What can I expect in a Harvard University interview?

I'm trying to figure out what to expect during a Harvard interview. What types of questions do they usually ask and are there common scenarios or riddles? I'm nervous because it sounds intense!

The Harvard interview can actually be a pleasant experience! Keep in mind that interviews are conducted by Harvard alumni who are volunteering their time to speak with you, so it's more of a conversation than a formal, intense Q&A session. The key is to relax and be yourself.

The interview is meant to give the interviewer a sense of you beyond your paper application. You'll likely be asked about your academic interests, your extracurricular activities, and your reasons for applying to Harvard. They might ask about specific experiences or accomplishments listed on your application. Here are a few examples of questions you might be asked:

1. What do you like most about your current school?

2. What do you want to study in college and why?

3. Why do you want to go to Harvard? What makes it a good fit for you?

4. Tell me about a time when you faced a challenging situation and how you handled it.

5. If money and feasibility weren't an issue, what problem would you solve in the world and why?

In terms of scenarios or riddles, the aim to assess your thought process. For instance, they might ask you something like: "Tell me about a problem you've faced and how you solved it," or "How would you handle a disagreement with a roommate?".

While preparing for the interview, brainstorm responses to these types of questions and practice delivering your answers confidently. But don’t memorize a script—you want your answers to sound natural and authentic!

Remember, the interview is really a chance for Harvard to get to know you better as a person. It's also an opportunity for you to ask questions about Harvard from someone who has firsthand experience. So feel free to ask your own questions!

Good luck, you got this! Don't forget to breathe and let your personality shine. The interview is as much about how you articulate your experiences and interests, as it is about what those experiences and interests are.