Q&A

Does everyone get a Harvard alumni interview?

Does everyone get a Harvard alumni interview?

After each Harvard hopeful submits an online application — replete with test scores, transcripts, and personal essays — the vast majority of students sign up for an interview with a College alumnus tasked with evaluating the candidate. More than 15,000 Harvard graduates typically serve as alumni interviewers each year.

Do interviews matter for Harvard?

Your interview will never make or break your application; more likely than not, it’ll just confirm that you’re the awesome person that you showed you were in your application. In fact, the interview is more of an opportunity for you than anything else. The person who will interview you is an alumnus of Harvard.

What are Harvard alumni interviews like?

No curveballs here: Harvard alumni will ask you pointed questions about your interests and experiences as they appear on your Common App for about 45 minutes, and then they’ll open up the floor for your questions in the last 15 minutes.

Are Harvard interviews selective?

Most applicants to Harvard College are given the opportunity to meet with an interviewer in their area, though interviews can’t always be arranged due to the limited number of interviewers in their region.

Do alumni interviews matter?

Does the interview matter? Admissions officers will tell you that the alumni interview is arguably the only unbiased piece of information that goes into an applicant’s file. Some admissions officers will read the alumni interview report before reviewing other information in the application.

How do I ace a Harvard interview?

How To Win The Interview

  1. Know the school. This is your chance to show how much you know about the school you’re interviewing for, so make sure you take advantage of it.
  2. Dress accordingly.
  3. Ask questions.
  4. “Why do you want to attend this school?”
  5. Be yourself.
  6. Follow up.

Can you record an alumni interview at Harvard?

Any recording of this conversation is strictly prohibited, either by you or your interviewer. It is best to use a computer for this video conversation and not your cell phone. If this is not possible, let our alumni interviewer know of your constraints and we will do our best to accommodate your circumstances.

How many alumni contribute to the Harvard College Fund?

The Harvard College Fund fosters a philanthropic community in support of the vital and enduring teaching, learning, and research mission of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. More than 30,000 donors and volunteers contribute to the Harvard College Fund each year—from College alumni, parents, and students to GSAS alumni and friends.

What was the interview like for a Harvard student?

Here, a current Harvard student expounds on her interview experience, dismantling once and for all the intimidating rumors about “the panel” and letting you know what to expect. Want to learn what Harvard University will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take?

Where can I find the alumni interview portal?

Current interviewers can stay connected on the alumni interviewer portal. Thank you for all that you have done, and continue to do, to lead the way and represent Harvard. The Harvard College Fund fosters a philanthropic community in support of the vital and enduring teaching, learning, and research mission of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.