I recently applied to Vandy RD, and I was just wondering whether or not I should request an interview. I’ve done my research on Vandy (which is why I chose to apply there), so what’s the purpose of an interview? Is the purpose for the university to learn about me, or for me to learn about the university? If it is the latter then I’m not overly interested since I am confident with my knowledge of Vandy. Obviously if an interview increases admittance chance then I would be interested, or if it would add an integral, personal layer to my application. If it is largely unnecessary, ineffective, or just for me to learn about the school then I would not really be interested. I look on Vanderbilt’s FAQs and the only concrete information I found was that it is not required. I’ve heard various sources support each way, so should I request an interview? I’m 3/4 of the way done with my applications, so if there isn’t a true need to interview I would rather not.
I mean I don’t think an interview is necessarily should be about gaining factual knowledge about Vandy or for it’s “usefulness”. It’s just to hold conversations with alumni for like 20 minutes. It’s not a big deal but it can be interesting. My interviewer and I talked about research in topology and how he believes Vanderbilt helped him in his career. And in terms of admissions, I think anything that’s available to you should be used.
I don’t think it’s really factored into the decision very heavily at all; from what I understand, it’s more to provide info/an opportunity for applicants to ask questions. If you look on the website, it even mentions how some applicants might not be nearby an interviewer (like those in remote areas), and that not doing it won’t hurt you.
However, Vanderbilt’s seems to be pretty sensitive to yield in the RD round (i.e. lately they seem to waitlist strong candidates they don’t think will attend) and the interview might show a little bit of demonstrated interest. So if Vanderbilt’s really high on your list it could be a good idea (plus the extra info and perspectives could be really useful if you’re strongly considering the school), but if you decide you don’t have the time/energy to do so I wouldn’t sweat it.
I applied ED and requested 3 different interviewers – nobody responded. I emailed my admissions representative and he told me not to worry and emphasized that they were totally optional. I think I read somewhere once that only about 1/3 of accepted students actually interviewed (I could be totally wrong), so I have the impression that interviews aren’t anywhere near a deal-breaker.
My D never interviewed, and she was accepted RD. She is now an alumni interviewer. It’s a really good chance for candidates to ask questions and get answers about what it’s like to be a student at Vanderbilt. It doesn’t make a difference for admissions, but it may help admitted candidates in that they have had the opportunity to get to know the school a bit better from the point of view of someone who has been there/done that.
I agree with the above. So many parents and kids read into interviews. They are given hardly any weight, if at all, especially with alumni interviewers.
I was going to interview and recently applied but there aren’t any in my area. My VU account says that there are none available in my area. I was looking forward to interviewing.