大学では、入学試験の点数、学校の成績、エッセイ、その他の書類を確認して入学者を選ぶことが一般的です。

READING

Universities often choose students by examining entrance-test scores, school records, essays, and other written materials. Some institutions are increasing the role of interviews in this process. Applicants may speak with one or more interviewers in person or online and answer questions about their interests, experiences, and reasons for applying. The interview score is then considered together with other admission information.

Supporters believe wider use of interviews is beneficial. Interviews can show the qualities of applicants that may not appear in test scores or written records. Examples include their ideas, communication skills, experiences, and motivations. This gives universities another source of information when applicants have similar academic results and may help reveal their strengths that standardized examinations do not measure directly.

However, critics have concerns. Interview ratings can depend heavily on the judgment of individual interviewers. Two people may react differently to the same answer, making results less consistent than standardized tests. There is another problem. Admission interviews may create inequality. For example, applicants from wealthy families can have more access to preparation resources such as private coaching and thus may have an advantage even when their academic ability is similar to that of other students.