<p>I received an email from an admissions officer about setting up an alumni interview. It repeatedly stated that the interview was optional, and that declining it would not affect my chances for admission. Is this actually true, or does the admissions office really take notice when someone declines an interview?</p>
<p>It won’t lower your chances, but it won’t increase it either. An interview will help, unless your a complete freak. I recommend you do the interview.</p>
<p>Thanks. I think I come across well in interviews, i was just wondering if it was absolutely neccessary. Are Cornell interviews more relaxed?</p>
<p>It is what you make it to be. It doesn’t affect your chances at all though, if that’s what you are asking. Some people still fret over it and seriously dress up.</p>
<p>Just out of curiosity, does everyone get contacted for an interview or only certain students? And if just certain students, what would the reason be?</p>
<p>Certain students. Because there is an alumnus located close to them.</p>
<p>The interview really doesn’t matter. The only time it can really help your chances is if you left something off your application that you think might help you get in. You can use the interview as an opportunity to add that to your file.</p>
<p>Any opportunity to shine is one to which you should avail yourself. (It’s late at night: bottom line, sign up for the interview!)</p>
<p>I had mine 4-5 hours ago. It lasted over an hour, and it was suppose to be a married couple (both alumnus/ae) interviewing me and all Cornell applicants in my town. There were suppose to be 4-5 applicants there, but I was the only one that showed. They told me that they would only write positive things, and that it was mainly a chance for me to talk more about myself, and about any inquiries I might have. It was very informational, and a great chance to let the admissions committee know you better.</p>