Schools that don't require an interview to apply?

<p>A parent asked me this question the other day and all I could say was that I hadn't come across any, but I figured with all this last minute applying and the increased use of common applicants maybe some around here might find a list useful?</p>

<p>I don’t know of any, short of perhaps therapeutic boarding schools. </p>

<p>Would you send your child to a school which admitted students sight unseen?</p>

<p>I’m not sure. Hard to say without being in that situation but if it seemed like a great fit and a student could show that through their essays and the parents through their statement then I would considering visiting during decision month. I wouldn’t rule it out. Probably the biggest issue might getting lots of kids in a school who are there because their parents want them to be there. More so than it being their goal.</p>

<p>In Illinois we have a public boarding school for those in state called IMSA and they don’t interview at all and their retention rate is like 97%.</p>

<p>Hotchkiss!</p>

<p>@SharingGift really?! That school hasn’t even been on our radar so I’ve never even looked at their website. Very interesting.</p>

<p>Yes! SharingGift is correct. Their application states that an interview is optional but highly recommended.</p>

<p>I wonder how much it counts against you if you opt out of the interview? But in a way it makes sense to not require it at such a highly selective school, at least without the in-person visit because admissions will be able to reach a more economically diverse pool. An interview can certainly help a student be remembered by AOs though.</p>

<p>We are doing two phone/Skype interviews because of distance though if it doesn’t work out this year, we will get visits in with the farther schools before applying next year. Of course visits and shadow days are a must before signing any dotted lines.</p>

<p>My introverted dd has actually done very well in 1:1 interviews. I think it is a great opportunity to establish a personal link with an admissions person at each school. My suggestion is to use the interview to your advantage. Even a shy kid can showcase some special ability or passion face to face that might not come across on paper.</p>

<p>An interview is the most powerful way to see if there is a fit between the student and the school. I would not opt out.</p>

<p>IMSA is really hard to get into but I’m going to apply too</p>