Harvard Admissions Interview Policy

Applicants to Harvard may be assigned interviews at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. Harvard relies on a large network of alumni volunteers to interview applicants, and whether a student receives one depends partly on the availability of interviewers in their local area. With the enormous number of students applying each year, many regions simply don’t have the capacity to interview everyone.

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 most cases, the Admissions Committee already has enough information in a student’s application to make a decision. If they would like more context or have questions about anything in the file, someone may reach out to schedule an interview.

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It is Natural to be Nervous

When I talk with students, the alumni interview is usually the part of the process that makes them the most anxious. I get it. Writing your story in an essay is one thing; sharing it face-to-face with a stranger can feel much more intimidating. As someone who has seen interviews from multiple angles (as a Harvard Admissions Officer, as an alumni interviewer for Dartmouth, and as an applicant myself), I want to offer some perspective to help calm those nerves and help you show up confidently.

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Alumni Interview Tips

If you’re offered an interview, treat it as another chance to share your story and give the Admissions Committee a clear reason to admit you. Just like the essays let you highlight important parts of who you are, the interview lets you bring your experiences, character, goals, and personality to life. With any part of the Harvard application, preparation helps you put your best foot forward. Here are some tips to help you get ready.

Research Your Interviewer

Do a quick Google search once you have the name of your interviewer. It’s helpful to understand their background: Are they a recent graduate or someone who attended Harvard long ago? What did they study? What industry do they work in now? Knowing a little about your interviewer might help you find ways to connect during the conversation.

Understand the Interviewer’s Role

Alumni interviewers are not admissions officers and have a different role in the process. They do not have access to your application – only your name, contact information, and high school. This is intentional on the college’s part; they want you to walk in with a clean slate, ready to form a connection, ask questions, and highlight important aspects of your high school experience. Don’t worry – your interviewer won’t be scrutinizing your transcript or asking why you got a specific grade.

Highlight Key Parts of Your Story

While you don’t have full control over the conversation, as the interviewer will be asking the questions, use their prompts as opportunities to share the most compelling parts of your story. Think about which aspects of your experiences you want to highlight and look for ways to weave them into the interview.‍

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 Questions for Your Interviewer

Most interviews end with a short Q&A, so come prepared with a few thoughtful questions. 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.

Logistics

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In-Person vs. Virtual Interviews

• Does it matter if you do your interview in person or virtually? Short answer: no. Take direction from the interviewer and gauge their preference. If they leave it up to you, choose the environment where you feel you can perform your best and form the strongest connection. For most, an in-person setting might feel the most engaging.

What to Wear

• Harvard Admissions advises, “There is no need to dress in formal attire. Consider wearing something you would wear to school.” While you should dress comfortably, it’s wise to keep it neutral and professional, as you don’t know your interviewer’s preferences.

Send a Thank You Email

• It’s always a good idea to send a thank-you email after your interview. Remember, your interviewer is volunteering their time to meet with you and provide valuable feedback to the admissions team.

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Need Help or Advice?

If you have questions about preparing for college interviews, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can help out with mock interviews, sample questions, and general coaching tips!