<p>I know that Princeton only offers alumni interviews, however, for those who have experienced one of these interviews, do you know how much importance Princeton places on them? How much influence does the interviewer have on an applicant and their chances for admission (either positive or negative)? Any other feedback about Princeton interviews would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Either way, you'll do best when you're not nervous. It's a lot of fun -- you just talk to alumni about Princeton and what you like about it. There are a lot of things to like, so I'm sure you won't run out of things to talk about -- and if you do, the alumnus will have more than enough enthusiasm about Pton to fill in your time. Just keep your energy up and stay focused -- answer the question asked and try not to get too off topic :)</p>
<p>"try not to get too off topic" what do you mean?
like what would be off topic (reasonably...)</p>
<p>Treat it like normal conversation, but more formal - don't tense up. Answer the interviewer's questions and elaborate some - don't "stick to the topic" so much that you don't get to talk about a loosely related experience that's interesting. Oh, and make sure you prepare some questions to ask the alum.</p>
<p>I don't think my interview had too much of an impact. I had mine last-minute (they didn't assign me an interviewer until really late), and over the phone from a lady that lived on the other side of the state (I guess they were really short on interviewers?). She was quite nice and kept trying to find things to show the admissions office that I "had a personality". =)</p>
<p>In my experience, the interview almost has no bearing whatsoever on the admission decision. Relax.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for the advice!</p>
<p>According to my friend who visited, they could care less if you interview or not, though I'm not sure that's entirely true.</p>
<p>I think I heard that you only interview after you have submitted an application, but does anyone know if you can request to have an interview or if you can only have an interview if Princeton asks you to?</p>
<p>From what I gathered from the interviewers in my area, they try to outdo eachother in their write-up reports, making their applicants sound above brilliant. It's a mark of pride in the little competitions they have if their own interviewee gets in. :)</p>
<p>ellmtree- you don't have to do anything. You'll automatically get one if they have someone available anywhere near you.</p>
<p>No I do think that an interview can have some impact if you are like border line....say if two different candidates have the same stats and ecs and both have good essays...a good interview can determine who gets in and who gets waitlisted...the most important thing about an interview is to BE YOURSELF and be positive....</p>
<p>I dunno, my interviewer said (though he was probably exaggerating a little, to help me relax or something) that he doesn't know of a single decision in Princeton history that's been changed because of an interview.
That said, how would he know?</p>