I'm applying to Harvard and heard about alumni interviews. Does every applicant get the chance for an interview, or is it only for select students? Trying to figure out what to expect during this process.
The opportunity for an alumni interview from Harvard is not offered to all applicants. Candidates who advance in the admissions process are generally offered an interview, but this largely depends on the availability of alumni volunteers in a student's region. Applicants without interviews are not disadvantaged in the application process.
Harvard interviews are not required, but are highly recommended as they offer a unique opportunity to further personalize your application and add more depth to your profile. However, remember that the absence of an interview does not negatively impact your application – due to the large volume of applications that Harvard receives and the limitation of available interviewers, not all applicants will be offered an interview.
If you do get one, prepare yourself well. Familiarize yourself with common interview questions and practice speaking about your experiences, goals, and why Harvard is a good fit for you. It's also a great platform to ask questions about campus life, academics, and experiences, which can demonstrate your interest in attending Harvard. On the whole, interviews are considered in conjunction with other application components and are not standalone parameters for admission.
Good luck with your application to Harvard!
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