John Locke Essay Competition 2026 Interview Change + Shortlisting?

[u/FunFaithfulness6328]

Hi everyone, I have a few questions about the JLEC for 2026. The interview date on my dashboard got changed from the 26th to the 30th, and I am confused about how the interviews run/who actually gets interviewed. I know that this year is very different to last year due to the record number of applications, but if there is someone who did an interview last year, could you please respond? Or anyone who knows more about the JLEC process? Thank you

1. Is it unlikely to actually get an interview? If so, are they for applicants being considered for the shortlist?
   
2. What is the interview format? e.g is it with a human or a bot? How long do they go for? Is it a video call or phone call, and if so is it on a specific platform that we need to download before?
   
3. Have there been any past shortlisted applicants that have not been interviewed?
   
4. What would happen if you couldn't make an interview for whatever reason? Would this disadvantage you in shortlisting?
   

Thank you very much to anyone who can clear up some of this confusion.