Dec 6, 2025
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By Justin Neiman, Former Admissions Officer
The context of college admissions is changing, and that affects how interviews are used in the admissions process. Colleges are receiving more applications than ever, and schools are adjusting their evaluation practices after recent legal and policy changes. All of this has created an environment where admissions offices are using essays and interviews in new ways.
Across the Ivy League and other top institutions, approaches to interviews vary widely. Some schools are not using them at all. Columbia phased out its alumni interview program two years ago and is not using interviews for the 2025–2026 cycle. Brown now uses an optional video introduction rather than a formal interview. But for many top schools—Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT, for example—the interview remains an important part of the evaluation process.
For the schools that continue to rely on interviews, being prepared and presenting your best self matters more than ever as admissions offices look for additional context to support their holistic review.
When I speak with students, there is often no part of the college admissions process that makes them more nervous than the alumni interview. I get it. It’s one thing to tell your story and be vulnerable in essays; it’s another to sit in front of a total stranger and answer questions about anything and everything.
As someone who has been involved in interviews in various capacities—as an Admissions Officer at Harvard, as an alumni interviewer at my alma mater Dartmouth College, and as an applicant myself—I’m here to share some perspective to hopefully calm your nerves and help you put your best foot forward!
Do a quick Google search once you have the name of your interviewer. It’s helpful to understand their background:
Knowing a little about your interviewer might help you find ways to connect during the conversation.
Most top schools rely on a robust network of alumni to conduct interviews of prospective students. This is likely the case for you, but you’ll want to confirm whether you are meeting with an alumni interviewer or someone who works in an official capacity as an admissions officer.
While you don’t have full control over the conversation, as the interviewer will be asking the questions, use their prompts as opportunities to share the most compelling parts of your story. Think about which aspects of your experiences you want to highlight, and look for ways to weave them into the interview.
While it’s easier said than done, the best thing you can do is be authentic. You’ve worked hard to get to this point—now is your chance to talk about yourself. Remember, your interviewer was once in your shoes—a high school student going through a similar application process—so they understand the stress that comes with it.
Does it matter if you do your interview in person or virtually? Short answer: no.
There is no need to dress in formal attire. Many colleges recommend you wear something you’d normally wear to school, but I suggest keeping your attire neutral and professional, as you don’t know your interviewer’s preferences.
It’s always a good idea to send a thank-you email after your interview. If there were specific topics that came up about the interviewer’s experience at the school or something memorable from your conversation, mention it. This can add a thoughtful touch.
If you have questions about preparing for college interviews, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can help out with mock interviews, sample questions, and general coaching tips!
The context of college admissions is changing, and that affects how interviews are used in the admissions process. Colleges are receiving more applications than ever, and schools are adjusting their evaluation practices after recent legal and policy changes. All of this has created an environment where admissions offices are using essays and interviews in new ways.
Across the Ivy League and other top institutions, approaches to interviews vary widely. Some schools are not using them at all. Columbia phased out its alumni interview program two years ago and is not using interviews for the 2025–2026 cycle. Brown now uses an optional video introduction rather than a formal interview. But for many top schools—Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT, for example—the interview remains an important part of the evaluation process.
For the schools that continue to rely on interviews, being prepared and presenting your best self matters more than ever as admissions offices look for additional context to support their holistic review.
When I speak with students, there is often no part of the college admissions process that makes them more nervous than the alumni interview. I get it. It’s one thing to tell your story and be vulnerable in essays; it’s another to sit in front of a total stranger and answer questions about anything and everything.
As someone who has been involved in interviews in various capacities—as an Admissions Officer at Harvard, as an alumni interviewer at my alma mater Dartmouth College, and as an applicant myself—I’m here to share some perspective to hopefully calm your nerves and help you put your best foot forward!
Do a quick Google search once you have the name of your interviewer. It’s helpful to understand their background:
Knowing a little about your interviewer might help you find ways to connect during the conversation.
Most top schools rely on a robust network of alumni to conduct interviews of prospective students. This is likely the case for you, but you’ll want to confirm whether you are meeting with an alumni interviewer or someone who works in an official capacity as an admissions officer.
While you don’t have full control over the conversation, as the interviewer will be asking the questions, use their prompts as opportunities to share the most compelling parts of your story. Think about which aspects of your experiences you want to highlight, and look for ways to weave them into the interview.
While it’s easier said than done, the best thing you can do is be authentic. You’ve worked hard to get to this point—now is your chance to talk about yourself. Remember, your interviewer was once in your shoes—a high school student going through a similar application process—so they understand the stress that comes with it.
Does it matter if you do your interview in person or virtually? Short answer: no.
There is no need to dress in formal attire. Many colleges recommend you wear something you’d normally wear to school, but I suggest keeping your attire neutral and professional, as you don’t know your interviewer’s preferences.
It’s always a good idea to send a thank-you email after your interview. If there were specific topics that came up about the interviewer’s experience at the school or something memorable from your conversation, mention it. This can add a thoughtful touch.
If you have questions about preparing for college interviews, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can help out with mock interviews, sample questions, and general coaching tips!
Former Admissions Officer, Harvard University
Former Assistant Dean, Stanford University
As a College Counselor I help students navigate the college admissions process. My goal is to help students stand out and get accepted to their top-choice schools.
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