I'm prepping for my Harvard regular decision interview and could really use some advice. What should I expect and how can I best present myself? Any specific questions I should prepare for? Thanks for any help!
Congratulations on getting this far in the application process at Harvard! Interviews can be a great opportunity to showcase your interests, experiences, and what you could bring to the university community. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
1. Read up: Review your application materials, including your essays and short answers to remind yourself of the image you have presented to Harvard so far. Go through Harvard's website to get a good understanding of its values, culture, academic programs, and more, which would show your interviewer you are well-prepared and passionate about the college.
2. Be ready to discuss your interests and experiences: You're likely to be asked about your academic interests, extracurricular activities, and possibly your career aspirations. This is a great time for you to dig deeper into your experiences and show how your current activities align with what you would like to do in the future. For example, if you've started a recycling program at your school, you could explain how this demonstrates your passion for environmental conservation and your leadership skills, and how you plan to continue these efforts at Harvard.
3. Practice common interview questions: While interviews can be unpredictable, certain questions are more common, like "Why Harvard?", "Tell me about yourself," or "What is your favorite book and why?" Prepare some talking points but be open to deviation as the interview progresses.
4. Ask meaningful questions: The interview is not only about answering questions, but also about asking them. Prepare some thoughtful questions about Harvard or about the interviewer's own experience at Harvard. This shows your genuine interest and can give you valuable insights.
5. Be yourself: Interviews are a way for colleges to get to know candidates beyond their application. Be genuine and speak about your interests, experiences, and aspirations passionately. Remember, the interview is meant to be a conversation, not a strict Q&A session.
6. Practice good etiquette: This includes showing up on time, being respectful and enthusiastic, thanking your interviewer afterward with a short note or email to express your gratitude.
Every interview is different, but these general tips should set you on the right path. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.