<p>I do not really do well speaking with strangers. I think that it would be more advantageous to me if I didn't have one. Do you think I would still have have a good chance of making it in without the interview (assuming my other qualification are equivilant to other applicants)?</p>
<p>The interview shows that you have interest in Rice, which is a big plus on your application. If you really think you'll screw it up, you might consider not having one, but I would try anyway. Maybe you should have an interview for another college as "practice" before you do your Rice interview? Just a thought.</p>
<p>There's so much variability in interviews, it can never count against you. The interviewer could be in a bad mood, you could disagree with his politics, or hundreds of other factors could come into play.</p>
<p>The dirty little secret is that the interview is not for you to sell yourself to a school--it is for the school to sell itself to you.</p>
<p>Not having an interview won't kill you. If the entire Rice application process is worth 100 points, then the interview is maybe worth 5. I would still recommend it, as it shows interest, and you may need all the points you can get! </p>
<p>The interview can't hurt you unless you really mess up.</p>
<p>I would consider going to Houston during a time not too busy. Interview after the tour and several hours in classes and/or overnight arrangements on the campus if possible. I think many schools consider the applicant's interest in a dead heat, some even more than others (e.g. WUStL heavily discounted one student's lack of an interview or tour several years ago where the offer of a plane ticket had been made in the fall, and they were probably right in terms of yield management). An interview shows interest, and even enthusiasm to the somewhat regional schools. Many hs students are going to be shy, and hopefully the interviewer is skilled at getting a conversation going, especially if there is less time pressure that afternoon. </p>
<p>It is unfortunate that many interviews are so highly stressed by students' fears and desires - a truly bad interview should be avoided, of course, but a good candid interview, once upon a time, might make you too. Many years ago, one seriously nervous nellie student blundered into a totally unexpected interview with four serious-but-curable strikes going in (and some real home runs), enthusiastic after seeing the school, got lit, connected the dots, and waltzed past valedictorians left on the waitlist, courtesy of an engaging Rice interviewer. "...by the way, this counts as your required Rice interview." (no longer required)</p>
<p>If you have the time (and means) I would make a point to see and engage your top 3 or 4 choices. Depending on circumstances, that might be now, to improve admission chances or application choices, or to anytime before May 1 to finally decide where you want to be the next four years.</p>
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<p>I...I think I just had a seizure due to analogy overdose.</p>