Hello! I am an Italian High School senior student: I will apply to Undergraduate Programs at most of the Ivies (as an international student). I have very specific interests in a field which is not that widely popular, but which I am really passionate about. I think that I would be able to make a great impression, if only I had the chance to be interviewed by a member of the faculty who teaches/does research in this field: I have original projects/ideas about my career and I think that they could be understood and liked by someone who is of my same nationality (therefore shares my background) and works in the field I love (therefore understands my very specific motivations). Do you think it is possible for me to contact one of the faculty members at one of the universities, ask for him/her to interview me and (maybe) write something for the admissions department in support of my application?
By all means, contact a professor. Ask specific questions about the department, the major, a class, their research, or whatever.
It’s not very likely any professor will agree to interview you and write you a recommendation. They have no experience with you. Interviews are typically conducted by alumni at the colleges you’ve tagged here. If you have had extensive contact with a professor, say through a summer program, maybe they could write some kind of recommendation in support of you. But with no interaction other than you asking questions in an email, I can’t see that happening.
Thanks, I’ll do that!
Anyone else who would like to send his/her two cents?
My D met with professors at a number of schools to ask questions and to learn more about their approach and specific areas of research, not for an interview and certainly not for a letter of recommendation. It can show demonstrated interest which is considered at many schools.
I agree with the above, but would make sure that your stats (GPA, rigor, test scores) are in Ivy League range as a prerequisite to contacting any profs.
You can try but IMO it is highly unlikely that a professor will intercede in the admissions process on your behalf. A professor’s full time job is to teach, research, publish, etc. not to be an auxiliary admissions officer.
Many thanks! However, how is the School (aka the Admissions office) going to know that I emailed a Professor and asked for information?
If the purpose of contacting a professor is to get a better insight into the college and specifically the area that the professor specializes in to help you with your “why XYZ college” type essay questions, it is worth the attempt. If this is to gain a recommendation letter or some other perceived in, it is likely a waste of time. I highly doubt a professor of the colleges you named would write a letter of recommendation for a random applicant that reached out them. They might for someone who took a class with them or did research for them but not for someone with whom the only contact is a few email exchanges.