College Admissions Interviews for the Class of 2026

Did you know that many colleges offer interviews even before their applications open? While most applications don’t go live until August 1, several colleges are already inviting prospective members of the Class of 2026 to schedule interviews. These conversations can happen on campus, virtually via Zoom, or even in your local area—depending on the school.

Why College Interviews Matter

College interviews come in two main forms:

🔹 Evaluative interviews, which become part of your application file and are considered in the admissions decision, and

🔹 Informational interviews, which are more about helping you learn whether the college is a good fit for you.

What to Expect from the Interview

It’s important to know who’s conducting the interview—it could be an admissions counselor, a trained alumni representative, or even a current student. No matter who you meet with, these interviews are a chance to go beyond the numbers and bring your application to life.

For colleges that offer them, interviews are a powerful opportunity to express what matters most to you. Outside of the essay, this is one of the few places where your unique voice can really shine. You can highlight qualities and experiences that may not fully come through on paper—and ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate genuine interest (a factor many colleges track closely).

Colleges Offering Interviews for the Class of 2026

Below is a list of schools already opening interview slots for the Class of 2026. If one of your top-choice colleges isn’t listed here, check their admissions website to make sure they don’t have an interview opportunity—you don’t want to miss this chance to stand out.

Class of 2026 Interview Processes

Updated May 7, 2025

• Agnes Scott College: Interviews are now available and must be scheduled before your application deadline. 

• American University: Interview opportunities will begin in June

• Augustana College: Students can complete an interview during their campus visit or schedule a phone/video interview with their admissions counselor before submitting their application. Additionally, Chicagoland students who have previously visited campus can schedule an interview at the Chicagoland office.

• Austin College: Students can add an interview as part of their campus visit, or they can reach out to their admissions counselor to set one up.

• Bowdoin College: On-campus interviews from June 2-August 22; virtual interviews from May 28-August 22 and virtual alumni options will open in early September.

• Brandeis University: Has not released information on their interview process for Fall 2026 at this time.

• Bryn Mawr College: Virtual and on-campus interviews begin June 2

• Carleton College: Students must attend an in-person campus visit or virtual information session before they are allowed to register for an interview. Interviews will begin later in May and run through mid-January. 

• Christopher Newport University: On-campus and virtual beginning June 2 through February 2025 

• Claremont McKenna College: Virtual Interviews will open later this month. Students can also submit an optional video response if unable to interview. *Homeschool students are required to interview.

• Clark University: On-campus opportunities are now available through mid-August; virtual interviews will open later this month Clark also offers "Clark on the Road" interviews, but the dates are TBD.

• Colgate University: Opportunities TBD but will be available June through mid-December

• College of the Atlantic: Virtual opportunities now through May 30. Additional opportunities will be added later this summer.

• College of the Holy Cross: Opportunities are TBD but will be available beginning in June. 

• College of Wooster: Interviews are required for students to be eligible for the top merit scholarships. You can request a virtual meeting with your admissions counselor or an in-person interview during your campus visit.

• Colorado College: Students need to have attended a virtual or in-person information session or group chat to be eligible for an interview, and opportunities will open later this summer.

• Connecticut College: On-campus opportunities are now available, and virtual options open in mid-June and run through mid-December.  

• Denison University: Now through February, although January and February dates are reserved for students who have applied. Recommend an in-person interview during your campus visit or when an admissions counselor is in your area.

• Dickinson College: Students can add an interview as part of their campus visit, or they can reach out to their admissions counselor to set one up.

• Drew University: Virtual opportunities begin on May 12 and in-person interviews will be available later this summer.

• Fairfield University: Virtual interviews begin on June 2 and will run through August. In person interviews begin on June 9 and run through August 7.

• Gettysburg College: Virtual opportunities now through Mid-August

• Grinnell College: None are currently available, but information should be posted soon. Interviews will be available through December 2, but after November 15, only students who have applied to Grinnell will be eligible for interviews.

• Hamilton College: Offering video interviews through December 12. 

• Harvey Mudd College: Not yet open, but students should be able to register soon

• Haverford College: Virtual interviews now through May 30, with additional opportunities until the application deadline.

• Hobart and William Smith Colleges: Not yet open but opportunities should be posted soon.

• Kenyon College: Not yet open but opportunities should be posted soon.

• Knox College: Students can email admissions to request an in-person or phone interview.

• Lafayette College: Interviews open in late June and run through January 15. Students can choose an in-person or a virtual interview

• Lake Forest College: Interviews are required for students applying test-optional, and you need to connect with admissions to schedule. 

• Lawrence University: Virtual opportunities are available now through August 29

• Lewis and Clark College: Virtual interviews will be available beginning in June

• Macalester College: Interviews open on August 1

• Mount Holyoke College: On-campus and virtual interviews are available now through mid-August.

• Muhlenberg College: Interviews will open in June.

• Oberlin College: Students applying to the College of Arts and Sciences can complete a virtual interview through August 29.

• Occidental College: Interviews will begin in August 2025. Applicants can also submit an interview via Glimpse by Initialview.

• Reed College: Students can interview as part of their campus visit or complete a virtual interview now through December 1 (ED) or December 10 (EA)

• Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT): Virtual interviews now through June 27, with additional opportunities opening in mid-June.

• Pitzer College: On-campus and virtual dates TBD

• Sacred Heart University: Virtual interview dates TBD.

• Saint Anselm College: On-campus interviews begin June 2 and are available through August 15.

• Sarah Lawrence College: Virtual interview dates will be available in June. EA/ED1 students should interview by November 1. ED2/RD applicants need to interview by January 31. 

• Scripps College: Virtual interviews will open later this summer.

• Southwestern University: Interviews are available after you apply. 

• St. Lawrence University: On-campus interviews are now through December 19. Virtual interviews will open later this summer.

• St. Mary's College of Maryland: College Conversations are available with admissions counselors on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout August.

• Swarthmore College: Interviews will open later this summer. 

• Syracuse University: Interviews will open later this summer.

• Trinity University: Virtual interviews will begin in July. Offer in-person interviews on campus and throughout TX (Austin, Houston, and Round Rock).

• Union College: On-campus interviews are available on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays throughout the summer. Virtual interviews beginning on June 3 through September 2 at this time.

• University of Richmond: Offers virtual "spider chats" with current students and alumni, and opportunities will be made available later this summer.

• University of Rochester: Currently interviewing transfer students, but Fall 2026 interviews should be posted later this summer.

• University of San Diego: Students can schedule a virtual interview with their admissions counselor at any time.

• Ursinus College: Interviews will open later this summer.

• Virginia Military Institute: Students can request a virtual interview at any time.

• Washington & Lee: On-campus and virtual interviews are available now until August 8, but more dates will be added through November 30. Students can also participate in alumni interviews between October 1 and January 15, which are only available for students in the United States. 

• Washington University in St. Louis: On-campus interview opportunities begin June 3, and virtual opportunities will begin June 18. 

• Wheaton College (MA): Virtual interviews now through August 30

• William & Mary: On-campus and virtual interviews begin June 9 and run through August 15.

• Yeshiva University: Virtual interviews are available now, and students can register for one up to 60 days in advance. 

  
  

Final Thoughts for Class of 2026 Students

Class of 2026, have questions about the admissions process or want to get a head start on your college planning? Reach out to Allison or visit Grand Fit Educational Consulting to learn how personalized guidance can help you navigate every step with clarity and confidence.