How to prepare for an interview at Harvard University?

I have an interview for Harvard and want to make sure I leave a great impression. What should I be ready for? Are there any particular topics I should focus on or avoid?

Firstly, congratulations on landing an interview at Harvard! It's always exciting to have the chance to converse with someone who can offer valuable insight about the school and its community.

Harvard interviews typically focus on your personality, interests, and experiences. Questions may surround your academic interests, extracurricular activities, and motivations for applying to Harvard specifically.

Before your interview, thoroughly review your application. Understandably, there might be certain topics there that your interviewer may delve deeper into. They may have your application materials in front of them during the conversation. It's also a great idea to reflect on past experiences that showcase your intellectual curiosity, leadership, resilience, and other qualities that Harvard values.

Don't forget to research the school extensively. While your interviewer may not ask direct knowledge-based questions, knowing specifics about Harvard shows your passion and interest in the school.

Consider learning more about Harvard's unique features, such as the house system or the Core Curriculum, and be ready to discuss why you're attracted to these aspects. This will demonstrate you're not just interested in Harvard because it's a prestigious school, but because it offers specific academic or cultural elements that appeal to you.

As for topics to avoid, steer clear of any potentially delicate or contentious issues, unless you're positive they're relevant and can be discussed professionally without inciting conflict. Also, avoid the bait to criticize or compare other colleges. It's always best to stay positive in your dialogue.

Make sure that at the end you ask thoughtful and meaningful questions. This shows you've done your research and are engaged in the conversation. These could be about the interviewers' own experiences at the school or specifics about the program(s) you are interested in.

Treat it more like a conversation rather than a formal Q&A session. Interact naturally and genuinely, and remember that an interview is not only a chance for the school to learn about you but also an opportunity for you to learn about the school.

Lastly, remember to thank your interviewer for their time and insights, both at the close of your conversation and later through a short thank you note or email, expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to connect and learn more about the university.

Good luck with your interview! I'm sure you'll do great.