I’ve read through some posts that Yale and Harvard interviewers rank the individual on a scale (yale 1-9) (Harvard 1-6). Do other ivy’s do this as well? This is the first time I have seen it. Also what impact would a great rank by an interviewer do to your application. I assume not that much. Thanks in advance
I believe the 1-6 or 1-9 scale you are referring to is the scale Admissions uses to rate applicants: http://www.bostonmagazine.com/2006/05/keys-to-the-kingdom/
Alumni interviews, at least for Yale, are in narrative form. And if you don’t think interviews matter all that much, pay close attention to the last paragraph in the sample reports for JEROD, RICHARD and THERESA: http://asc.yale.edu/samplereports
For Harvard, are rankings and then narratives for each section of the interview (personal qualities, academics, extra- curriculars), aa well as overall rankings and a narrative (paragraph or two). The rankings help standardize the interviews-- compare one to other applicants-- just as standardized test scores do. But, just like standardized test scores, no one would be admitted on these rankings alone-- the narrative, like letters of recommendation, really let the applicant shine through. Overall, interviews don’t count for that much, and a good interview might slightly help solidify an otherwise good application. A BAD interview, however, can matter. If an applicant is unfriendly, uninterested in the school, or too full of themselves, that will matter. Part of the function of the interview is to help the admissions office put together a good class-- and an unpleasant or uninterested person is not going to be a good roommate, a good classmate, or contribute in a positive way to the school— so THAT’S when an interview can really matter.
@gibby @Daykidmom thank you for getting back to me. My additional question is Harvard and Yale the only schools that have interviewers “mark” students on a scale? Does UPenn, Brown, etc… do this as well?
omg they rank us?! that’s nerve-wracking…glad I heard this after my interviews!
^^ I don’t follow admissions at those schools, but IMHO it’s pretty likely they have a similar admissions and interview process and ratings as HY.
ok thanks @gibby
For Yale, I had to give a numerical ranking 3 years ago (2013-2014 applications cycle) and did not have to give a numerical ranking last year. I can’t comment on this year because I had to recuse myself with a child applying. Our instructions for reporting though stress the narrative, with a suggestion to focus on:
• Intellectual strengths and energy
• Academic interests
• Flexibility in thinking, openness
• Expressive abilities
• Nonacademic interests or talents
• Personal qualities
• Distinctive or unusual talents
and/or circumstances
Thanks for your informative response @BKSquared !