Princeton Interview Process

Hey everyone! I've been researching the college process and I can't seem to find a definitive answer. Does Princeton offer interviews to applicants, and if so, what should I expect?

Yes, Princeton does offer interviews to applicants, but they are neither guaranteed nor required. Interviews are conducted by Princeton alumni volunteers, who are members of the Alumni Schools Committee (ASC), and whether or not you receive an interview is based on the availability of alumni interviewers in your area, so not every applicant will receive an interview.

The interview process is a chance for the university to learn more about you and for you to learn more about the school. If you are offered one, here are a few things to expect:

1. Format: The interview can take place in various formats, such as in-person, over the phone, or via video call, depending on your and your interviewer's schedule and comfort level with COVID-19.

2. Duration: Interviews typically last around 30 minutes to an hour.

3. Content: During the interview, you might be asked about your academic interests, extracurricular activities, reasons for applying to Princeton, career aspirations, and other aspects of your background. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions about the school, its programs, and campus life. You can read up on some common questions to prepare for on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/15-major-college-interview-questions-to-prepare-for.

4. Preparation: To prepare for your interview, review your application, practice answering common interview questions, and research Princeton and its programs. Remember to dress appropriately, maintain a professional demeanor, and be prepared to talk about yourself and your interest in the university.

5. Follow-up: After the interview, don't forget to send a thank-you note to your interviewer expressing your gratitude for their time and any insights they shared.

If you want a more precise idea of what to expect, consider reading about one student's personal experience with her Princeton interview: https://blog.collegevine.com/princeton-interview-what-its-like. Keep in mind that every interview is different, based on your interviewer's personal approach and the details you choose to share about yourself, but hopefully this story can give you a general idea of what to expect.

Finally, keep in mind that while interviews are a helpful part of the application process, they are almost never the deciding factor in your admission. Princeton employs a holistic admissions process, which places heavier weight on other aspects of your application, such as your academic background, extracurricular involvement, and personal essays, than on the interview.

Good luck with your application!