<p>My D completed her Harvard interview. Quite tough and curveball questions like “Generally young people do not vote. How would you change it?”…</p>
<p>^^ Nothing really tough or curveball about that question, at least IMHO.</p>
<p>Harvard gives the interviewers wide latitude as to how to structure the interviews. I would describe that question as “pointed” rather than tough or curveball, but also note that I don’t think most interviewers ask those types of questions. Those few that do, I’m sure, will recognize that most applicants can’t prepare for these questions, and will adjust expectations accordingly.</p>
<p>To me, the whole thing is silly – why perpetuate Harvard’s (at least somewhat false) stereotype as a pressure cooker by conducting interviews in this manner. Moreover, I don’t think that being “quick on your feet” is a particularly important attribute for success at Harvard.</p>
<p>I am inclined to agree with the others: I think that question is neither particularly nasty nor particularly valuable. </p>
<p>For what it’s worth, the weight of the alumni interview in the admissions process is usually trivial.</p>
<p>The point of a question like that is to elicit an opinion. I would never ask that as my first question, but I think it’s a fair one. I’ve been interviewing for Harvard for 15+ years. I usually start by trying to put the student at ease, usually by asking about a favorite subject or about an activity at which he or she clearly excels.</p>
<p>As far as the weight of the interview, I’d say that varies also. I’ve had messages from Harvard asking about particular candidates or asking if there’s anyone for whom I really want to push.</p>