I was wondering what people’s experience is with requesting an alumni interview after the deadline. I’ll give you an example Tufts has Jan 8 as their request an interview deadline and I didn’t realize that some schools you have to request an interview I figured they reach out. Anyways, Would it be bad to email them and say I know I missed the deadline, I didn’t realize I had to request an interview but if there are any openings with alumni in my area I’d would love to have one. should I not do this because it’s past the date and it would look bad in their eyes, or is it not too big of a deal. The same thing happened with Carleton Jan 15th deadline to request and I didn’t realize. Thoughts, opinions, and experiences with this situation would be awesome, thanks. Also how big of a deal is the interview anyways? I really want one because I’m on the edge of acceptance at some of these schools, especially a school like Tufts.
Relax - the interview is not required, and not that important for admissions to Tufts. From Tufts website:
“A personal interview is not a required element of Tufts’ undergraduate admissions process though first-year applicants may request an optional interview. The interviews are conducted by members of the Tufts Admissions Network or by one of our senior interviewers.”
Here is a link the the Common Data Set - Look at Page 7: http://provost.tufts.edu/institutionalresearch/files/Tufts_CDS_2015-2016.pdf
If you want an interview, you should email and request one. The worst they can say is no.
@nugraddad I know it’snot required but they say that about everything, not required but recommended. Which means if you can do it then definitely go for it. I was just thinking if it could help me get in I should do it, right? It’s one more thing that would push me in the yes direction.
@Andrewtm123 - Interviews are also recommended not required for Northwestern - and I had 2 kids admitted- one RD and one ED - neither of them interviewed. Neither of them took any SAT IIs either, even those are also recommended not required. My point is that since the interview deadline date has passed, why push it?
Your GPA, Test Scores and ECs are all more important than an interview, and IMHO even an outstanding interview will not make up for a lack in those categories. And if you are a total plus in all those categories, why bother. Talk to your parents and/or GC if you want to, but life goes on and I am confident you will do fine - after all, you are close to both Tufts and Carleton, right?! 
RELAX!