<p>I was wondering how much the interview really counts in the admissions process. Anyone know?</p>
<p>Can only help you... </p>
<p>Shows them your interest (you took the initiative to sign up for an interview).</p>
<p>Usually the interviewers have good things to say about the students.</p>
<p>Certainly students who interview (or have their interviews waived) are accepted at a higher rate -- 19% vs. 10%, or something along those lines.</p>
<p>I wasn't interviewed when I applied. Here I am.</p>
<p>I wasn't interviewed, but I couldn't; no one in the area.</p>
<p>Mostly I think it's so they can get an impression of You, rather than what you look like on paper. I'd imagine it's fairly important, but I'd highly doubt if a really bad interview would make an automatic 'no', and vice versa.</p>
<p>it isn't all about the applicant. I think that an equally valid function of interviews is to keep alums involved in the university. That's something MIT in particular seems very big on.</p>