<p>I requested an interview from Rice and an alumni interviewer e-mailed me. However, to interview I'd have to drive 45 minutes to her, do a 30 minute interview, and drive 45 minutes back. Is this really worth it? I don't think I'd have many questions about Rice to ask her, and I have shown a lot of interest in Rice otherwise (including choosing them for National Merit earlier this year), and Rice has been courting me back.</p>
<p>I don't know what you mean when you say "Rice has been courting you back," but I would suggest that we can't answer this question for you. If there's any weight placed on an interview -- however slight, don't you want to do whatever you can to take advantage of it? In other words, wouldn't it be better to say to yourself that you've done everything you can to make your app the strongest you could ... instead of second-guessing yourself later about the what ifs?</p>
<p>Yeah I would say go for it. If nothing else, it may be fun and interesting. I just got back from my interview and it was really cool, we talked about the coming technological singularity (my interviewer is the first person I have met who shares my enthusiasm for it).</p>
<p>I realize your situation may be different from mine, but I drove an hour each way in a heavy snowstorm to get to my interview, and I'm glad I did.</p>
<p>I just talked to mine today over the phone for the first time. He's coming to my city, so I just drive 15 min to a cozy familiar coffee shop. I think the familiar surrounding will calm my nerves. Besides, i'm more excited than I am nervous. 45 min isn't that far. stop whining. Besides, how can you back out of it gracefully after you have already requested one and they have made arrangements for you?</p>
<p>I think the interview's as much for you as for the school. In the past many prospective students decided Rice was their top choice after the interview. You also will need to decide what school to attend and here's the perfect way to find how the "fit" is with someone who went there and loves Rice.
It also looks great that you cared enough to go the distance to interview. Every school wants students who really want to attend and here's the perfect way to show your interest. My son and I flew done from NY. Considering that was the only school we went down there to see, it certainly showed interest. He loved the visit and the people and had a wonderful funny and interesting interview. By the end of the visit that was his number one choice and today, as a junior at Rice, he loves it today. Well worth the visit.</p>
<p>Honestly, if it's worth their time to conduct the interview, it's MORE than worth your drive time to participate in the interview. If you feel it's not worth your time, you really need to consider other schools.</p>