Harvard interview very soon--any last minute tips?

cy7878
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 20:48:04 +0000

Two of my former co-workers were Harvard Alums and interview for Harvard.
What they shared with me are:

1. They can’t get you in, no matter how much they like you. The committe has the final say. They can’t get you out, no matter how much they hate you, but that is rare.

2. You are not going to impress them. Both having gone thru Harvard Undergrad, then Harvard Med and Harvard residencies. They have seen enough smart people to know. If you try too hard, it makes you look bad.

3. Be humble, but confident. Being knowledgeable is not the same as being a know-it-all.

4. They are looking for people with ambition to change the world. Both are subtle in how they ask, but they look for these qualities.

5. I see from your other posts, you have extensive research background. I guarantee this will come up. Be prepared to answer any and every questions, but be able to do it as if you are explaining this in layman’s terms. Avoid technical jargons. These people do not appreciate being made to feel dumb.

6. Lastly, do not ever ask for advice on what to do if you don’t get in. They both specifically told me they frown upon those types of questions and shows a lack of confidence and ambition.

Last lastly. Be nice to everyone you see before/during/and after the interview. How you treat people are being watched. A friend of mine wonder for years why he didn’t get into Stanford Med when his interview went well, committee really like him and hinted he would be accepted. Turned out he was screaming that the office secretary for not having coffee and breakfast ready for him… True story.