As universities in the US witness this increasing interest from international applicants, they are adapting their admission evaluation processes to accommodate the changing landscape. The traditional methods of evaluating applicants based solely on academic records and standardized test scores are evolving to encompass a more comprehensive view of each candidate. This shift aims to identify individuals who excel academically and bring unique qualities, perspectives, and potential contributions to the university community.
In this context, third-party interviews have emerged as a vital component of the admission process. These interviews provide a platform for international students to showcase their personalities, communication skills, and readiness for university life. By engaging in unscripted, unrehearsed conversations and providing writing samples, applicants can offer admissions committees a richer understanding of who they are beyond what can be gleaned from transcripts and essays.

Understanding Third-Party Interviews:
Third-party interviews offer a unique approach to university admissions, allowing college applicants to present themselves to institutions in an innovative way. These interviews consist of unscripted, unrehearsed recorded conversations that provide a multidimensional view of an applicant’s character, communication skills, and readiness for university life. Unlike traditional assessments of knowledge, third-party interviews focus on understanding an applicant’s personality, interests, and approach to challenges.
Accompanying the interview, applicants typically submit a short digital writing sample. This combination of interview and writing samples bridges international students to US colleges, fostering mutual understanding through unconventional means. Applicants can use the same interview and writing sample for multiple universities, streamlining the application process.

The Significance of Third-party Interviews
The value of these interviews lies in their ability to humanize the application process. They allow applicants to share their personal stories, motivations, and aspirations dynamically and personally. In doing so, they go beyond the confines of written applications, creating a living, breathing portrait of the applicant.
Furthermore, third-party interviews offer universities an opportunity to assess applicants’ communication skills in a holistic manner. Effective communication is a critical skill not only for academic success but also for future professional endeavours. Through these interviews, admissions committees can observe applicants’ non-verbal cues, body language, tone of voice, and verbal responses, gaining a more comprehensive insight into their communication abilities.
Another advantage of third-party interviews is their potential to help universities identify the “right fit.” These interviews often delve into specific aspects of a student’s academic and personal life, probing into their academic interests, extracurricular activities, career goals, and personal values. This deeper exploration helps admissions committees determine whether applicants align with the institution’s unique campus environment and values.
While third-party interviews are not mandatory, they offer numerous benefits to international applicants. They enable holistic evaluation, demonstrate a commitment to the application process, humanize the application experience, assess communication skills, and aid in identifying the right fit. To make the most of this opportunity, applicants should prepare authentically, focus on storytelling, and emphasize their soft skills in addition to academic achievements.
Therefore, third-party interviews have become a valuable and dynamic addition to the US undergraduate admission process. They provide a means for international students to shine a light on their unique qualities and readiness for university life, ultimately enhancing their chances of securing a place at their desired institutions. As the world of higher education continues to evolve, these interviews represent a bridge between applicants and their academic aspirations in the United States.

Repeat Interviews: One notable advantage of Vericant is that applicants can have unlimited repeat interviews without any gap between attempts. This flexibility allows applicants to refine their interview skills and present their best selves to the universities they apply to.
Cost: Vericant charges a fee of $230 per attempt, which covers not only the interview but also the delivery of the interview to selected colleges. This transparent pricing structure simplifies the process for applicants and ensures that they receive value for their investment.
InitialView Third-Party Interviews:
Structure: InitialView interviews are designed to be concise yet informative. The interview duration ranges from 12 to 15 minutes, providing a focused platform for applicants to convey their key messages. Complementing the interview is a 20-minute writing component, allowing applicants to demonstrate their writing abilities.
Interviewer: InitialView sets itself apart by employing native English-speaking former admissions officers and counsellors as interviewers. This unique approach ensures that the interviewers deeply understand the admissions process and can provide valuable insights to applicants.
Timelines: Similar to Vericant, InitialView offers year-round availability for interviews. This flexibility accommodates applicants’ schedules and aligns with various application deadlines, enabling students to plan strategically.
Locations: InitialView interviews are conducted in 14 Chinese cities, offering accessibility to applicants in China. Moreover, the availability of interviews in international locations such as Mumbai, Ulaanbaatar, and Ho Chi Minh reflects their commitment to serving a diverse applicant pool.
Repeat Interviews: Applicants using InitialView have the option for unlimited repeat interviews. However, there is a 14-day gap required between interview attempts. This structure encourages applicants to reflect on their previous interviews and make improvements as needed.

