I have got interviews to most of the T20 schools I applied to so far. But upenn seems to be an exception. At first, I thought it’s probably because I submitted like 3 days before the deadline. But then, I realized that it’s not the case. I talked to a friend at my high school who also applied to upenn, he submitted his common app one day before the deadline (which is later than me) and he already got his interview. On upenn’s website they say that they offer 90% of applicants interviews but I have not got any invites so far. I even checked my emails for spams and call logs… No clue of what is going on! I also do not believe it’s grades/score/stats related. This is a very confusing situation. If it’s not due to my submission date, not because of my stats, what could be the cause of all this? Does upenn select interviews randomly? (btw I live in PA, so we have a ton of alumus in the area)
What should I do? Email AO or just wait? Will this hurt my chances in any case?
a) Well, not everyone gets an interview. On Penn’s website it states, “Typically, more than 90% of applicants are offered an interview, depending on volunteer availability.” If you didn’t get assigned to an interview yet, it maybe because of the availability. You did say that “(btw I live in PA, so we have a ton of alumus in the area).” You may have a lot of alumni in PA, however that doesn’t necessarily mean they have the time to interview every applicant. I agree that it may not be “grades/score/stats” related. You could try to reach an AO but it would actually be better to go ask the Undergraduate Office in person.
b) This is what Penn says about interviews “Yes. Time and again, Admissions Officers tell us how helpful the interview report is as they evaluate applicants. In addition, applicants say the interview strengthened their perception of the university, and increased their desire to attend Penn.” According to Collegeboard, interviews are important. Furthermore, Penn says “Please don’t worry if you’re not invited to interview. Since we aren’t able to reach every applicant, not having an interview won’t be held against you in our review.”
c) Conclusion:
~I would recommend going to the Undergraduate Office and ask the questions you have. You could even call the University itself, or ask an AO like you mentioned. If calling on phone doesn’t work, I suggest meeting in person.
~Interviews are important in the Admissions Process, however if you didn’t get one that doesn’t mean you have no chances of getting accepted. Penn even said that the interview won’t be held against an applicant if s/he is not able to get one. Therefore, don’t worry. Again, the “interview won’t be held against you in our review”, Penn said.
~The alumni might just be busy due to a lot of applicants. That is honestly the only idea I could come up with.
~Just stay calm and relax. Everything will hopefully go okay.
Peace! Go Class of 2023 and 2024!
I would check these websites for more help.
Website about Almuni and Interviews:
https://www.alumni.upenn.edu/s/1587/gid2/16/interior.aspx?sid=1587&gid=2&pgid=8156&sitebuilder=1&contentbuilder=1
Penn Interviews:
https://admissions.upenn.edu/admissions-and-financial-aid/what-penn-looks-for/interviews
I forgot to mention do not ask for an interview. This could hurt your application.
I would not email your admissions officer. Not everyone at Penn gets an interview – it is a matter of supply (alumni interview slots) and demand (applicants in an area). Alumni interviews don’t count for much in the admissions process.
Plus hopefully you have read the Penn website regarding interviews. Note the following:
–"Please don’t worry if you’re not invited to interview. Since we aren’t able to reach every applicant, not having an interview won’t be held against you in our review. and;
–“It’s our policy that applicants can’t request interviews”
https://admissions.upenn.edu/admissions-and-financial-aid/what-penn-looks-for/interviews