<p>So how important is the interview? </p>
<p>I am thinking of not requesting for an interview.(not sure yet) Will that hurt?
And if I do request for an interview, do i have to visit Chicago?</p>
<p>I don't think that it will hurt you not to have an interview. On the other hand, an interview can really help. My child, who had marginal grades and SAT scores for Chicago applicants, did make the trip to Chicago for an interview. She really bonded with her interviewer who noted that her stats were a little low for Chicago, but that he really liked her and felt that she was a diamond in the rough. Anyway, he kept in touch with her afterwards and kept giving her tips on how to promote her application. By going to Chicago for an interview she was really able to sell herself and show her extreme interest in the school and what she had to offer them as a person and prospective student. She was accepted, is now in her second year and doing great. I firmly believe that going to Chicago and doing the interview made all of the difference in her getting accepted.</p>
<p>For my child, going to Chicago and having the interview was what made her decide that she wanted to go there. Like newenglandparent's D, she kept in touch with her interviewer even after he left the school. </p>
<p>Chicago also offers alumni interviews, for which you would not have to go to Chicago. You'd be unlikely to have the sort of transforming experience that newenglandparent and I describe. </p>
<p>Interviews are truly optional, so you can be content with whatever decision you make.</p>