Okay, so I know Harvard interviews are done by alumni, and I understand generally what they’re for – to get a better sense of who you are beyond just grades and test scores. But I’m really nervous and want to know more specifics.
Specifically, I’m wondering:
- How long are the interviews typically? Are we talking 30 minutes, an hour, longer?
- Where do they usually take place? Do I need to travel somewhere, or is it common for them to be held in coffee shops, libraries, or even online?
- What kind of questions should I expect? I know the usual "tell me about yourself" type questions, but are there specific Harvard-related questions they tend to ask? Or questions tailored to my application essays?
- How should I dress? Business casual? More formal? Does it even matter?
- Are there any common "red flags" to avoid during the interview? Things that alumni interviewers really don’t like to see?
- How much weight does the interview actually carry in the admissions process? Is it just a formality, or can it really make or break my application?
Basically, I want to be as prepared as possible so I can make a good impression. Any insights from people who have already gone through the Harvard interview process would be amazing!
Answer
The Harvard interview process, while not guaranteed for every applicant, is an important component of the admissions process, offering a more personalized assessment than the application alone can provide. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what it entails:
Purpose and Significance:
The interview aims to provide the Admissions Committee with a more holistic view of the applicant. It allows interviewers to assess qualities that are difficult to gauge from written materials, such as personality, intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, communication ability, and fit with Harvard’s environment. The interviewer’s report becomes part of the applicant’s file and is considered alongside all other application materials.
Who Conducts the Interviews:
Harvard interviews are almost exclusively conducted by alumni volunteers. These alumni represent a diverse range of backgrounds, professions, and graduation years. They are trained by the Admissions Office to ensure consistency and fairness in the interview process. Using alumni as interviewers allows for a broader geographic reach, as alumni are located throughout the world.
Interview Invitation and Scheduling:
Not all applicants are offered an interview. The Admissions Committee strategically selects applicants for interviews based on various factors, including the applicant pool’s strength in a particular region and the availability of alumni interviewers. The decision to offer an interview is not indicative of an applicant’s chances of admission; receiving an interview does not guarantee acceptance, nor does not receiving one necessarily mean rejection.
If selected for an interview, the applicant will typically receive an email from an alumni interviewer in their region. The email will contain information about the interviewer and instructions for scheduling the interview. The applicant is responsible for coordinating a mutually convenient time and location with the interviewer.
Interview Format and Setting:
The interview is typically conducted in person, although virtual interviews via platforms like Zoom or Skype may be offered, especially for applicants in remote areas or during periods where in-person meetings are restricted.
In-person interviews often take place in a public setting, such as a coffee shop, library, or a quiet corner of a restaurant. The goal is to create a relaxed and informal environment conducive to conversation. Some interviewers might invite the applicant to their office or home, but this is less common. Virtual interviews replicate this atmosphere as closely as possible.
Typical Interview Duration:
The length of the interview typically ranges from 30 minutes to one hour. The duration can vary depending on the interviewer’s style and the flow of the conversation.
Common Interview Questions and Topics:
While each interview is unique, there are common themes and questions that applicants can expect:
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Background and Interests: Interviewers often begin by asking about the applicant’s background, including their family, upbringing, and interests. They may inquire about the applicant’s motivations for applying to Harvard and their understanding of what Harvard offers.
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Academic Pursuits: Questions about academic interests, favorite subjects, and intellectual curiosity are common. Interviewers may ask about specific courses the applicant has taken, books they have read, or research they have conducted.
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Extracurricular Activities: Applicants can expect to discuss their involvement in extracurricular activities, highlighting their roles, accomplishments, and what they learned from these experiences. Interviewers are interested in understanding the applicant’s passions and how they contribute to a community.
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Personal Qualities: Interviewers often try to assess personal qualities such as leadership skills, teamwork ability, resilience, and problem-solving skills. They may ask behavioral questions that require the applicant to describe specific situations where they demonstrated these qualities.
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Future Goals: The interviewer may inquire about the applicant’s aspirations and what they hope to achieve in college and beyond. They may also ask how Harvard specifically can help the applicant reach these goals.
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"Why Harvard?": This is a crucial question. Applicants should articulate specific reasons for choosing Harvard, demonstrating a genuine understanding of the college’s academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and culture.
- Questions for the Interviewer: Applicants are always given the opportunity to ask questions about Harvard and the interviewer’s experiences. This is a chance to demonstrate genuine interest and engagement.
Preparing for the Interview:
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Review Your Application: Thoroughly review your application materials, including your essays, transcripts, and activities list. Be prepared to elaborate on any aspect of your application.
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Research Harvard: Learn about Harvard’s academic programs, research opportunities, extracurricular activities, residential life, and other aspects of the college that are of interest.
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Practice Answering Common Questions: Prepare thoughtful and concise answers to common interview questions. Practice speaking clearly and confidently.
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Reflect on Your Experiences: Think about your experiences and identify key skills and qualities you have developed. Prepare specific examples to illustrate these points.
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Prepare Questions to Ask: Develop thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about their experiences at Harvard or their insights into the college.
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Dress Appropriately: Dress in business casual attire. The goal is to present a professional and respectful appearance.
- Be Authentic: The most important thing is to be yourself and let your personality shine through. Be genuine, enthusiastic, and engaging.
The Interviewer’s Report:
After the interview, the alumni interviewer submits a written report to the Admissions Committee. The report summarizes the interviewer’s impressions of the applicant, including their strengths, weaknesses, and overall fit with Harvard. The report provides additional context and perspective to the applicant’s file. The interviewer is asked to provide an overall assessment of the candidate.
Post-Interview:
After the interview, it is customary to send a thank-you email to the interviewer within a day or two. This expresses appreciation for their time and consideration. The applicant should then focus on other aspects of their application and wait for the Admissions Committee’s decision.
In summary, the Harvard interview is a valuable opportunity for applicants to showcase their personality, intellectual curiosity, and fit with Harvard’s community. Careful preparation and a genuine, enthusiastic approach can help applicants make a positive impression.
