ThisCouldBeHeavn

I ended up applying, though I haven't been contacted about an interview yet. To make it clear, I was unsure about HMC because I didn't feel like I knew much about the school. The core isn't an issue at all - it's actually why I was initially interested. I'm also applying to Caltech, which I understand has similar core requirements.

mathboy98

Interesting, the interview may be a really good idea. If one can't figure out a good reason to be at Mudd, it's probably wise not to be there, it seems!

As I said, I never did the interview and was offered admission. I think I was prudent in going to Berkeley instead, because for instance, I have very narrow interests (among math, science, and engineering I'll stick with pure math any day). I don't think I'd have enjoyed the core anyway. Some instinct told me.

rocketDA

TCBH,
I'd highly recommend visiting HMC if you haven't already done so. You really need to know what you'll be getting yourself into before you attend.

Good luck and remember to read lots of Carl Sagan.

maruhan2

carl sagan??
why??

Seiken

Richard Feynman's QED or Six Not-so-easy-pieces would be more helpful to read.

But why Sagan? There are too many answers to this, but I will just say that he is the only person to ever make turtle-necks acceptable.

rocketDA

"Richard Feynman's QED or Six Not-so-easy-pieces would be more helpful to read. " Doesn't provide the momentum that Carl does....

colorado_mom

This is a timely question. Hopefully more students add posts if they were accepted to HMC without an interview.

My son did not call to arrange a local interview quick enough, so all slots were full. We visited HMC last spring, and he attended some classes. So we know he likes it. If he gets accepted, we would probably arrange another trip just to be sure he understands the intensity of Mudd. But at this point we can't justify the time/money for an interview trip to HMC (a higher priority would be a first visit to Carnegie Mellon). We'll hope his essay conveys his interest and fit.

Suin

I would say a large majority don't interview since it isn't required. I personally didn't interview and was accepted, even though it would have been a half an hour drive.

threefifthsc

A few weeks before the last day to interview, I was informed by a friend (whose sister's close friend did interviews at HMC) that if you live nearby and don't interview, it doesn't look very good. So I signed up for an interview on the last day to interview (it's at the end of January, if anyone wants to know). I was interviewed by a student (a senior at the time), and the interview was very casual. I think, as others have said, they just want to see if you're a good fit for Mudd (because, after all, that's what they're looking for).

With that said, I know at least one person who lives in the area, did not interview, and got in...and I could probably find more if I asked around.

fiona_

Straw poll of four people in the room now:
- Kid from AZ: interviewed
- Kid from WA: didn't interview
- Kid from CA (LA area): didn't interview
- Kid from Singapore: didn't interview

And we got in......

braden

Kid from Canada interviewed, got in.

vossron

http://www.hmc.edu/files/institution...ssion_2009.pdf says it's considered. That's why it doesn't seem to matter so much.

ProxyGC

My kid didn't interview. Visited and stayed overnight after the interview times were past (February). Asked Admissions if it was still possible, they nicely said no. Still was accepted.

colorado_mom

Thanks for all of the feedback! It looks like lack of official interview is OK

If there are parents of high school juniors reading this, think about planning a spring break trip around college visits. It's a great way to do a relaxed visit. We visited HMC too early to interview (we had an informal interview and son had helpful classroom visits). But the visit did spark my son's keen interest. Happily we were able combine visits to three colleges with other fun stuff (San Diego, LA beaches and observatory, wine country). We have great memories of this trip, different from our normal "visit the relatives" travel.

I can't imagine a student enrolling in a college without a visit, but it happens. Try hard to plan your trips before the stress of senior year.

Now if I can just figure out when/how to get a visit to CMU.... (It's the only one on my son's "list" still unvisited.)

LongPrime

^if you insist on visiting:

Go Friday. Noonish, catch a lecture (they are all the same, more or less,) Catch a lab (all the same, students joking, flirting, and periods of intense concentration). Afternoon, Do a tour and talk to admins; Early evening find out what do they do for food. Evening 7-9ish, find whats stirring, play, orchestra. clubs. Elevenish find the party.

Saturday parent tour the city. See who gets up early on Sat morn and why.

Leave Sat evening.