<p>I applied Upenn ED and have not received any contacts for Interview yet. But my friends in my school and applied Upenn too received their interviews already. Does anyone know if this is normal? I am really frustrated and nervous now. </p>
<p>I’m in the same boat! ): Anyone have any news/advice? </p>
<p>Have you checked to see what Penn says?</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.admissions.upenn.edu/apply/freshman-admission/interviews#Interview%20Policies”>http://www.admissions.upenn.edu/apply/freshman-admission/interviews#Interview%20Policies</a></p>
<p>Thanks. Yes, I checked. But other students in my school got interviews already. I am panic and do not know if it is normal. </p>
<p>You’re not pre-screened so it’s not indicative of anything. You may NEVER get an interview. It’s just random. I know it’s maddening but it just happens that way. Trust me… I know.</p>
<p>Thanks T26E4. Hopefully everything goes well. 
</p>
<p>Interviews are certainly not random. They are for borderline students. However, don’t worry if you aren’t contacted for one, people that get in without interviews. Also, you have more time to be contacted</p>
<p>@Peezus I don’t think that’s true for Penn. Their website states that 75% of applicants get interviews.</p>
<p>@BigBadBull a couple of friends at penn have confirmed. obviously I don’t know for sure but it makes sense. that statistic is interesting though I’ll look more into it</p>
<p>@Peezus Actually, I just took a look at the link that T64E4 posted and it says that about 85% of applicants get interviews.</p>
<p>As a longtime interviewer for Penn, I can assure you they are not for borderline students. We strive to interview every applicant. Some may have “virtual interviews” if it is not possible to meet face to face. Your chances will not be diminished if you are not contacted for an interview.</p>
<p>Thank all of you! I cross my fingers. </p>
<p>I stand corrected, my apologies!</p>
<p>@Peezus: the reason interviews aren’t directed towards borderline students only is that Penn (and other schools) don’t have enough time to read any portion of most apps before the applicants’ names must begin being sent out to the local interviewing councils. The deadlines are just too critical. For instance, in my area (I interview for another Ivy), 99% of Early Action applicants names were sent to the interview coordinator within 3 days of the EA deadline. Four days after the deadline, all applicants had been assigned to an interviewer.</p>
<p>Now certain exceptions exist. e.g. Harvard seems to parcel out interviews for some international students – aiming them towards those from whom they really want more info.</p>
<p>Also, since applicants now continually swamp the # of available interviewers and report submission deadlines approach, I’m sure some admissions offices can issue a “preferred” list of interviewees and a second list where an interview would not make a difference. While the goal is to interview 100%, efficiency and time crunches overtake ideal situations – of this I’m certain.</p>
<p>Thanks @T26E4 . Do you know if Penn has a “preferred” list or second list? Also in your experience as an interviewer, do you know anybody got accepted without interview by Penn? Thanks.</p>
<p>Penn does NOT have a “preferred” or second list. OCCASIONALLY Penn will request an applicant be given a specific interview. That only happened to me once - and that was a several years ago. Interview reports are due next week for the ED round so if you have not been contacted by now, it might be that you will not be offered an interview even if other students in your school were. It’s a bit random but it is also down to how many interviewers are in your area AND how many interviews each of them are willing to do in the ED round. I would suggest you double check your filtered mail. I’ve had emails marked as spam. I always make more than one attempt to contact a student before marking them down as declining an interview / non-responsive but I can’t guarantee ALL interviewers do that.</p>
<p>I DO know students who were admitted who were not offered an interview. I also know students who declined an interview and were admitted. If you are not offered an interview, it will NOT be held against you.</p>
<p>As @T26E4 writes, there’s no screening done on the students who get interviews. There is a goal to offer as many students interviews as possible. We’re not at 100% coverage yet but each year the % does climb. </p>
<p>Good luck to you.</p>
<p>Let me clarify about my remark of a “preferred” list (post #14). I’m speaking only about a very unusual circumstance where a locality might already be overstretched with its RD interviews and the practical deadline is getting near. It would not be crazy for the local coordinator to get from the home office a list of names that “wink, wink, Can you do your best to see if these kids can get a report filed before the deadline?”</p>
<p>This is not standing policy as far as I know with any school. I don’t interview for Penn – but I’m 100% certain that there are admits to top schools that never get interviewed (I rec’d a Brown admit, never having been interviewed).</p>
<p>Thanks a lot @plmdin and @T26E4</p>