<p>hey so I am applying to MIT and they have a mandatory interview for all applying students and I had mine yesterday. All of my friends who have interviewed did so early and had anywhere from 45 minute to 90 minute interviews, they were all denied or differed to regular admission. My interview lasted for 3 and a half hours, it was really interesting and engaging, I totally lost track of time. I felt like it was the best interview I have ever had. so my question is how big of a role do these types of interviews play and if it went as well as I think it did do I have a shot at getting in? MIT seems to indicate that the interview is an important aspect but I am interested to hear what others have to say, including whether 3 and a half hours is a good or bad sign</p>
<p>I don’t think interviews play that big of role, except if you’re amazing or absolutely lame. Of course if you come at your interview dressed in a chicken and start talking to the admission guy in russian, chances are you are going to be rejected. But overall, on the whole pool of applicants, only a few do interviews. I don’t think they can view the interview in a negative manner, because if they do it would not be fair for the ones doing the interview and risking it, while others don’t/can’t do it, and therefore don’t risk failing it.</p>
<p>I think a very good interview could compensate if the rest of the profile is a little weak for acceptance. But if you do a “not great” interview, i don’t think it disqualifies you. I view it as anything that is not required, but optional, it can help but not bring you down.</p>
<p>You should search the answer in the MIT forum. I’m sure others have asked this exact question before. Good luck</p>
<p>The importance of interview really differs depending which school we are talking about.
For MIT, it’s a quite important factor.
Anyway, wish you all the best luck.</p>