So my daughter just sent me a screenshot of the email that she got from the guy assigned to do her interview and he wants to do it at his home. Is it just me, or is that creepy? I did call and speak to admissions and they advised that it is not their policy to do so, in fact the interviewers are asked to meet in a public place (library, Starbucks, etc.). She suggested we email him back and give the alternative locations that she can meet him at. Although I will not be driving her, I may be sitting in a parking lot nearby.
We specifically forbid this. Please forward the email to interview@mit.edu in addition to telling the interviewer you would rather meet like a coffee shop or whatever. If they don’t comply, we’ll get you another interviewer.
It’s typically (though not always) an older EC who themselves interviewed in someone’s home a million years ago and thinks it makes them seem more hospitable and personal and friendly and whatever. But it is against policy and I don’t blame you for not wanting to do it (even though, again, it’s almost always just this holdover from when it wouldn’t have been considered weird).
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
Closing thread as the definitive answer has been given