Hello,
I am an incoming Junior at a public high school in New Jersey, actively considering applying to Gettysburg during ED1 2018-2019. During my research in Gettysburg’s application requirements, I saw that it was “Strongly Recommended” To schedule an On-Campus interview with an admissions counselor/Off-Campus with Alumni. However, there are two main reasons why these are not viable for me:
- I have a single mother, we are considered to be "economically disadvantaged" (aka low-income) and do not have any means of transportation to and from Gettysburg.
- An off-Campus Interview would be extremely difficult to schedule do to my year round work commitments, as my employer (The local recreation center) does not typically grant days off for students on college visits/interviews.
Does any have experience of this occurring, where both an off-campus interview and an on campus interview were not viable? Will it hurt me in the admissions process if I can not attend a campus visit/interview? Are there any other options that can be arranged (skype/phone call, etc.)?
Any advice would be helpful.
My D once did a skype interview, not at Gburg, though.
Call and ask.
My experience is that the interview, although “strongly recommended,” holds no weight in the final decision. I know of a student who was nationally honored and had what they were told was “the best interview of the year” who was waitlisted. In talking with the person who they had the interview with they were informed that the interview was not considered. This is just my experience but from the sounds of your situation I would consider working on your essay and recommendation letters instead of worrying about the interview. Best of luck to you!
@beenthereanddone , Thank you! I will definitely focus heavily on my essay and my recommendations throughout the coming year. Although I can’t make it to campus before I apply, I hope to be there as a freshman!
Definitely reach out to them. Occasionally, s school will do interviews when they are visiting high schools. More often, they will arrange something with an alum or via Skype. Contacting them will show you tried!
My S is a student at Gettysburg and he did not have an interview. It is definitely not something you should be worrying about now! Since you are only a rising Jr. and have never been to the campus can I ask why you are so sure that you want to apply ED?
@planner03 , Great question! One of our family friends went to Gettysburg, and from her experiences she’s told me that it’s a great LAC for my interests (History and Political Science) and It is well within my reach academically. Although I haven’t been to campus, I have seen virtual tours and it looks absolutely beautiful! However, nothing is definite now, and my decision may change throughout next year. Even if I decide not to apply ED, it will definitely be one of the top schools I apply too RD.