My daughter applied RD to Smith a few weeks ago and clicked on the button to express interest in an interview. She hasn’t heard anything yet and we weren’t sure if maybe she should reach out to say she is following up on the interview or should she hold tight and do nothing?
I’m nervous about her being RD (we couldn’t convince her to do ED because she said she wants to be able to compare all offers) so I think the interview would be helpful (on the CDS it says the interview is “important”).
I wouldn’t be too concerned. Interviews probably don’t happen as frequently over winter break, and if students or alums do them, it might take some time to assign interviews. I would wait another week, at least, before following up with the admissions staff.
Did your daughter request the interview through the Common App or the website? Last year, there was a link in the admissions section of the website where you could request a interview. You could pick between in person or via zoom. I imagine that link is still there. If she didn’t go through the website, maybe that might be worth a try? I know it does take a week or so for the school to get in touch with a local alum (if an in-person interview is chosen) and then for that person to get in touch. Good luck!
Thanks! I just asked her and she said she requested the interview on the Smith site/portal not on the Common app. She doesn’t think there was a button to choose between in person or zoom though. She said she got an email confirmation right away but then nothing since then. Maybe they are also just trying to get through the ED2 apps at this time and she should just wait a few more weeks to reach out for a follow up. Fingers crossed!
I agree with others that it just may take awhile (and that if she doesn’t get an interview due to capacity limitations, it won’t count against her). When my D applied last year, she was able to schedule her interview for Smith before her application even went in, but they probably changed their process this year. My D had the experience with both Bates and Vassar of requesting the interview during the application process but never getting one - she was accepted to both schools, so it wasn’t held against her. I think it’s just capacity limitations (and in this case, probably still early days since the Smith RD deadline hasn’t even passed yet so she may just get that interview in a few weeks). Good luck! We loved Smith.
Great that it was through the Smith site! You may be right with their focus on ED applications right now. My daughter interviewed in November - well before she submitted her application, and that was probably a more quiet time. A lot will depend on whether or not they have someone available to interview, too. If she doesn’t get one, don’t sweat it. Most kids don’t interview and those that do, interview with alums. It’s just an additional piece of information to add to the student file.
I think they did change their process this year to only be able to request an interview after applying. I remember bugging my daughter to look into this in November before she officially applied and that is what she said was the procedure.
It is very possible they changed their process. There was no essay last year, either, so they’ve definitely tweaked things a bit.
She applied RD and after many college revisits, she did, indeed, pick Smith. She is very happy there. Loves the academics, has a great roommate, and her house is in a perfect (for her) location.
If either of you have any questions about Smith, please feel free to reach out!
My daughter also applied RD and was contacted about the interview on Jan 4th or 5th, I believe. This was 2-3 weeks after she submitted the app and made the request (she was worried too but I told her to just wait). I do think having the winter break probably pushed things, so I wouldn’t worry!
My daughter still has not heard anything about scheduling the interview. Now that we know that ED2 decisions are out- should she reach out next week to follow up regarding the interview?
My DD’22 applied RD and requested an interview, but they didn’t have any available. She was accepted as a STRIDE scholar and is absolutely loving her experiences as a Smithie.