I’m struggling to understand why some schools offer interviews when they also state that interviews are “not considered” in the admissions decision. One college of interest offers interviews but also states (on their common data set) that neither interviews nor demonstrated applicant interest are considered for admissions… so why advertise the interviews along with the info sessions and tours? If the college cares about their yield, I’m guessing they want as much information on the seriousness of every strong candidate.
Some interviews are evaluative (and do count in admissions) while others are informational (meant to give the applicant an opportunity to learn more about the university). It sounds like the interviews at the school you are talking about are strictly informational and do not play a part in the admissions decision.
The CDS is not policed. In some fields, there aren’t fixed definitions of what means what. Some interpret the interview question as whether it’s mandatory. But they still do read the reports and react to them.
Unless a schools states it’s only for informational purposes, it’s safer to asume they do matter. Dig around and see what you learn on the college’s web site. After all, this is a college’s first hand look at you, “eyes on.”
Vassar is changing from informational to evaluative. They emailed my husband, an alumni interviewer, to that effect, and there will be a new training for interviewers.
But even so, in past years when it was “informational,” my husband had to send in a written report about the interview where one of the things he had to do was assess the applicant’s level of interest!
“One college of interest offers interviews but also states (on their common data set) that neither interviews nor demonstrated applicant interest are considered for admissions… so why advertise the interviews along with the info sessions and tours?”
It could be yield-related. The college is probably trying to help you figure out if they are a good fit or not. Perhaps they might be using the interview as an additional recruitment tool. I wouldn’t overthink it. If they say the interview is not considered, and DI is not considered, and you don’t want to do it, then don’t schedule one. If it is your first choice school, I’d do one anyway, though. It might help to make your “why us” essay stronger.
Thanks for the feedback. The college is Saint Anselm. They may be informational (thanks, Happy1) which is definitely part of the motivation to learn more about the college and assess the best fit. While they may not be a major part of the decision, I suspect that Lookingforward is also correct that the interview may matter at some level since a bit part of St. Anselm’s stated interest is understanding the character of the candidate. FWIW, here is what St. Anselm posted at the bottom of its Admissions FAQ (not with the Interview scheduling page):
Do you offer interviews?
Interviews are offered to all students prior to the release of his or her admission decision. Students can schedule an interview on our visit page. Interviews are not required and are not considered when evaluating an application.
Excellent to know, TheGreyKing.
At the college I know best, for a few years, it said interviews were not considered. I knew they not only were, but that they mattered very much.