<p>I have been surprised after speaking with admissions officers at Harvard as to the amount of weight they place on the interview–I always thought it was a throw away but it clearly not. I doubt that a very bad one is dispositive nor a great one either-- but such a report in either direction will make the admissions officer take another look to see if there is something she has missed if she had a different take on the written file. It may even make the committee request a second interview depending on what they view needed.<br>
Be assured that no one aspect of the file will either gain you admission or kill your chances-- the committee is looking for a gestalt.</p>