<p>If you have any desire to potentially go to Duke, then take the interview. What do you have to lose? It’s a chance to learn more about the university and also hone your interview skills, which is helpful for the future. If you decline the interview, the alumnus reports this to the admissions committee with “unable to interview - applicant denied request.” Do you think the admissions committee looks favorably on applicants that don’t want to learn more about Duke? No, they don’t. (Same with those that don’t reply to requests at all; that’s even worse). While not being offered an interview at all won’t hurt you, declining one definitely can. It’s usually a relaxed conversation anyways - nothing to worry about it. You must have an hour or two available in the next month and a half.</p>