<p>Hi. I have a question.
1. Is interview required for admission?
2. Does Occidental use holistic approach in admission? can unique essays play a role in admission process?
3.Does specific major choice affect decisions?
Thank you!</p>
<p>Bumpppppppppp</p>
<p>I think you’re overthinking it. No stress. Although most colleges say they’re holistic, Oxy definitely is - there’s only ~530 students in every year, yeah? They have to choose who fits and who’ll take initiative/thrive in a small school. Judging from my application (got in as a transfer), they looked at everything. So unique essays (or any essay) will play a large role.</p>
<p>Your essay’ll be unique as long as its personal and makes a good case for yourself. Don’t get caught up in trying to be unique for the sake of being unique.</p>
<p>As stated on the website, interviews aren’t required at all. I’m sure they help though. I was by no means a guaranteed admit, but they remember you - it’s an extra chance to get across stuff that wouldn’t fit in the application. Plus they were pretty friendly. </p>
<p>Not sure on major, but I doubt it. tbh I’m just guessing on this but the majority of people anywhere switch majors all the time.</p>
<p>Thank you! I really hope i get in!! I am stressing a lot! I wrote a lot about myself and my teacher who read my essays said they are very unique and even smiled at them! Only 530 people attend every year? Wow! Am i supposed to worry since only a few get in? I feel like my stats (3.4-3.5 unweighted gpa and 1950 SAT) isn’t enough for oxy :(</p>
<p>Smiling’s never bad, they’ll go through everything. Go for the interview if you’re local -if on campus, you’ll likely interview with one of the admissions directors. That way at least one person at the table reviewing your application knows more about you, and can back you up in front of the rest of the admissions committee. Best of luck.</p>
<p>Thank you very much shinjinn!</p>
<p>Hi OP, I’m a sophomore at Oxy and an intern in the Office of Admission. In regards to your questions: interviews are not required for your application, we absolutely do use a holistic approach in considering your application, and I believe unique essays can play a role in your admission process. </p>
<p>As for a specific major impacting your application, Oxy does not require you to declare a major on your application, so I wouldn’t overthink that element of your app…If you have a major in mind that you’re especially passionate about that could be great for showing who you are to the admission officers 
</p>
<p>Thank you for your information! :)</p>