<p>I just received a message from Upenn alum saying that she received my info late and we have to complete the interview before the end of this month. The problem is that we both have busy schedules. At the same time she lives far away and I might have to soon go to Brussels, Belgium & Strasbourg, France to participate in exhibit organized by Council of Europe. I really dont feel like going to that interview with all these on my plate + the high school stuff Im doing. Will it be too bad to refuse? I heard interviews are not that much of a help in any case. </p>
<p>Plenty of people have stressful schedules and still make room for the interview. Refusing the interview is not a good idea -- it sends a pretty negative signal that can definitely hurt your application. I suggest you go to it.</p>
<p>your university application is much more important, do the interview,
in the long run this is more important than any/most other events you could be otherwise be partaking in...</p>
<p>Refusing an interview might make them think that you have something to hide, it might not matter that you have a legit excuse, they could just think that theres something about you that you are trying to hide purposefuly by cancelling...</p>
<p>or on the other hand since the interview isnt important/neccessary they wont give a **** either way..... i dunno, im no addmissions officer</p>
<p>Universities want to admit students who are qualified but more importantly ones that show a strong interest in attending the university. How do you think they'll react if you don't even make time for a hour-long alumni interview?</p>
<p>yeah, dont refuse the interview unless you seriously have absolutely no free time at all.<br>
You must have a couple hours to spare on the weekend where you can squeeze one in.</p>
<p>If you refuse the interview, they'll probably think you are not very serious about Penn, which will hurt your chance a lot.
Anyway, you don't have to prepare too much for the interview, just be yourself. squeeze a couple hours and you can get the interview done.</p>
<p>Talk it over with your interviewer. Don't go out of your way and skip your important extracurricular stuff, but try to make it work out. Plus there's other possibilities like a phone interview. If all else fails, have the interviewer write an note and I'm sure the admissions committee will understand.</p>
<p>I know four people who told their interviewer that they were pretty busy. One got in RD, and the rest went in ED. Interview is not all that, trust me</p>