<p>I was wondering if anyone knew how important interviews are for transfers? Many of my schools "suggest" or "recommend" an interview, but none require it. Will it hurt my chances if I don't interview? Will it help my chances if I do interview? Should I work harder on my applications if I can't interview?</p>
<p>Also, what if you live considerably far from these schools, and can't interview? Do they still expect you to? Do they take it into consideration that you didn't interview, even if you live far away?</p>
<p>I only did one interview my freshman year for Vanderbilt. From what they told me it doesn't hurt or help your chances, which is sorta true in my opinion. It's more of like a verbal application and for them to be a verbal brochure, in order for you to get to know the school. Most schools have it very early on prior to the actual application deadline so that you cna sit and talk with someone with the school and see if that school is right for you. It's not going to make or break your chances, they hold very little weight to the interviews as it'd be unfair to allow some applicants to get a edge by taking an interview to those who can't for w.e reason. The only area where I could see it becoming a large chip to play is if you're waitlisted, then you could mention you came in for an interview and it may give you a little foot-up if they liked you. However I wouldn't stress it if you can't take one. USC has interviews and I didn't take one when I applied and I got in.</p>
<p>I'm a transfer student. I interviewed for two schools that I applied to, one of which I'm attending this fall. I think it depends on who the interviewer is. I had alumnae interviews because I lived a significant distance from the colleges. Because they randomly assign you to an alum, it's hit or miss. They definitely expect you to interview even if you are far away through this system. They also expect you to take the responsibility to contact the alum association, as I found out late and had to scramble to schedule. Dress nice, even if the interview is in a cafe. Come prepared to talk about your goals but also maintain a level of casualness with your interviewer. They are there to help you so don't be nervous. I had a really good interview with my Smith alum that ended up turning into a three hour conversation about politics, however my Mt. Holyoke interview was much more by the book, and there was just an obvious clash of personalities there. That means that the interview can also tell you a little bit about your choices in more detail and provide you with a better idea of what the campus is like, especially if you cannot afford to visit.
Sorry for the long msg, hope it helps!</p>
<p>I think it'll depend on the school as well. I think to say schools expect you to interview is very wrong. Unless they contact you specifically contact you to tell you to interview then it would be a good idea to do one. I could understand a MHC or Smith being larger on interviews as their applicant pools are a lot smaller. I applied to several prep schools in that area who required interviews as part of the application. However unless they require or 'reccomend', which what they're really saying is required, then I wouldn't sweat it. If you're applying to a smaller school, esp LAC schools then it'll likely they want you to do one in person or via phone. But as I said before if it's an optional thing then do not worry since they can't hold one applicant over another b.c they could interview while one can't.</p>
<p>Yeah like I'm not completely familiar with the LAC schools process as I go to school for business and didn't apply to school without a business school. But I def know smaller school have a higher expectation as to interviews. Unless it's required though, it won't make or break you esp if it is a Alumni interview as all the do is submit a report on your behalf to the school and have no influence with the admission commitee. Like with my prep schools (exeter/andover/deerfield etc) since they required one it was in person with an admission officer or President of the school and since my grades weren't great were the only reason I got into those schools.</p>