To interview... or not?

<p>I would really like to interview with an alum in Japan.
The problem is, the only one in the country is more than 3 hours away from me, and it would cost at least $200 by train. (around $400 if by plane)
My first choice is Tepper, and my second is HSS. The alum graduated from HSS two years ago. </p>

<p>Do you think it would be wise to set up an interview or not?</p>

<p>I wouldn’t set one up. Admissions will see your country and will understand that it’s difficult to get an interview. They don’t expect anyone to spend $200 ‘demonstrating interest’ with an interview. </p>

<p>That said, do you have plans to visit campus? Admissions schedules on-campus interviews that are the same as an alumni interview (except kind of not, because the person reviewing works in the admissions office). That could be a viable alternative.</p>

<p>you could also contact the interviewer and see what his/her situation is. I’ve only been to Japan a couple times, but aren’t there more permanent shinkansen passes that people have? Is there a way h/she could agree to meet you in the middle or even a couple stops closer to you?</p>

<p>Aside from that, you probably shouldn’t worry about it. They won’t count it against you if you live in an area where getting an interview is not feasible.</p>