I have completed four interviews so far and have noticed that none of the schools actually require them. How important is the interview in the whole acceptance process? For example, I had am amazing MIT interview. I had a favorite author in common with the person who interviewed me and shared the exact same political beliefs. What was supposed to be a half hour long interview turned into an hour and a half long interview because we got carried away talking. The man, who is an alumnus of MIT and a professor at a nearby college, told me that he wished I was applying to his college.
Will the report of this interview, assuming it is as shining as I believe the interview was, have much of an impact on whether or not I am accepted? The reason I ask this is because I have heard MANY people refer to interviews as “solely” informational sessions. Yet, because I interview well, I hope that they count for more. Can anyone give me a definitive answer?
Sorry for the jumbled commentary, I’m doing calculus homework while writing this =)
<p>I have the same question. what is the extent of time they're supposed to last? Mine usually last approx 2- 2 1/2 hrs but ive heard from pple that they're usually supposed to be max 1 hr. I'm assuming this isn't a bad thing but how much can this help me?
Also some alum interviewers have chosen to pass my resume along to department chairs? Can any of these factors help if I'm a borderline candidate?</p>
<p>"Also some alum interviewers have chosen to pass my resume along to department chairs? Can any of these factors help if I'm a borderline candidate?"</p>
<p>haha no seriously if my test scores arent stellar can the interview etc really make that much of a difference?? just to reiterate the OP "because I have heard MANY people refer to interviews as "solely" informational sessions"</p>
<p>If you have a great on campus interview with an adcom that can mean a lot. If you're talking about a typical alumni interview, don't count on it having much effect. Would an alum saying best candidate I ever interviewed help for a strong candidate? Maybe. Would it push a borderline candidate into the acceptance pile? Doubtful unless there's a building with his name on it.</p>