Raymond J. Brienza, assistant dean of admissions at NYU, says faculty members make better interviewers than alums.
"They're knowledgeable on the school while alumni are not up-to-date on the school curriculum," Brienza says.
Still, even though Harvard and NYU do not offer regional interviews, they are trying to make the application process more convenient.
NYU offers Saturday interviews, which helps students find cheaper airfare.
HMS has made special arrangements with the Harvard Travel Center. Students can find reduced airfare though the agency when they are offered an interview.
"The hoped-for outcome and its importance to the person's life goals has to be considered when weighing the decision about how much of one's resources to expend on the effort," Orr wrote.
She adds, though, that students should use premed student organizations, or the National Association of Advisors to the Health Professions, if they want to change the current system.
"That is where the critical mass is and where any negotiations with airlines or alumni networks is likely to occur," Orr wrote.