Anyone fearing Penn interviews. Don’t.
I have been an interviewer for years, now called an ambassador. As many interviewers have always suspected the interviews have no bearing on the application process.
While Penn never releases information on what percent of applicants are admitted without interviews, it definitely is not mandatory for admission.
Case in point:
I interviewed 3 students for the 2029 ED group. 1 I interviewed and was admitted. 1 never responded to an invite for an interview and was denied admission….and the third responded saying they had no time for an interview ( conversation)…and was admitted….
The third is ironclad proof that interviews ( conversations) are not part of the admissions process.
For those in the RD cycle interviews may help you learn more for your decision ( if you are lucky enough to have a choice between Penn and another school)but it isn’t essential to have an interview ( conversation) to be admitted.