The first thing you need to do is google “ Common Data Set” and
then look in Section C7: Relative importance of each of the following academic and nonacademic factors in first-time, firstyear,degree-seeking (freshman) admission decisions.
Then look at “Level of applicant’s interest”
Is it Very Important, Important, Considered, or Not Considered?
This will let you know how important interviews are…if Interest is IMportant then doing an interview is important.
Big State schools don’t consider interest because they don’t want to keep track of that and have no problem filling their classes.
Ivy League’s, e.g. Yale, may not consider interest or only “consider” it because they think “of course you want to come here”.
It is often the private schools that give it more weight.
Here is an example on how to show interest at CWRU…look for similar things you can do for other colleges.
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/case-western-reserve-university/1929524-how-to-show-interest-in-cwru-2016-edition.html
I do alumni interviews…I interview people in my area who have asked for an interview. I have no idea how appropriate they are for our college but I do try to portray them in the best light. We expand upon what they have in their interviews and I can often see themes in their ECs or hidden leadership. Remember the college wants people so go for the interview.