Hi! I applied RD for Penn and I’m sort of becoming attached to the school. On the surface and based on the information I can find online, I love the school. And I feel that getting an interview will be helpful for me in many ways like being able to show more of myself beyond my application as well as learning more about the school from the perspective of an alumni.
But I haven’t gotten an interview request yet. In another forum discussion, someone says I could send an email of interest for an interview. But the Penn interview site says: “It’s our policy that applicants can’t request interviews”
So I’m contemplating whether I should send an interview or not.
As you know, interviews are given based on alumni availability. If you are not offered one, it will not negatively impact your application; if you are, it will not significantly positively impact it either.
If you ask for one, it will not lead to you getting an interview. Chances are you might even annoy the person you are asking, as it will indicate that you did no research into the interview process.
I would not email your admissions officer. Not everyone at Penn gets an interview – it is a matter of supply (alumni interview slots) and demand (applicants in an area). Alumni interviews don’t count for much in the admissions process.
Plus hopefully you have read the Penn website regarding interviews. Note the following:
–"Please don’t worry if you’re not invited to interview. Since we aren’t able to reach every applicant, not having an interview won’t be held against you in our review. and;
–“It’s our policy that applicants can’t request interviews” https://admissions.upenn.edu/admissions-and-financial-aid/what-penn-looks-for/interviews