I know that Wellesley college strongly recommends an interview. I am just wondering: does having an interview increase my chance of acceptance to Wellesley (or any other colleges)?
According to me (current first-year) it doesn’t necessarily “increase” your chances but having a great interview is definitely a plus! I highly recommend it simply so you can get a feel of Wellesley through the perspective of an alumni. My interview was SUCH a positive experience and was a determining facto for choosing Wellesley. If you feel as though you have any concerns about your application, you can definitely bring it up or elaborate on extenuating circumstances in your interview. Other than that, it’s really an opportunity to let your personality and background shine and just have a nice chat about Wellesley. Best of luck! As for other colleges, I have no clue.
There are plenty of kids who get in without interviews, and plenty who do have them. Wellesley recommends them but they don’t require them, and they won’t penalize you if you don’t have one.
It’s worth it. It shows interest, and you can get information that will help you decide if you really want to attend. My daughter grew up very close to Wellesley, and didn’t know if she wanted to apply there. She went in for an informational interview (it was actually her first college interview) and decided she really liked Wellesley. She graduated from there in 2017.
I recommend doing an interview w/ an alumni (in your area) vs doing one with a student (on campus). Mine was good, my interviewer (a student) on campus was very cool, but I was definitely intimidated by her and it through me off a bit. When I interviewed at Smith I interviewed with an older woman on their admissions staff and it was so nice and comfortable. But I’d def recommend an interview, unless you’re horrible at interviewing it can’t hurt! I was accepted '23 so even though my interview wasn’t great (I felt) it didn’t keep me out!
I think my interview was vital in helping me get in. Actually, I think my interview alone could have gotten me in, but everyone is different and an interview can also help you make the choice of whether or not you actually want to go to Wellesley. My interview affirmed my interest in attending Wellesley since the interviewer and I connected on a personal level. I did an on-campus junior interview under the impression it was just a conversation with a student. Later when I was applying to Wellesley and requested an interview, I found out that my ‘conversation’ was my official interview. Regardless, it went really well and I don’t ever regret having it. As for advice, don’t freak out, the interviewer is just there to get to know you and see if your personality and character fits the Wellesley mold. I remember talking about how I’m a lonely soul who watches CSPAN and the girl instantly bonded with me. She told me that she watched CSPAN too and we started talking about the hearing we both watched on CSPAN the night before. It was a pretty cool moment for the both of us and it definitely was beneficial to my application.