To Interview or not To Interview...?

[jc40]

<p>Here's a question...my D will be applying to NU RD. She has solid stats (2250 SAT I, 3.98 UW GPA, 11 APs -- all 5s so far, lots of ECs/ldshp/summer programs, etc.). We received a postcard telling her to go online if she's interested in an interview. She's somewhat quiet by nature but can come out of her shell and quite talkative if forced. The prospect of interviewing makes her nervous as I'm sure it does most 17 year olds. In light of the fact that it's "optional" and her stats are good, would it look like she's not going the extra mile and disintrested if she doesn't interview?</p>

[tenisghs]

<p>I did the interview option when I applied to Northwestern. I say go for it. I also bought a resume to help craft my answers. She should talk about her passions/interests and why NU is a great fit for her.</p>

[iloveanimals123]

<p>If you live far away then I don’t think its worth wasting the money to travel for an interview that she could potentially blow by being shy. Just make sure she is interesting and not boring in her essays. I live in the suburbs of Chicago & I got accepted ED w/o an interview. Her GPA is higher than mine too and I only have 7 APs. You have to stand out to admissions, and they aren’t the ones doing the interviews. My essays were interesting and said a lot about me, so I didn’t feel like I needed to interview. So I honestly wouldn’t waste my time unless your D is going to wow the interviewers in person.</p>

[tenisghs]

<p>^ iloveanimals, the person who interviewed me was an NU alum who lives in the SE Michigan area. </p>

<p>I doubt NU will force her to travel to Chicago if there are NU alum residing in her region.</p>

[Glenny]

<p>I called the office to set up an interview they told me the interview is useless unless you want to know more about the school. But i figured it could help my chances if they see my interest, but I talked to one of the adcoms and they told me they’re so busy, they’d prefer if i do an info session. </p>

<p>I didn’t do one and got accepted. I honestly think they don’t WANT you to do one. Interview is such a minuscule factor that i don’t think it even helps, but again if you genuinely want to know more about the school (which if you’re in this forum you should know enough from posts) then go for it! </p>

<p>Let her talk through her app</p>

[arbiter213]

<p>The content of an interview has absolutely 0 bearing on admissions. Whether you take one or not COULD have some reflection on your demonstrated interest, and more importantly, allow her to learn more about the school. Take the interview and try not to stress about it.</p>

[Vhiremath4]

<p>How do you get an interview if you haven’t gotten a card? Is it possible to sign up for one online?</p>

[IRJunkie]

<p>

How do you get an interview if you haven’t gotten a card? Is it possible to sign up for one online?

</p>

<p>See the following source: <a href=“http://www.ugadm.northwestern.edu/freshman/visiting/interviews.htm[/url]”>http://www.ugadm.northwestern.edu/freshman/visiting/interviews.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>

@NU Website

Individual, informational/evaluative interviews are not available through the Office of Undergraduate Admission, nor are they a required part of the application process. Optional, individual appointments to discuss life as a student at Northwestern may be scheduled with members of the Alumni Admission Council (AAC) in selected cities. Applicants will be notified by email if AAC appointments are available in their area, and reservations can be made on a first-come, first-served basis. These appointments are generally done in January for Regular Decision applicants. Early Decision applicants may contact our office to find out if an appointment is offered in their area. A student who does not do an individual appointment is NOT at a disadvantage in the admission process.

</p>

[Radddd]

<p>It’s not a disadvantage, but it definitely IS an advantage if you get an interview. THink about it: NU has probably seen thousands of applicants with high SAT scores, GPA, ECs and everything. The interview and the essay are YOUR chances to show how you’re different, that you’re not just a bunch of meaningless numbers. I’d say go for it.</p>

[rdh1991]

<p>usually interviews can only help you, not hurt you. so i would go for it</p>

[HungryLearner]

<p>I interviewed before applying ED in October in hopes of offsetting my low SAT score (2010, yeah).</p>

<p>I’d been in contact with an admissions officer, so I asked him if he could help me schedule one. He directed me to the AAC, where I was able to schedule one in my area (in California).</p>

<p>My interviewer told me that she fills out evaluation forms and then sends them back to the university. She also said interviews do not hurt unless they go really bad (as in you go to the interview and don’t talk at all). </p>

<p>I, like your daughter, am generally quiet but more talkative when it’s necessary. Just bring a resume with you and have two or three questions prepared to ask your alum. I was very, very nervous, but the interview actual came out to be very casual and nice.</p>

<p>Good luck with your decision~!</p>

[Objective789]

<p>Forget the interview. You don’t need it. Why stress out over something that you don’t need to do? Especially if it is an alumni interview. You don’t need it.</p>