Interviews? Help needed

<p>I've received some information on setting up interviews with representatives from schools I am planning on applying to this year. But because I have yet to do any interview, I am rather confused about the entire process.
So my question- are interviews usually done before you have actually submitted your application? How do I set up the interview? Can anyone elaborate on the whole process? Do they need information from me before they we can conduct an interview? How necessary is an interview- I'm sort of shy and would pretty much love to not do any interview, but I know it's important and I have not had a chance to visit these schools.
Any help would be extremely appreciated. Thank in advance!</p>

<p>From what I know about interviews (and I'm not saying I know much):</p>

<p>interviews are almost always done after you've submitted your application (or at least parts of it)</p>

<p>some schools will contact you abt an interview after they have received your app and others you will have to contact an alumnus in your area yourself</p>

<p>the interviewers don't need an info on you b4 hand but some ppl say bringing a resume to the interview is nice</p>

<p>and I personally would say that, if you can, ALWAYS have an interview It doesn't matter if you're shy They just want to get to know you better than your scores, GPA, etc.</p>

<p>-this is just my opinion and I'll have you know that I haven't had any interviews (yet-- I'm gonna have like 8 of them this year) and this info is just gathered by hearing others speak about this topic</p>

<p>If they "recommend" an interview, you should do it. Every school is different about setting them up.
One school sent my d a booklet with the school's interviewers - basically alumni all over the country - and she found the ones from our area and called one for an interview. The one she chose was a doctor, and the interview was at his office in the city.
Another school had a person in our area for a few days and she met my d at Panera's.
Another school - d missed the "recommended" part (which also said an interview was necessary to get merit aid) - d got into that school, loved it but got no aid so it was out of the running.
Also some interviews are set up in December so start checking details as soon as you apply so you don't miss it.</p>