<p>i was wondering, how much does the Duke interview matter in actual admissions decision?</p>
<p>Not much. It just gives the interviewer and the school an additional perspective, and allows them to learn things about you that may not show up on your application. It basically serves as another recommendation. A good interview in itself isn't likely to get you in; but if you make a terrible impression, it might hurt you in the evaluation process.</p>
<p>That is somewhat of a pessimistic view bandmom. I have been told that the interview can only help unless maybe you go into a swearing rampage. It isn't that important one way or another.</p>
<p>Hi:
Sorry--I wasn't trying to be pessimistic, just factual. I am an alumnus who participates on the committee that conduct interviews, and what we are told is that it basically serves as an additional recommendation letter and allows the committee to learn about the candidate in more depth. Sometimes the interview can reveal some pretty neat things about the applicant that aren't conveyed in the application. I still believe a good interview by itself won't get you in--an interviewer can rave about a candidate, but unless that student's stats are solid enough to gain admission, admittance isn't likely to happen based on the interview alone. (It happens every year--good candidates that had great interviews don't gain acceptances.) On the other hand, without going into details, I have heard first hand of the occasional student who made a very poor impression (and not just because he/she went on a swearing rampage)--consequently, just as if a teacher wrote a negative letter of evaluation, a less-than-complimentary interview evaluation could possibly hurt the candidate. Now, before all of you worry about the interviews and wonder if it could hurt you in the admissions process, rest assured that this situation doesn't happen often. Most interviewers want the candidates to succeed and evaluate accordingly. I personally recommend that students accept an interview offer if at all possible. It definitely shows interest in the school. However, if distance is a factor, of course the admissions committee understands this. That is why the interviews aren't required and don't weigh heavily in the admission process. Not everyone can get one, so those who have interviews shouldn't have a significant advantage over those who don't.</p>
<p>So if a prospective student is offered an interview and declines, will it hurt his or her chances of getting into Duke?</p>
<p>I'm gonna have to say no</p>
<p>I would also say no, it really shouldn't make a difference, especially if there is a good reason, such as the interviewer lives too far away to make it feasible to meet for the interview. However, Duke will know that the interview was declined, so personally I would try to do one if you don't have a reasonably good excuse for declining. Don't agonize over it though--interviews may help you learn more about Duke and can be enjoyable. Good luck.</p>