I’m not sure whether this applies to everybody, but as an American living in the UK, interviews with UChicago alumni are not automatic for me. Rather, I need to ‘request’ one through the applicant portal. I know that turning down one which is offered is probably a bad idea, but I was wondering whether I should actively request one. Thoughts?
It shows interest, which can’t hurt. If you’re deathly scared of interviews, passing up a request for an interview won’t be held against you, but they generally matter little one way or another. Unless the interview is a major red flag - meaning you come off as mentally unsound, absolutely insufferable, or tell the interviewer how thrilled you are to be applying to (not Chicago) - it isn’t likely to be the difference between acceptance and rejection.
Thank you!