<p>I don't open up readily to other people in real life unless I've already have a lot of experience with them (hence why most of my friends sat near me in class or at lunch, etc.). When it comes to dealing with people I don't really know, I'm usually just shy or quiet. So I don't think I'll be able to convey my thoughts and feelings effectively in an interview setting, and I might even draw a blank on a few questions; being put on the spot by someone tends to make me do that.</p>
<p>Despite this, should I still interview if it is encouraged by the admissions office?</p>
<p>(Asking this now because I'm planning college visits in the summer.)</p>
<p>The more you interview, the better you get at it. The reality of college is that you will be expected to deal with people you don’t really know, so you might as well start getting more at ease now. Plus, it’s possible to prepare somewhat. Think about, and practice out loud, answers to typical interview-type questions: “why are you interested in our school, what are your strengths, what are your weaknesses, what can you contribute to our student body,” etc etc. There is a fun interview thread on CC somewhere, search it out. You’ll discover you’re not the only one with interview angst, and you may also read some good tips and get constructive advice on how to deal with tricky interview situations.</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure interviews are there only to help you, not hurt you. If your interview is interesting, your interviewer will make a note about it and it will help improve your chances. If the interview is not so good, just forget about it.</p>
<p>^^I’ll be sure to check out that thread.
^So is it kind of like “if you’re not psychotic, exceedingly unhygienic, or both, we won’t hold the interview against you”?</p>
<p>pretty much…when I interviewed with an alum, he said one objective was to weed out the incredibly awkward/psychotic types, I wouldn’t worry about just being a little quiet. The other goal is to “sell” the student on attending the school in question over other schools.</p>
<p>A good strategy is to interview at a few places that you don’t really love. Treat them seriously, though, as if they are dress rehearsals. By the time you get to the schools that you like, you will have some level of comfort.</p>
<p>The point of an interview is not to increase your chances of being accepted to a school but rather it is to learn as much as you can about the school from the interviewer. My son was accepted to a school he couldn’t schedule an interview for and waitlisted to one he was able to interview with. </p>
<p>I would suggest you come up with a list of questions and try and schedule an interview to all schools you are interested in just to learn if it’s the type of school you would be happy attending. A poor interview will not hurt your chances IMHO.</p>