I know that a lot of colleges say that the interview is optional but they actually really don’t like it if you decide not to do it. So are there any “top” colleges that actually don’t care whether or not you do an interview/don’t offer interviews. I know that the UCs don’t and I live in California so I will be applying to those. I ask this because I am very socially incompetent and an interview would surely cause more harm than good. By the way, I’m a sophomore right now.
Cornell only requires for its hotel program and recommends for its architecture program if I am thinking correctly.
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UChicago and WashU have the option to request interviews but don’t require it, and I have kids who got into both without asking for one.
I would also like to say to you that for those schools which do require an interview:
Even if the interview is not terrific, it won’t hurt you unless you say something arrogant, racist etc. I have a very shy child, so I was wondering how those kids are evaluated. I have several friends who interview for selective colleges, and I have spoken to them about this. They said that they understand that kids are shy or nervous during these interviews. Shy people can still project an aura of sincerity or likability even if they are not “the life of the party.” So I agree that you should look for some schools that don’t require interviews, but you should also throw in a few that do. It could be a growth experience.
My D has her 3rd interview this week, and while she is still uncomfortable with it, she feels a little more confident than when she had her first. One option for you is to set up your first interview at one of your safety schools, so that you walk in there knowing that you are a strong candidate for the school, which will give you confidence.
Caltech doesn’t offer interviews.
Stanford doesn’t offer interviews to applicants in California.
University of Southern California offers interviews, but says that they don’t hold a lot of weight in admissions.
My kid (also not a strong interviewer, although she had very good test scores, a decent but not amazing GPA, and solid ECs) got into the follow colleges without interviewing: U of Chicago, Swarthmore, Harvey Mudd, Carleton, Macalester, Mount Holyoke, Kenyon, and Lawrence. If you don’t HAVE to interview, don’t do it. Don’t go for something that could be a “growth experience” but could mess up your admissions processes.
Vanderbilt has the option to request an alumni interview, but does not require it. According to their website, fewer than 20% of applicants participate in an interview.
Thanks for all of these answers, they really helped. When I do apply for colleges, I’ll probably only apply to 1-3 non-UC colleges so I’m going to pick them very carefully. Also, UCR will be my safety because they have a guaranteed admission thing, and since they don’t offer interviews, I can’t practice interviewing with a safety.
Northwestern allow you to deny interviews without penalty I believe
Williams doesn’t require – or even offer – evaluative interviews (although they do offer non-evaluative one on one discussions if you feel the need to talk to someone on campus).
Amherst doesn’t offer interviews either.
Most schools don’t require interviews or expect you to interview. If they care about ‘demonstrated interest’ (you can check the Common Data Set for that school and find out) and if you live within 100 miles of the school and don’t visit, that may count against you. Of those that do interview, most interviews are informational rather than evaluative (like Stanford’s outside of CA). If you don’t want to interview - or can’t- it won’t be held against you unless you live nearby and the school cares about demonstrated interest. There are many ways to demonstrate interest besides an interview: Show up when the college rep visits your area (and make sure you sign in). Get on the mailing list for the school. Talk to alums and tell the school that you did so when you apply.