Yes, parents interviews do still matter in the college admissions process. Here's how.

If you’re the parent of a high school student staring down the barrel of college applications, you might be wondering, do interviews still matter?

It’s a fair question, and the answer isn’t simple

Colleges are constantly shifting their admissions strategies. In this test-optional world where essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations take center stage, interviews can feel like a relic

But not so fast

A mom recently asked me this very question about her daughter who’s applying to small liberal arts colleges. Here’s how I broke it down for her

🎯 Yes, some interviews still matter
But the type of interview matters even more

🎓 Informative vs Evaluative Interviews

Let’s define terms

💡 Informative Interview: This is an opportunity for your teen to gather valuable insights about the school. It’s casual. It’s a conversation. Think of it like a first date with no pressure

🧠 Evaluative Interview: Now this one counts. The school is listening carefully. The person on the other end is reporting back to the admissions team. They are literally helping decide if your student gets in

How do you know which one it is? You ask. Or you can check the school’s website, where they usually lay out the type of interview they offer

🗺️ Where Interviews Still Matter

Interviews are common and meaningful at:

🌲 Small liberal arts colleges
🧑‍🏫 Private schools with a strong campus culture
🎨 Programs where talent and personality matter
🌍 Highly selective colleges where fit is just as important as grades

These schools want to know your child beyond their transcript. They’re asking, will this student thrive here? Will they contribute?

💬 Real Talk: An Interview Story

A student I worked with interviewed at a small New England school. She was prepped and polished. She talked about her extracurriculars, her summer internship, and how she contributed to her school community

She walked in thinking she loved the school. She walked out... not so sure

That’s the power of an interview. It revealed something that brochures and websites never could. It gave her the real feel of the place

And that’s what makes interviews such a valuable part of this process

✅ How to Prep Like a Pro

Here’s how we help students show up confidently:

🗣️ Practice mock interviews
🎯 Know your academic and extracurricular story
📝 Prepare 3 to 5 thoughtful questions to ask
🎭 Be real, not robotic
😌 Breathe. This is a conversation, not a courtroom

And always focus on why this school and how they’ll benefit from having you there

❌ When Interviews Don’t Matter

Plenty of big public universities don’t even offer interviews. That includes places like the University of Georgia, Ohio State, and Penn State

These schools rely on numbers and essays, so don’t waste time stressing about an interview that won’t happen

Instead, channel that effort into making sure the application itself is strong

🤝 It’s a Two Way Street

Here’s the thing I want every parent and student to remember. The interview is not just for the college. It’s for you too

Ask about:

📚 What classes look like
🎭 What happens on weekends
📊 What kind of career support exists
💬 What kind of students thrive there
📅 What the admissions timeline looks like

An interview is a chance to gather real data. The vibe check is real. And your teen deserves to feel like they belong

🎁 Let’s Make a Smart College List

The interview is just one part of the process. If you want to ensure your teen’s list includes schools where they can thrive and flourish, we can help. The College List Builder will help your family move from confusion to clarity, without all the stress. 

📞 Book your complimentary Discovery Call here: www.callwithsaa.com

Let’s talk about where interviews matter, how to prep, and which schools are truly right for your teen 

We’re here when you’re ready! Are you?