How should I prepare for a Harvard interview?

Hey guys, so I just got the email that Harvard's offering me an interview! I am both excited and quite nervous. Anyone who has gone through this, can you advise me on what I should prepare, how to present myself, or what sort of questions to expect?

Firstly, congratulations on receiving an interview opportunity from Harvard University! It's quite an achievement, and it suggests they're interested in getting to know you better.

1. Know Your Application: Familiarize yourself with every detail of your application, as the interviewer will have read it and may ask questions based on what you wrote. This includes everything from your grades and test scores to your extracurricular activities and personal essays. Think about experiences you can further elaborate on that demonstrate your interests, intellectual curiosity, leadership, or community involvement.

2. Research: Learn about Harvard and what features, opportunities, and aspects of the university attract you the most. Interviewers often ask questions like, "Why Harvard?" Be ready to answer this question with specifics about the university rather than general statements like its academic prestige. For instance, if you're interested in Economics, mention a specific faculty member, course, or research opportunity that aligns with your interests.

3. Practice Common Interview Questions: Think about how you might answer questions like "Tell me about yourself," "What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?" or "Tell me about a challenge you've overcome." They might also ask about your extracurricular activities and how they impacted your high school experience.

4. Show Your Personality: While it's important to be professional, showing your personality and being authentic is equally essential. This gives the interviewer a more rounded glimpse of you. Remember, your interviewers are alumni, so share your interests, passions, and future goals, and try to establish a connection with them.

5. Ask Questions: Asking the interviewer questions that genuinely indicate your interest is a great idea. These could be about their experiences at Harvard, their favorite traditions, or advice they have for prospective students.

6. Remember to Thank Them: Following up the interview with a thank you email is a nice gesture, as it shows you appreciate the time the alumnus took to meet with you.Bear in mind, your interviewer's report will be incorporated into your overall application review; it probably won't make or break your application, but it can add valuable context. In general, approach the interview as a conversation between two people with shared interest in Harvard, rather than a test. Good luck!