I’m terrible in interviews and the college says that it won’t hurt if I don’t take one. But they did offer me one.
Rule of thumb is that for elite colleges, optional can be translated into mandatory. It’s time you get out of your comfort zone.
I would suggest you take it and see it as a fun experience rather than something stressful.
If you really, really, really can’t, then I guess you will have to contact the school and decline and perhaps give a reasonable explanation why.
But again, I do highly recommend it.
While an interview has more potential to hurt you than help you, declining an offered interview can hurt you as well, especially if the college considers “level of applicant’s interest” in admissions.
Take it. Optional means mandatory as far as college admissions goes.
Which college is it? Message me if you want to.
I too was so nervous for interviews. I actually just had another one today AND one tomorrow! However, I find that the fear and nerves is really about the anticipation and worry. Once you get into it, you start feeling comfortable. Just go for it. Don’t stress about it and be you. Don’t try to fit a certain kind of mold or follow a script. Let your words flow and know that the person interviewing you WANTS to be doing this…they aren’t being forced. My first interview or two, I kept trying to find an excuse to get out of it. BUT, once I finished each interview, I felt so good! Trust me…you won’t regret it. Good luck, and just shake it off 