<p>So, I'm pretty sure EVERYONE ELSE who applied to Cornell from my school got an interview, accept for me. I'm not freaking out, I'm just curious as to why it would work out that way. Any ideas? </p>
<p>If it means anything, the interviewer came to our school and held like 5 interviews on the same day (to knock them out, I suppose). Apparently, he lives ten minutes from the school.</p>
<p>some colleges require an interview and some don't
so it depends on which one you and your classmates applied to.</p>
<p>its not that big of a deal. last year I was the only who did not get
an interview at my school, but I was the only one who got in.</p>
<p>Also its except not accept.</p>
<p>I agree - it's such an easy way for kids to slip up, reveal all kinds of minuses like: poor fit for their major, exaggeration on their application (especially in terms of extracurriculars), overly-introverted personality, applying too many colleges, lack of serious or particular interest in Cornell, lack of knowledge about Cornell, etc. Unlike an essay where a kid can prepare for weeks, the interview allows no preparation whatsoever. It's extremely intimidating for most kids, as they're with people twice their age - who are typically in positions of authority over them. And most kids have zero experience with this kind of thing. And many of the alumni are very savvy and throw hardball questions. There are too many variables for a kid to control to make themselves look good, so very few escape the interview without revealing something that makes them look bad.</p>
<p>I would only recommend the interview for a kid who is very comfortable interpersonally, especially with older people, has some experience in this kind of 1-on-1 formal meeting setting, and knows the whole college application process well, especially what Cornell is looking for and what the alumni will be looking for. If you're just an average shy kid who gets good grades and wants to go to an Ivy, you stand a good chance of getting picked apart.</p>
<p>You might luck out and get a "softball" or inexperienced interviewer, but those usually do nothing for your application.</p>
<p>The one other exception is that if you really know a lot about Cornell and college in general and feel very confident talking about the subject. For example, if you did a summer session there in high school, or you've visited an older sibling who goes to the school there, or if you have a parent who teaches there, etc.</p>
<p>When I applied to Cornell, I really wanted to go there, so I didn't arrange for an alumni interview. I had strong essays which revealed my personality, and I luckily got in. I did an alumni interview for another school (one that I didn't care about much) and it didn't go well for me at all.</p>
<p>Does ILR do interviews? Anyone know? Heh.</p>