Q: We are planning to visit colleges over the February break. Should I have my daughter interview?

A: Early on, it is a good idea to take a look at the interview policies at each of the schools to which you are seriously considering applying.  Why?  Not all interviews are “counted” as a part of the admissions decision.  The Fiske Guide to Colleges spells out each college's interview policy.  For example, if it says: “Campus interviews: recommended, evaluative.  Alumni interviews: optional, informational,” this tells you that if you do an on-campus interview, the interviewer will take notes and put them in your file.  If you interview well, this can help you in the process.  You can also interview with an alumnus in your local area but, in this case, these interviews are only to provide you with information on the college.  In an informational interview, nothing about the conversation will be used in the decision-making process, with the exception of the knowledge that you participated. 

It is also helpful to know the timing of interviews.  Generally, the more applications the school receives, the more restrictions that they will have about interviews.  Some large state universities do not interview at all.  Many of the elite and Ivy League colleges will only interview students who have submitted an application, or at least the first part of the application with the application fee.  And many schools only offer interviews to prospective students between April 1 of the junior year and January 15 of the senior year.  After that, they are reading applications and making decisions. 

Is this going to be your only visit? 

If you are traveling quite a distance for a visit, your best bet is to get as much out of the visit as possible. This could include a class visit, lunch with a student, and an interview. On the other hand, if you are just testing the waters, determining if a school is of interest or not, do just that. The interview can wait.