SoCal Pomona College applicant not doing an on-campus interview...

Earlier this month I tried to sign up for an on-campus interview for Pomona, but every day was already full through December. However, the website says that the last day for on-campus interviews is December 23rd, but the website only has sign-up slots for days up to December 13th. The website also said to sign up at least theee weeks in advance. Pomona expects SoCal applicants to come to campus for an interview, but I can’t sign up for one… What should I do?

I would call admissions on Monday to beg, plead or cajole them into scheduling an interview and tell them you’re willing to go anytime, at their convenience. Maybe they have a waitlist or a cancellation policy?

I don’t know what else you can do except call admissions and check the website every day to watch for cancellations. I’m surprised you’ve found yourself in this situation, given that you have been doing multiple chance me threads about Pomona since May but apparently waited until November to try to get an interview slot despite living in SoCal.

@Corinthian yeah I know but I didn’t know about having to sign up for an interview until November… I thought every applicant got interviewed after their application was submitted.

Even though Pomona recommends interviews - since it gives them another chance to “hear your voice” - they are no longer “expected” for SoCal residents as in years past (yes, I know the catalog says they are expected, but the catalog also says SAT Subject test are still required - and they aren’t). Don’t fret if they can’t fit you in and spend the time polishing your essays/supplements.

@otisp what a relief it is to see your comment. Thanks!

Unless you have a hook or you have the interview of your life where you’re at the top of your game that day, an interview can also hurt you. In my students’ experience, in at least one case, although the interview lasted an hour and a half usually a sign that the interviewer likes you, and you have a lot of good stuff to talk about, in the end she was deferred from the elite, small East Coast women’s college. In hind sight, we thought perhaps they were more critical of her. Interviews can help but they can also hurt. So if your application presents your contributions to the community well, I don’t think if’s necessarily a bad thing if you can’t interview.