MarathonMan88

D just applied to Clark, and was surprised to receive a postcard letting her know that they'd like to set up an interview with a local alum. (D has already visited twice and attended a local info session. She didn't do an on-campus interview because we were told that they were nonevaluative; she frankly didn't have any questions; and considers Clark a safety.)

Has anyone else had a similar experience? I'm just curious about the role of these alumni interviews. Is it largely an attempt to market the college? If so, it seems like a great idea. With Clark's fairly generous admit rate, it doesn't seem like it would be a keystone of the admissions process itself. Just wondering if anyone has any insights.

ironyinlights

Hey, I applied to Clark too, from halfway across the world lol, so there's no chance of me getting one of those.. But I think there's no harm in doing the interview - even if isn't too important, it might be interesting. Where you from?

Bostonbaby1111

Many colleges do this to get additional information on candidates. Info from these interviews can have a big impact on the admissions decision. Goal is to determine the fit of the applicant for the school. If the interviewer likes the candidate, it is also an opportunity to sell the candidate on the school.

MADad

Some merit scholarships require interviews. Could that be the reason?

MarathonMan88

MADad, Guess we'll be optimistic and assume so I never thought about that as a possibility. Thanks!

momonthehill

My daughter applied, and was accepted, to Clark last year. She actually had interviewed on campus, in October, a few weeks before she submitted her application. A few months later she found out that she was eligible for the Presidential Scholarship, because--in part--she chose to have an interview.(perhaps they interpret that as a sign of interest in the school...?) Anyway, good luck to your daughter in her admissions process.

tetrishead

I just wrapped up an interview, and what I was told by my interviewer was that all the applicants she had interviewed in the past were accepted, and she knew of local applicants who were not interviewed. She seemed to believe that it was an indicator of interest from the college, but I'm not really sure how much these alumni interviewers really know about the admissions process.

I'm also looking at Clark as a safety, but if it is marketing for the college then I've got to admit that it's a pretty intelligent way of going about it. My interviewer did a good job of giving me an ego boost and talking up the school simultaneously.

Out of schools in Massachusetts it's not to say that I'd pick it over Tufts, but if I got accepted to BU or Brandeis and Clark it would actually make the decision more difficult. Whatever their intention is with their interviews it works.

dank08

When I went on a visit to Clark one of the admissions directors told me that if you live close to Clark than you should interview. Otherwise it would raise a red flag.