Yes, it is possible and common for applicants to be admitted to Princeton University without completing an interview.
Princeton's Interview Policy Explained
Princeton University's admission process clearly states that an interview is not a mandatory requirement for admission. While the university encourages candidates to accept an interview invitation if offered, the absence of an interview will not hinder an applicant's chances of gaining admission.
Key Aspects of Princeton's Interview Process:
- Not Required: Interviews are explicitly stated as not being a required part of the admission process. This means that an applicant will not be penalized if they do not have an interview.
- Full Consideration: Princeton assures applicants that their application will receive "full consideration" regardless of whether an interview took place. The admissions committee comprehensively reviews all submitted materials, including academic records, essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities.
- Interviewer Comments: When an interview does occur, the interviewer's comments are included in the review of the applicant's file. However, if an interview is not available (for instance, due to geographical limitations or a lack of available alumni volunteers in a specific area), the application will still be evaluated thoroughly based on the strength of the other submitted components.
This policy ensures that all applicants are given a fair and complete evaluation, emphasizing that the interview is a supplementary element, not a prerequisite for admission. Therefore, numerous students are successfully admitted to Princeton each year having never completed an interview.
