I do alumni interviews for an Ivy League school. They are NOT four hour one on one sessions, for the most part. I typically have a 30-45 minute interview with prospective students. The interview is generally a mechanism for the school to get an independent view on the kid: are they able to think and speak coherently? Do they have areas of interest to which they have shown dedication and enthusiasm? Are they the kind of kid who would add something constructive to the university environment? I haven't yet been told by anyone that they were part of a talent search. I would assume that many or most were, or would have been if it had been made available. It's nothing that would stand out to help or hurt, unless it led to an area of academic or extracurricular interest that is meaningful to the student.
