To inteview or not to interview?

<p>Hi,
I'm on my college tour (using a friend's computer). I just saw the University of Utah today,and we're heading up to MT tomorrow. (I'll post reports when we get back.)</p>

<p>Anyway, on the strong reccommendations of friends, it has been suggested we visit the U of Puget Sound while in WA. The problem is, in order to interview and "officially visit" we would have to stay 2 extra days. We can have a self-guided tour on Saturday and not add any time. However, I'm worried that wouldn't be enough "showing interest." Is UPS really sheavy on that? Would going on an official tour/inteview give me that much of a superior view of the school?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>wolfpiper: I really don't know anything about this particular school, nor what they require or might "highly recommend" in terms of interviews...but I can tell you that in our experience, only those schools where interviews are actually required (and where they definitely ensure that an alum will contact you if you can't be on campus), did it really seem to matter. In fact, when my daughter hadn't been contacted by one highly selective school, she called admissions to see if she could arrange an interview. They told her that their interviews were more for the students than anything else, that they didn't really look at them in admissions, and it was too late to set one up and not to worry about it. So she didn't. She did get accepted to the school. In fact, of the 7 schools to which she applied, she had interviews with only 3. I know people say you have to really "show interest," but I'm really not sure about that. Again, for those schools that require interviews--yes, you should have an interview. But you don't have to worry about them; they'll have someone contact you. </p>

<p>That's our take on interviews, but I'm sure others might have differing advice. If you don't want to take up the 2 extra days, you could always set up an alumni interview at a later date if you wanted.</p>

<p>At smaller schools an interview is more effective. It shows your interest and if you are a "good match" for that particular school.</p>

<p>My d interviewed at UPS and received a rather nice financial aid package and admission the next week. In this case the interview and the interest shown really mattered. The interview was not just a casual discussion it was quite a thought provoking answer session. Hope this helps.</p>

<p>willmingtonwave: How small do you mean? Most of the schools where my daughter did not have interviews, ranged anywhere from 1500 to 6000 undergraduates. In fact, with the exception of her state university, the schools that had larger student populations seemed to be the ones where the interviews really mattered and were required (in our case, at least). But I'm assuming you mean smaller than 1,000 students, perhaps?</p>

<p>Most LAC's in the 1000-3200 range I know of conduct interviews. I know my school puts alot of emphasis on interviews, since there are so many applicants with great stitistics it really gives the college a way to weed out people who lack, how shall I put it, social skills?</p>

<p>Forget the official tour, it generally just tells you which building are what and answers some question you can always find out about later. </p>

<p>As for the interview, I think it's really a good idea. The interview is just like an extension of the essay: a way for the admissions department to know you. It is always easier to dismiss a pile of statistics then it is an intelligent, well-spoken applicant. If you can contact the admissions office and let them know that you are under a tight travel schedule but would still be very interested in interviewing (remember, much of the interview is based on your questions about the college so be ready) I'd advise you to go for it.</p>

<p>Interviews do help at the U of Puget Sound. My daughter's guidance counselor STRONGLY recommended she interview if she visited and hinted that an interview helps not only with admissions but also with merit money possibilities. I do know that UPS is a school that is very concerned with fit, so the reason to interview would not be to demonstrate interest so much as to let them get to know you personally. I think this might be especially important in your case Wolfpiper, as you want to make sure they are not hung up on your disability in any way.</p>

<p>On the other hand, if you can't afford the extra time, it may be possible to arrange a phone interview at a later date if it moves onto your list. Or, as tomadog suggested, call them and let them know you can only be there on Saturday and ask if they could schedule an interview. Many schools will indeed conduct Saturday interviews if asked.</p>

<p>My D too got a great scholarship. She interviewed with the rep at a local college fair and later visited. The reps there are great, will call you at home and work with you to maximize merit. Definitely worth getting to know!</p>