign and they can’t survive with out you? The cure for cancer is just within reach? Ok I am being sarcastic, but I hope you get the point. It is for your benefit that these meetings are available.
I realize that many people think they know everything that they need to know - many times they don’t.
albeit ‘interviews’ are more of a courtesy toward alumni and generally have little sway in admissions, you should still make an appearance, as nearly every other applicant will. If nothing else, it’s still a great opportunity to hear from alumni and more about the school. Ask about their opinions on Cornell’s recent developments, alumni connections/networking, or something.