<p>While a good interview can potentially help your application, it normally can’t sway your decision in either direction. It won’t hurt if you don’t have an interview, it just won’t help you either. </p>
<p>Also, depending on how many alumni are in your area, you may still get an interview even if you didn’t submit your app before the priority deadline. I applied ED and submitted my app on Nov 1, but still got an interview.</p>