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I have asked this before but got conflicting answers. So many of you on this site are going to NU this year so I think you will be able to give the definitive answer....Does NU offer interviews? If so, can you interview with an alumni in your home town?

Thanks for any input.

By Buckwald (Buckwald) on Saturday, August 28, 2004 - 06:41 pm: Edit

Yes NU offers interviews. Depending on where you live you may be able to interview with alumni.

By Largegreenturt (Largegreenturt) on Saturday, August 28, 2004 - 06:47 pm: Edit

they usually dont do interviews with early decision, and by no means require them for regular. Its up to you.

By Primab (Primab) on Saturday, August 28, 2004 - 11:16 pm: Edit

I am applying ED-so, after I send in the app. do I ask for an interview or should I just e-mail admissions now and ask about the procedure?

Thanks again for your time.

By Zcat18 (Zcat18) on Sunday, August 29, 2004 - 07:14 am: Edit

Call the admissions office and ask for Pat Craig. She is the interview coordinator and can tell you if and when ED interviews will be offered for your area. Most areas have alumni who can interview you, but some rural or very minor metropolitan areas do not. Pat will be able to give you the definitive answer.

By Primab (Primab) on Sunday, August 29, 2004 - 12:14 pm: Edit

Thanks Zcat!

By Admitmeplz (Admitmeplz) on Sunday, August 29, 2004 - 04:00 pm: Edit

Honestly, interviews are a very minor part of Northwestern's process. The adcom receives a letter from the interviewer and treats it just as another recommendation (or perhaps even less).

Focus on your energies on the essays instead.

By Primab (Primab) on Sunday, August 29, 2004 - 04:21 pm: Edit

So you are saying I shouldn't bother?

By Incog (Incog) on Sunday, August 29, 2004 - 10:38 pm: Edit

my advice is to do the interview. it isn't that bad, doesnt take time or effort, and wont hurt you if you dont mess it up hardcore. in the end, it's probably going to help you, and it doesnt make sense not to do something that might.

do it, if you can.

By Primab (Primab) on Sunday, August 29, 2004 - 11:39 pm: Edit

Thank you Incoq. It's so weird-I posted this question again 'cuz the first time got conflicting answers. This time too....I will call as Zcat suggested and hopefully get an interview (and not do too badly!).

By Zcat18 (Zcat18) on Monday, August 30, 2004 - 10:16 pm: Edit

Definitely do the interview if one is available to you. You have no reason not to. It can *only* help you, and unless you say something totally off the wall and inappropriate, it cannot harm you in any way. Go for it, and good luck!

By Primab (Primab) on Monday, August 30, 2004 - 11:40 pm: Edit

Many thanks again Zcat. The only negative thing that I might say is that the students at NU give conflicting info. about interviews......

By Admitmeplz (Admitmeplz) on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - 10:54 am: Edit

The reason I say that interviews are not an important part of the process is that it is not publicized AT ALL by NU. It is found nowhere on their website; in fact, if you search for the word "interview" you will come up with nothing.

I had to ask an adcom after an info session whether they had interviews. It was never brought up during the info session itself.

Contrast Northwestern's "interview" policy with a school like UChicago, and you can see what I'm talking about.

True, a half hour chatting with an alumni probably wouldn't hurt; but by the same token I would say it couldn't help much either.

By Tenisghs (Tenisghs) on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - 11:01 am: Edit

If you're wondering, I did an interview for Northwestern during regular decision. I'm not sure if it helped, but I would give it a try. Northwestern can hear a personal side from you.

By Newnudad (Newnudad) on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - 11:40 am: Edit

I second Admitmeplz...My D got a "bulk-mail" invite to interview after she applied... they mail them to everyone.. but she had too much going on with school and sports, and confident of acceptance so she didn't call and schedule an interview...

Don't think it hurt her chances as she was admitted. IMO - If there is something you need to explain, or you think you are on the edge of being accepted / not accepted, maybe it's worthwhile, otherwise, why bother?

By Zcat18 (Zcat18) on Tuesday, August 31, 2004 - 11:05 pm: Edit

I have worked with Pat Craig in the admission office for 3 years and have helped organize the interview process every admission season, so (with all due respect) I do know what I'm talking about.

If you want to be admitted to a school, why not give yourself every opportunity, including an interview? True, NU's interviews are not as important to the admission process as interviews are at some other schools, but if it were totally insignificant, they wouldn't offer interviews in the first place (again, trust me on this).

Between transportation and the interview itself, the entire ordeal may take 90 minutes of your time and could help you gain admission to NU. At the very least, if you are a very strong candidate, it will just add to an already impressive application. If you are borderline (which you have no way of really knowing), it could push you into the admit pile.

You've worked hard for over 3 years in high school, probably worked even harder outside the classroom building your resume. Why not take one last hour-and-a-half to make sure you've done everything possible to give yourself the best chance you can? It's better to be safe than sorry, right?

By Newnudad (Newnudad) on Wednesday, September 01, 2004 - 10:04 am: Edit

Zcat - I called and asked, and the Admit Office said the interview was totally optional, everyone is offered one, and we got the impression why bother.. so didn't!

Of course, this was before I found this board... as the saying goes, ignorance is bliss...making me one of the hap-hap-happiest guys around!

After reading your input, probably would have had D schedule and do the interview, but hey - no harm, no foul.

Peace Bro

By Zcat18 (Zcat18) on Wednesday, September 01, 2004 - 10:54 pm: Edit

Hey Newnudad,

My posts just advocate erring on the side of caution. In the end, I think your assertion is also correct. Choosing not to have the interview will only extremely rarely, if ever, negatively effect an applicant (as you found out during your daughter's application process). The great thing about these boards is the fact that they offer several points of view from people who have had many different experiences.

Congratulations to you and your D, and I hope you're all looking forward to joining the NU crew in a couple of weeks!