I do a lot of interviewing here are a few tips
- Be on time. I mean not even a second late
- Have some good questions prepared. I always ask “do you have any questions for me” at the end. A good question is NOT one where the answer can be googled (Do you have a such and such club? Do you have a language requirement etc").
- It’s a conversation - don’t be afraid not to know all the answers in advance. You can take a moment to think before you answer just as you would in normal conversation. It’s ok, imho, to say “I don’t know offhand, let me think.”
- Keep some perspective - really you are figuring out whether or not Harvard is right for you, not just the other way around. If you don’t like the interviewer, that is informative.
- Prestige and “it’s obvious” are not the most compelling answers to “why Harvard” (or any other school for that matter.) something that shows that you have learned about the school’s culture and or curriculum is much better.
- A good interviewer won’t hold your anxiety against you but WILL be put off by low energy and lack of enthusiasm. Lean in - literally.
Good luck
Caesarcreek ('80)