How important is the college interview? The correct answer is, 'it depends.' There are over 2,400 four-year colleges and universities. Some put a great deal of weight on the interview; others, especially the most selective schools, rarely even conduct them, except through their alumni network. Of course, just when I'm ready to discount the importance of interviewing, a student, who was a true long shot at UCLA, gets admitted because of the strength of her interview.