<p>My D is an ED applicant to Brown. She still hasn't heard anything about an alum interview, so today she called. There is an automated message saying that interview must happen by Nov. 30, but that not having one will not negatively affect an application. So D connected to someone in the office, who gave her the name and number of someone who apparently is the regional interviewer. Problem is, the area code is for a city about 2 and 1/2 hours away, and there's no way we could travel there before Nov. 30. Plus, what's the etiquette for calling the interviewer--aren't they supposed to contact the students?<br>
Also, we know a Brown alum in our town who has done interviewing in the past--should we explore whether she could do it instead?</p>
<p>Call the regional interviewer since that's the name Brown gave. Presumably since Brown gave you that person's name, it is appropriate to call that person. The regional interviewer probably coordinates all of the interviews and can tell you if it's possible to interview locally.</p>
<p>Agree with NSM that the name you got was probably that of the regional interview coordinator. Call that person not the alum you know. Although it sounds obvious, remember that the local coordinator is a volunteer who may be getting applicants' names very slowly from Brown and may have dozens of interviews to set up. As a Yale interviewer, a couple of applicants have expressed frustration with how slowly the system works in unappealing ways, seeming to forget that the alumni interviewing program is staffed by volunteers.</p>
<p>Call the number that Brown gave you. That person is most likely the coordinator for the area you live in, and is responsible for linking the applicant with the interviewer. (I do this for Brown, so I know. The area chairs can be responsible for a large territory.) It is also true that your kid's chances will not be hurt if there is no interview. And also, phone interviews are accepted.</p>