<p>How “near” is near. Honestly, it sounds like you are a very independent kid with a very smothering mother. Kids like you do get into college.</p>
<p>I do alumni interviewing, and have had some experience with this. I definitely do not want Mom participating or even hovering. However, I do recognize that there are times when Mom won’t let go, and that is not the kid’s fault. I would suggest some ground rules that you talk with your mom about.</p>
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<li><p>You can introduce her to the interviewer. At least my college welcomes questions from parents. If she has some, either before or after the interview is the time for that to happen. Your mom needs to respect that. I doubt any interviewer would refuse to answer whatever questions she has, or even whatever she wants to say about you (which they will probably ignore. I do).</p></li>
<li><p>If she has some errands to run for 30 minutes, that’s the best, but if she really can’t leave, she can be in the same coffee shop, but she needs to be out of earsho, and not trying to listen in.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Parents are who they are. I think most interviewers recognize this, and they will bend over backwards to not penalize you for having annoying parents. Good luck with the application process.</p>