I feel like I have to point out that the fact that he only got “liberal upper middle class” is probably more of a result of the location of his home than the applicants who applied. I’m a high school senior, so I probably (likely) don’t know much, but I know that on a chart with categories “required” “recommended” “considered” and “not considered”, the interview falls under “considered” because they can’t possibly interview everyone. Whether or not you get an interview is solely reliant on your location and volume of applications (and maybe test scores, if they actually see them. I was under the impression that they didn’t have access to them). It’s another recommendation letter from someone who’s spent 45 minutes interviewing you, and barely knows you. Job interviews are more in-depth. It’s just to make sure you’re not totally bat**** crazy and have good hygiene.
I agree with the fact that most high schoolers are unformed in the their opinions. I have goals in my life, but no dramatic epiphanies. I want to get into college, but I’m not anything special. I’m just going to convince him that I am-- but if the admissions office decides they still didn’t want me, the fact that I understand the meaning of life and I’m the most special person to walk the earth won’t mean anything other than I’m self absorbed.
College interviews really are just alumni relations. A family friend went to Harvard medical school and has the worst opinion of interviews. “They don’t help you, but they can hurt you” were her words.