Whether you’re preparing for your first college interview or your twentieth, you may be curious to know what role the interview plays in your college application process. While every institution on your list will approach and consider interviews in different ways (if they even offer interviews in the first place!), there are broad similarities that are helpful to you bringing your A-game into every interview conversation. So, here's my advice as a former Harvard College Interviewer:
Why do colleges offer interviews in the first place?
The purpose of the interview is twofold: both an opportunity for the school to learn more about you and an opportunity for you to learn more about the school. This is a win-win scenario for schools because they walk away with a better sense of what you would offer their community beyond the other paper pieces of your application and they hope that you leave the interview more excited about the prospect of attending their institution. Thus, it’s both an evaluative tool (at some places) and recruiting and/or yield tool. For students, you get to humbly brag about how accomplished your are, get all your nitty gritty questions answered, and get a better sense of how the school may or may not provide what you’re looking for!
Which schools do interviews?
If a school says they practice a holistic application review process, chances are they offer students the optional opportunity to interview. However, there are many exceptions to this rule. For instance, if offering interviews presents significant logistical challenges or the high demand for interviews cannot be met, a school will likely not offer interviews to prospective students. So, be sure to do your research and take advantage of the opportunity if it’s available!
When do you interview with a school?
The best time to interview is June through October of the year you’re applying if schools offer interviews before you apply, and November through March at some schools that offer interviews after you’ve applied.
Does it matter if I interview on-campus, off-campus, or online? Who conducts each type of interview?
If you’re able to interview on-campus, chances are this will be with either an Admission Officer or a current student who has been hired and trained to conduct interviews. These two constituents are the most knowledgeable about the school because they’re employed by the Office of Admission, so if you’re able to add an interview onto a campus visit, it’s a good idea to do so. However, if you’re not able to visit the campus, doing a local, off-campus interview or online interview is a great way to show off why you love the school so much. Local, off-campus interviews are typically conducted by alumni or potentially an Admission Officer if they happen to be traveling in the area. Online interviews may be done by alumni, Admission Officers, or trained student interviewers.
What kind of information will an interviewer report to a school?
It depends on if the school considers interviews to be “evaluative” or “informational”. If the interview is evaluative, that means the interviewer will complete a written interview evaluation summarizing your conversation, with particular emphasis on your intellectual and community contributions (both current and potential) as well as your interest in the school. They’ll also take note of any important information you share with them that lends context to your application. This written evaluation will be added to your file for review alongside your other application materials. If the interview is purely informational, however, then typically no written evaluation will be completed; it’s simply a way for you to learn more about the school.
How strongly do admission offices consider interviews?
At the end of the day, your abilities as reflected through your transcript, test scores, essays, and other components (like letters of recommendation) are the most important pieces of your application. If your academic successes are in line with the school’s profile, an enthusiastic interview evaluation may make you stand out not only as a capable and competitive applicant, but as a very compelling applicant as well. This may help tip you into the admit range (if you weren’t already there). Schools that take demonstrated interest into account will also place a bit more weight on a positive interview evaluation, especially if you are applying in a non-binding decision plan such as Early Action or Regular Decision.
Have more questions about school interviews? Reach out to us! Even though schools approach and consider interviews in many different ways, if you’re really excited about a school and they offer interviews, it’s always a good idea to take advantage of the opportunity. Happy interviewing!