So recently I had an interview with UPENN Alumni. I went to meet him at a cafe in my city. All was well he started to ask the general questions. However, then we just started talking and when we were done I left and saw that 3 hours has passed. Is this a good thing or bad thing? How much of a role does the interview play?
That is certainly not the norm and of course it’s pretty obvious the interviewer liked you. You will likely get a good write-up. Without the other factors being in place, it won’t get you in. It certainly won’t hurt though.
It is unusual for an interview to go that long and the two of you certainly seem to hit it off. I’d imagine that the interview went very well and that you will get a stellar write-up. Per Penn’s common data set the interview is regarded as “important” – however things like GPA, standardized tests, course rigor, essay, and recommendations are all considered to be “very important.” Remember that alumni interviewers are volunteers who are not uniformly trained. (FWIW I’ve interviewed for Penn as an alum and a number of applicants who I highly recommended did not get in.)
Bottom line is that I agree with @Lindagaf – a great interview won’t get you in if you are not otherwise very well qualified but your excellent interview should add one more positive thing to your admission folder which never hurts Best of luck with Penn and throughout the rest of the college admission process.
I agree with the comments above and would add that it evidences that you are adept at conversing with adults and, as such, are done with high school and ready to move on to college. Congratulations and good luck!
As long as you didn’t miss a cue on when you should leave, I would say it was a good sign. :D. Of course interviewers don’t have a ton of influence, but every little bit helps.
But what he conveys in his report is what matters. What were you talking about?
Thanks out all for responding. I understand that my grades, essays, and other things matter much more that the interview. It was just my first interview and did not know if it went well. To answer lookingforward the alumni started with the basic questions however then just felt like a normal conversation with a stranger. He talked about the school and how he got in. I really hope UPENN considers me.