The OP asked about interviews, he did not ask about MIT. This thread will be read by anxious 17-year-olds who will be reading it literally, and I am trying to help out by using my personal experience backed by any data I can find. The only data I can find is from MIT- it is not a derailment to substantiate what one says. I am not trying to take a comment “too literally”, but would point out that other readers, HS students, might.
Trying to dissociate MIT’s process from others since MIT’s students are immature and male-heavy, and have emotional problems? And you have heard some tech schools (not MIT) have a certain issue, so it is likely that is the PRIMARY purpose for MIT interviews? I am objecting mostly to much smoke and mirrors to discredit the only data we have. We can talk about different schools if you have first-hand knowledge or references. I think the OP deserves more than vaguely misandristic diversionary statements and unsubstantiated opinions. It is very likely that AO’s from different schools go to conferences and discuss “best practices” and use similar methodologies, and even that their career paths bring some additional cross-fertilization.
Why do you think refusing interviews will have little negative effect? How does a student know if a given school “requires” an interview?
{Do you really want to talk about me, my personal history, etc.? I am flattered, but is beside the point really. Maybe start another thread? :)}
Just to clarify since I gave little information about the colleges I’m applying to, they’re mostly selective LAC’s with a couple of Ivies thrown in. Almost every college I’m applying to either strongly recommends or directly contacts prospective students about interviews. I was just curious how much weight they held, and if it made a big difference whether it was a large research university or small college.
So if Middlebury is one of the LACs on your list you will be contacted by an alum for an interview. I know there are differing opinions as to its importance but outright declining the offer would be a mistake unless you have extenuating circumstances that prevent interviewing logistically. If you check out Midd’s Common Data Set the “interview” is considered, as well as “level of applicant interest”. “Alumni/ae” relation is also in the “considered” category along with interview and interest, so the interview does actually count. I can’t imagine there are many times the interview could actually hurt you if it doesn’t go well, but if you were to decline it outright without even participating that could be a big mistake.
Look at it this way- at some schools like Middlebury the interview is a piece that completes the puzzle, it makes your application whole. Maybe your interview goes really well (great!) or maybe you interview poorly (they don’t expect everyone to be an extrovert) but if you don’t interview at all because you chose not to interview… well there is a missing piece that can’t be filled and they actually want that piece. At some other schools (like Williams) interviews hold no weight, applications are complete without the interview, not sure Williams even offers an alumni interview. Again, check it out on the Common Data Set and you will see Williams does not even consider the interview as part of the admissions process.
Soooo… know your schools. Look at the CDSs. Have fun with the interviews if you do schedule them. If an interview is “considered” just know that they want to get to know you outside of the application. It should be a casual/interesting conversation; think of a few topics you would like to discuss (activities etc. that you enjoy or that you plan to participate in once on campus) ahead of time. Good luck with your interviews!