<p>So…Harvard makes an effort for all applicants to have an alumni interview just because they need cheerleaders and money? </p>
<p>While I have very direct knowledge that many of the students highly rated by alum interviewers do not get admitted to schools like Harvard (mostly because there are so many impressive applicants), I also know that applicants who are not impressive during an alum interview end up having their applications looked over especially carefully…and sometimes are asked to have a second interview.</p>
<p>Academic excellence (grades, SAT scores) is a “given” for most applicants to top colleges. Intellectual passion (or vitality) is what needs to come through in all aspects of the application (including interviews, if a school uses them.)</p>