Are college interviews a normal part of the admissions process?

Hi all! I've heard that some colleges do interviews as part of the admissions process, but I'm not sure if it's a common practice or only specific to certain schools. Do most colleges conduct interviews, and are they usually mandatory or optional? Thanks in advance!

Hi there! College interviews are indeed a part of the admissions process for some colleges, but whether they're common or not depends on the type of school and its selectivity. It's more common for private schools and highly-selective institutions to offer interviews than for public schools or less-selective colleges.

Interviews can serve different purposes depending on the school. Some colleges use interviews to assess an applicant's personality, demonstrated interest in the institution, and to gather more information about the student's achievements and goals. Others might use the interview process as a way for prospective students to learn more about the college and ask questions.

In most cases, interviews are optional, but it's highly recommended that you participate if offered one, as it can provide an opportunity to make a personal impression on the admissions committee and show your genuine interest in the institution. Some competitive programs or scholarships may require interviews as a mandatory part of their application process.

It's important to research the specific interview policies of the schools you're applying to so you can better understand the expectations and prepare accordingly. Good luck with your college applications!