As a proud alumnus of Harvard University, I had the privilege of interviewing 25 prospective...
You got a Harvard Interview: Now What?
I graduated from Harvard in 2021 and conducted 25 interviews during the '22-'23 admissions cycle, which is more than the average number of interviews conducted by most interviews in a cycle.
Getting an interview may or may not matter. They can't interview everyone, but they try to. If you do get one, there's a reason. It's important to make the most of the opportunity, as it can impact your application. Consider this: many students look similar on paper. What makes you stand out? The interview report can be positive or negative. Positive reports are rare. Most applicants don't stand out in interviews, but it could be the reason you get accepted.
To be prepared for your interview, practice is key. This includes answering questions, talking about yourself, and describing your life story.
One common mistake students make during interviews is providing insufficient detail and depth in their answers. This means that their responses often only scratch the surface, leaving the interviewer wanting more. It's crucial to remember that an interview is not just a question-and-answer session; it's an opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and unique qualities.
When faced with a question, take the time to provide thoughtful and thorough responses. Instead of simply stating facts or giving one-word answers, delve deeper into your experiences and provide specific examples. For instance, if asked about your favorite extracurricular activity, don't just say "I enjoy playing soccer." Instead, elaborate on why you love soccer, how it has shaped your character, and any memorable moments or achievements you've had on the field.
By providing sufficient detail and depth in your answers, you demonstrate your ability to reflect and articulate your thoughts effectively. This shows the interviewer that you are not only capable of critical thinking but also have a genuine passion for the topic at hand. It allows them to gain a deeper understanding of who you are as an individual and what you can bring to their institution or organization.
Remember, an interview is your chance to stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression. So, don't be afraid to share personal anecdotes, express your opinions, and showcase your unique perspective. By going beyond surface-level responses and providing rich, detailed answers, you can leave a lasting impact on the interviewer and increase your chances of success.
During an interview, it is important to change your mindset. Instead of feeling scarcity and putting pressure on yourself, approach it with abundance. Remember that there are other opportunities out there. You are also evaluating the college or the job. By flipping the interview like this, you will have a stronger mindset and appear more confident.
When you shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance, you open yourself up to new possibilities and perspectives. Instead of seeing the interview as the only chance to prove yourself, view it as one of many opportunities to showcase your abilities and potential. This mindset shift allows you to approach the interview with a sense of confidence and optimism.
By recognizing that you are also evaluating the college or the job during the interview, you empower yourself to ask thoughtful questions and assess whether the institution or organization aligns with your goals and values. This shift in perspective enables you to engage in a more meaningful and authentic conversation with the interviewer.
Furthermore, when you approach the interview with abundance, you project an air of confidence and self-assurance. Instead of appearing desperate or anxious, you exude a sense of calm and poise. This can significantly impact the impression you make on the interviewer and increase your chances of success.
The interview is not just about proving yourself to the interviewer; it is also an opportunity for you to assess whether the college or the job is the right fit for you. By embracing an abundance mindset, you can approach the interview with a stronger sense of self and showcase your unique qualities and strengths. So, go into the interview with confidence, knowing that there are other opportunities out there and that you have the ability to make a lasting impression.
Until next time, stay curious
— Daniel