Harvard admissions interviews are one of the most misunderstood parts of the application process. Every year, students panic about whether they will receive an interview, what it means if they do or do not, and how much weight the interview actually carries.

This guide will discuss how college interviews really work and how students should approach them if they are offered one.

Harvard Admissions Interview Policy

Harvard interviews are offered at the discretion of the Admissions Committee and are conducted by alumni volunteers. Whether a student receives an interview depends largely on alumni availability in their geographic area. With the volume of applications Harvard receives each year, it is simply not possible to interview every applicant.

Harvard is very clear that “your application is considered complete without an interview and will receive a full and thorough evaluation.” There’s more information on Harvard’s website about how interviews work, so I recommend checking it out if you want the full details.

In practice, interviews are not used as a screening tool. Instead, they offer applicants an opportunity to share additional context about who they are and to connect with someone from the Harvard community, most often an alum.

It Is Normal to Feel Nervous About a Harvard Interview

For students who are offered interviews, this is often the most anxiety-inducing part of the process. Writing essays gives you time to reflect and revise. Speaking about yourself live to a stranger can feel much more intimidating.

I have seen Harvard interviews from multiple perspectives: as an admissions officer reading interview reports, as an alumni interviewer for Dartmouth, and as an applicant myself. The interview is not designed to trip you up or test you. It is meant to humanize the application and add texture to what is already on the page.

The best interviews feel more like thoughtful conversations than interrogations.

Harvard Alumni Interview Tips

If you are offered a Harvard interview, treat it as another opportunity to share your story and add dimension to your application. Preparation does not mean memorizing answers. It means understanding what you want the interviewer to walk away remembering about you.

Research Your Interviewer

Once you receive your interviewer’s name, it’s reasonable to do a brief online search. Having a general sense of their background can help you feel more comfortable and may reveal natural points of connection. There’s no need to go deep. The goal is simply to be familiar and at ease, not to uncover some detail you can use to try to impress them.

Understand the Interviewer’s Role

Harvard alumni interviewers are not admissions officers. They do not see your application, your grades, your test scores, or your essays. They typically receive only your name, high school, and contact information.

This is intentional. Harvard wants the interview to be a fresh interaction rather than a review session. Your interviewer is there to learn who you are as a person, not to audit your transcript.

Highlight the Most Important Parts of Your Story

You will not control every question, but you can control how you answer them. Use prompts as openings to share the experiences, values, and interests that matter most to you.

Before the interview, identify two or three themes you want to come through clearly. These might relate to intellectual curiosity, leadership, creative work, service, or a specific academic interest. You are not forcing these into the conversation, but you are aware of them and ready to speak about them naturally.

Be Yourself

Harvard Admissions explicitly encourages this: “Be yourself and use this opportunity to learn more about the Harvard community from someone who has been a Harvard student.” While it’s easier said than done, the best thing you can do is be authentic. You’ve worked hard to get to this point – now is your chance to talk about yourself. Remember, your interviewer was once in your shoes, a high school student applying to Harvard.

Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Most interviews end with time for you to ask questions. This is an important part of the conversation. Aim for ones that show curiosity about the college, not just things you could find on the website. A nice bonus is asking something specific to your interviewer. For example, if they mentioned early on that they majored in biology, you could ask, “How did you decide on biology, and what research opportunities did you get involved in while you were on campus?” Questions like that show you listened, engaged, and are genuinely interested in learning more.

Interview Logistics

In-Person vs Virtual Interviews

Whether your interview is in person or virtual does not affect how it is evaluated. Follow your interviewer’s lead. If you are given a choice, select the format where you will feel most comfortable and focused.

What to Wear to a Harvard Interview

Harvard advises applicants to dress as they would for a normal school day. You do not need formal attire. Aim for something neat, neutral, and comfortable. The goal is to remove distractions, not make a fashion statement.

Sending a Thank You Email

Always send a brief thank you email after your interview. Alumni interviewers volunteer their time and submit thoughtful reports. A short note expressing appreciation is both polite and professional.

‍

Final Thoughts

A Harvard interview is not something to fear. It is one small piece of a much larger application, and for many students it ends up being a positive and affirming experience.

If you have questions about preparing for college interviews or want help practicing in a low-pressure setting, feel free to reach out. Thoughtful preparation can make a meaningful difference in how confident you feel walking into the conversation.