<p>i'm from philly and i'm gonna apply to rice regular decision and i'm not gonna visit. do i need to interview?</p>
<p>Interviews aren't require so you don't need to, but it could help to show interest and learn more about Rice. The interviews are pretty easy. You just need to request one by December 1 (I think). I did an alumni interview when I applied and I really enjoyed it. I got to ask my interviewer questions about Rice and it was a really positive experience. You may also want to attend one of Rice's regional info sessions.</p>
<p>Just put on your best suit and take the opportunity to get some free coffee at Starbucks, because that's all the interview is. Just be yourself, don't sweat it, and just don't act like a crazy maniac or do anything stupid, and the interview will show Rice that you have a lot of interest (especially as an out-of-state student) which is something they love in an applicant.</p>
<p>What grade were you in when you had your interview? Oh, and do you think that as a sophomore, I'm too young to attend a regional information session?</p>
<p>You have your interview during application season - fall of your senior year - so that it can be paired/analyzed/whatever they do with your application.
I think they cater information sessions to juniors; I'd say wait until at least then so you get the lowdown on whatever will be applicable to your year (expanded class sizes, new gym, etc).</p>
<p>Why the hell would you wear a suit to Starbucks? Just wear what you would normally wear, except a bit nicer. It's highly unlikely that your interviewer will be in a suit, so why would you dress in one? This isn't a job interview; don't treat it like one.</p>
<p>Wear your best baggy shorts, flip-flops, and t-shirt. ;) Maybe check to make sure t-shirt slogan is not offensive.....</p>
<p>^or better yet wear a Rice t-shirt. Brownie points right there</p>
<p>haha. Now there's an idea!</p>
<p>Interviews can really vary. My son was invited to a Rice alum's house. It was an incredibly intense meeting, covering a broad range of topics -- rapid fire questions.</p>
<p>It makes good sense to be very familiar with Rice (study the website), to line up probing questions, and to show your enthusiasm. My son was interviewed in December, senior year. While a good word from an alum might not tip the scales, it can certainly confirm an applicant's strengths and leave an impression.</p>
<p>DS's interview was spent talking a lot about Ultimate Frisbee :)</p>
<p>My interview was at a Starbucks, but that was because it was the closest meeting place. It was pretty relaxed - we talked about Japanese (and I seem to remember rambling on about the relationship between German and English at some point), but it was mostly about my high school. I think it varies quite a bit, and there's no definite plan for your interviews. Which is good, since the idea is to get a measure of your true character, and that's impossible if you already know what they want to hear.</p>
<p>Oh, and dress wasn't formal at all. No ragged jeans and halter tops, but....does "tastefully casual" work as a description?</p>