<p>What effect will not doing an interview have? I will be applying to many private schools that have an interview option but I haven't even submitted the supplements for most of the schools, meaning that I don't really have a choice. Also, since all the schools are far away and I don't know if there are any conducted in my area I can't really do them. What effect will this have?</p>
<p>Even if it is optional it helps when you do an interview, as it shows interest and that they are not just "one of many" you are interested in (even though they are).
You should make an effort to check if any of them do interviews in your area because if they do, and you don't, then it would be an obvious detriment (you "really" want to go there but you can't be bothered to research the school enough to know there are local interviews?)
Also, check out if an interview is required for merit aid - we missed that at one of my D's potential schools and so - no merit aid. (and we said "we didn't know" and they said, "it was on the web site, tough luck.")</p>
<p>Since you're from the Bay Area I don't think you'll have a problem getting interviews if you seek them out. Almost all colleges that have optional interviews do alum interviews. I'd bet there's an alum somewhere near you who can talk with you. Being from Alaska, it's more of a problem finding people to do the interviews. But frankly I don't think they matter as much as an interview with someone at the school. </p>
<p>I know two people who do interviews and they interviewed two different kids. One when asked what they do in their spare time said "sleep". The whole interview as like that, the kid wasn't very outgoing or interesting or really a good candidate. They sent this to the college but they admitted him over a kid who was a perfect candiate and got great reports from the interviewers. so moral of the story, do it, but don't sweat it too much.</p>