<p>is there an interview required in the application process?</p>
<p>not required, you may get scheduled for an alumni one after you apply</p>
<p>they aren't a big deal</p>
<p>It isn't required and probably doesn't make a huge difference in your appliation, but if they offer you an interview, I wouldn't decline it.
I personally didn't want to do an interview, but they contacted me and I didn't want to say no.</p>