Cost: The cost of an InitialView interview is $245 per attempt. Importantly, this fee includes the delivery of the interview to an unlimited number of colleges. This pricing model can be advantageous for applicants applying to multiple universities.
Both Vericant and InitialView offer distinctive approaches to third-party interviews, catering to the needs and preferences of international students seeking admission to US universities. Their structured interview formats, experienced interviewers, and flexible scheduling options provide applicants valuable opportunities to effectively present themselves in the competitive college admissions landscape. Moreover, the transparent pricing structures ensure that applicants can make informed decisions regarding their investment in these interview services.
US Universities Accepting Third-Party Interviews:
While third-party interviews have a historical presence in US boarding school admissions, they are increasingly being incorporated into the college application process due to the rise of AI-writing tools and a growing number of international applicants. Many prestigious universities and liberal arts colleges in the US now consider third-party interviews as part of their application review process. Here’s a list of popular universities accepting such interviews:
Universities accepting Vericant interviews include:
- Babson College
- Barnard College
- Boston University
- Bowdoin College
- California Institute of Technology
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Claremont McKenna College
- Clark University
- Colgate University
- Colorado College
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Dartmouth College
- Drexel University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Grinnell College
- Hamilton College
- Harvey Mudd College
- Johns Hopkins University
- Lake Forest College
- Lawrence University
- Lehigh University
- Middlebury College
- Mount Holyoke College
- Pennsylvania State University
- Princeton University
- Stanford University
- Swarthmore College
- Tufts University
- Vassar College
- Wellesley College
Universities accepting InitialView interviews include:
- Babson College
- Barnard College
- Bentley University
- Boston University
- Bowdoin College
- Bryn Mawr College
- California Institute of Technology
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Claremont McKenna College
- Colgate University
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Dartmouth College
- Duke University
- Emory University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Grinnell College
- Hamilton College
- Harvey Mudd College
- Haverford College
- Ithaca College
- Johns Hopkins University
- Lake Forest College
- Lawrence University
- Middlebury College
- Mount Holyoke College
- New York University
- Northeastern University
- Northwestern University
- Stanford University
- Swarthmore College
- Tufts University
- The University of Pennsylvania
- Vanderbilt University
- Vassar College
- Virginia Tech
- Wellesley College
- Yale University
Exploring the Nuances of Third-Party Interviews:
- The Power of Unscripted Conversations: One of the key features of third-party interviews is their unscripted nature. Unlike standardized tests and written essays, these interviews allow applicants to showcase their ability to think on their feet, respond to unexpected questions, and convey their thoughts naturally. This spontaneous aspect provides admissions committees with valuable insights into an applicant’s authenticity.
- Building Authenticity: Authenticity is a prized quality in the admissions process. Third-party interviews allow applicants to be themselves, sharing genuine stories, passions, and motivations. This authenticity resonates with admissions officers, as they are looking for academic achievements and individuals who will contribute positively to the campus community.
- The Role of Writing Samples: Alongside the interview, the writing sample is another essential component. It showcases an applicant’s ability to express themselves coherently in writing. This skill is vital for success in US universities, where rigorous academic writing is often required. Applicants should pay attention to both the content and structure of their writing samples, ensuring they reflect their best abilities.
- Language Proficiency Assessment: Some third-party interview providers, like Vericant, employ sophisticated language assessment methods. For example, the Spoken English Evaluation (SEE) method dissects language proficiency into categories like range, accuracy, fluency, interaction, and coherence. These assessments provide a nuanced view of an applicant’s English language skills, which is crucial for academic success in an English-speaking environment.
Strategies for Excelling in Third-Party Interviews:
- Tailor Your Responses: While authenticity is key, it’s also essential to tailor your responses to highlight qualities that align with the university’s values and culture. Research the universities you’re applying to and understand what they value in their students. Share experiences and stories that resonate with their ethos.
- Practice, but Don’t Over-Prepare: Practicing your interview skills is beneficial, especially if you’re not used to speaking in an interview setting. However, avoid rehearsing canned responses. Instead, focus on being comfortable with discussing your experiences and ideas naturally.
- Tell Compelling Stories: The power of storytelling cannot be overstated. Use your interview as an opportunity to tell engaging stories that illustrate your personal growth, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the impact you’ve had on others. Stories make your interview memorable and relatable.
- Body Language and Presentation: If your interview is conducted via video conferencing, pay attention to your body language, attire, and background. Dress professionally, sit up straight, and maintain eye contact with the camera. A clutter-free, well-lit environment enhances your overall presentation.
Additional Considerations:
- Cost Considerations: While third-party interviews offer numerous benefits, it’s important to consider the associated costs. Be sure to budget for the interview fees and any potential retakes if you choose to do so.
- Timely Scheduling: Given that these interviews are available year-round, plan your interview schedule carefully. Consider the deadlines for your target universities and allow enough time for interview preparation and submission.
- Feedback and Revisions: Some providers, like InitialView, offer the option to review your interview video and request a redo within a specified timeframe if you’re dissatisfied with your initial performance. This feature can be invaluable in ensuring you present your best self.

Third-party interviews are a valuable addition to the US undergraduate admissions process. They offer a unique opportunity for international students to showcase their personalities, communication skills, and readiness for university life. When approached authentically and strategically, these interviews can significantly enhance your application and help you stand out in a competitive admissions landscape. Remember to leverage the advantages they offer, and most importantly, be yourself during the interview. Your authenticity is your strongest asset in this process.
How can Rostrum help with Third-party Interviews?
At Rostrum, our experienced mentors offer invaluable support to international students aiming to excel in their US undergraduate admissions interviews. Through personalized coaching and tailored guidance, we equip applicants with the skills and confidence needed to make a lasting impression on admissions committees. The experienced mentors at Rostrum provide insights into effective communication, interview strategies, and cultural nuances, ensuring that applicants can authentically convey their strengths, experiences, and aspirations during the interview process. With Rostrum’s assistance, students can navigate the complexities of third-party interviews and maximize their chances of securing admission to their preferred US universities.
To improve your chances of selection, contact us today!
Author
-
Yatharth is the co-founder of Rostrum education. He pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Mathematics and Statistics from London School of Economics and Political Science. He has worked with leading educational consultancies in the UK to tutor students and assist them in university admissions.
View all posts