When do college interviews usually happen after you submit your application?

It depends on the college, but most interviews happen sometime between a few days after you submit and several weeks later.

At many schools, especially those using alumni interviewers, you may submit your application and then hear nothing before an interviewer contacts you.

If you do not hear quickly, that does not usually mean anything negative. At many colleges, interviews are based on availability, not on how strong or weak your application is. In some cases, a school may not offer you an interview simply because there are not enough interviewers.

If a college says interviews are optional or available by request, try to sign up as early as possible because spots can fill fast. If the school says it will contact you, the main thing to do is monitor your email and respond promptly if invited.