The interview could be important but these interviews are offered randomly so if it is so important to make a decision on an applicant why isn’t everyone offered one?
The school just wants to know more about you…social skills and what not. Penn already said that if you are not given one, it wouldn’t count against you. Again, if it is so ‘important’ , why would they say it doesn’t count against you if you don’t get to do it?
I think it’s only when an applicant gives off the worst possible or extremely awkward vibes (throughout the interview) then the interviewer’s comment on the person could have a potentially bad effect on their application.
It may be written on a piece of paper that it is important, but that doesn’t mean it is.
These are rhetorical questions and my thoughts but feel free to air your opinion as well!
But this is just my view on this and of course, it’ll most definitely be different for everyone.
@Ebbie1 The problem is the large increase of candidates each year versus the number of available interviewers which remains relatively stable in comparison. Last I heard, around 37,000 interviews were conducted this year, and although this falls short of the total applicant pool, you are in the minority of those who have not received an interview.
It will not count against you if you’re not matched with an interviewer, but it will count against you if you receive an interview and fumble through it. This is strictly anecdotal, but no student whom I’ve written a negative review of has been admitted although I would guess that the rest of the application was lacking too.
but also, as you say, @Ebbie1
the only real importance the interview has is if it goes negatively. my dad does brown alumni interviews and he has told the admissions office about kids he absolutely adored…and they didn’t get in.
it’s important in that if two applicants have the same or similar academic standings, and one of them has more positive notes from their interview, it could determine which one gets accepted and which one gets rejected.
i’m obviously not an admissions counselor but that’s just how i see the relative importance of the interview.
@Ebbie1 it was over the phone so I wasn’t able to visually see his expressions. I just feel bad about it because I could’ve prepared for it but I didn’t because I was being foolish. I would probably give it a 6/10.
@pingotip I’ve never heard anyone say they didn’t prep for the interview (Wow!). Anyway, just be optimistic at this point.
@maddieportnoy18 You’ve made clear points. I understand your POV. @aoeuidhtns Your view is extremely reasonable as well.
I am seeing things in a better perspective now.
My questions have been answered. Thanks thanks…
@littlechild They never contacted me either. As @maddieportnoy18 and @aoeuidhtns have both said ’ it wouldn’t count against you’. There are so many applicants this year (approx. 45k) so it wouldn’t be easy offering every single one of us interviews. Just hope all other aspects of your application stand out!
I was not offered an interview and live in the capital city of my state–find it hard to believe there is not alumni volunteer availability. Should I be worried?
@KitBlue it’s been stated multiple times on this forum and on the Univeristy of Pennsylvania website that interviews are random but will be given to as many people as possible. If you are not given one, it will not be used against you when reviewing your application.
I think at least once everyone has asked that question (including myself!). Every forum for a school with similar interview policies should just have a pinned disclaimer, lol.
@Laketahoe79 I live on the SF peninsula and I was offered a FaceTime interview. My interviewer was a comms major, which is what I applied for… that might have something to do with it.