An interview is not a required part of the application, but it is recommended. The Carleton interview is informational rather than evaluative. It's a chance for us to get to know you more personally aside from grades and test scores, and it's a chance for you to get to know the college.

If it is not possible for you to come to campus, you can interview with one of our alumni who lives in your area. You can schedule an interview (either with an alum or an admissions counselor) by calling the admissions office at 1-800-995-2275.

Although we recommend interviews as a way to get better acquainted (us with you, you with the college), the absence of interview won't be a strike against you. If you're unable to interview, we suggest you make the most of your essay and other application materials to help us get to know you as a person.

No, interviews are not required in any way for admission.

I visited campus to have an interview and a tour. The lady at the desk said, "Your interviewer wasn't able to make it, so Paul said he would just fill in." My immediate reaction was disappointment. I came all this way for an interview, and I was going to get Paul the backup interviewer, the pinch hitter. Disheartened, I was led into a room where an older man in a blue blazer sat behind a desk. The interview went smoothly, and at the end, Paul gave me his card in case I had any questions. As I left the office, I peered down at the card and realized that "pinch hitter Paul" was none other than Paul Thiboutot, Dean of Admissions!