Are you applying to Harvard? If so, you will need to be prepared for the interview. The Harvard interview questions can be tricky to answer, but you can ace them by practicing correctly. This blog post will discuss some of the most common Harvard interview questions and how to answer them. We will also provide tips on how to prepare for the interview also.
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Sample Harvard Interview Questions and Answers
Why do you want to attend Harvard?
Be sure to research Harvard and the specific program you are applying to. Make sure to mention why you are interested in that particular program.
Example Answer: I’m interested in the business program at Harvard because it offers many opportunities for hands-on learning. I think it’s important to get practical experience in the field you’re studying to be successful after college.
What are your academic interests?
Harvard is a prestigious educational institution, and they are looking for students who have a solid academic background. It would be best if you were prepared to talk about your academic interests and why you are interested in studying at Harvard.
Example Answer: I am interested in the business program at Harvard because it is one of the best programs in the country. I want to learn more about business and run a company effectively. I am also interested in the program because it will allow me to gain practical experience through internships with companies.
What are your professional goals?
This question is meant to get a sense of what you want out of life and where it might lead. You should tell the interviewer why you’re interested in pursuing this career path or how working at Harvard will help further your personal goals.
Example Answer: I want to work in the business field after graduating from Harvard. I am interested in learning more about how businesses operate and what makes them successful. Studying at Harvard will allow me to learn from some of the best professors in the country. Additionally, I hope to gain practical experience through internships with top companies while attending Harvard.
How would you describe your personality?
The Harvard interviewers will want to get to know you better, and one of the best ways to do that is by asking about your personality. Be prepared to talk about your strengths and weaknesses and how you handle stress.
Example Answer: I would describe my personality as outgoing and energetic. I’m the type of person who likes to take on new challenges, and I work best under pressure. I know that I can handle stress well and remain calm during difficult situations.
What are your extracurricular activities?
Harvard is looking for well-rounded students, and they will want to know about your extracurricular activities. Share why you are involved in these activities and how they have helped you develop as a person.
Example Answer: I am involved in many extracurricular activities, including the debate team and the math club. I have been a part of the debate team for four years, and it has helped me develop public speaking skills. The math club is a great way to challenge me and learn more about complex mathematical problems. These activities have taught me how to work well with others, a skill for success.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
This is one of the most common Harvard interview questions, allowing you to talk about something you are proud of. It can be anything from getting good grades in high school or participating in a sport at your university. You should also mention how this accomplishment has helped shape who you are today and what goals you want to achieve in the future.
Example Answer: My biggest accomplishment is graduating from high school with a GPA of over four point five. This was a challenge for me, but I worked hard and persevered to achieve this goal. My GPA reflects my dedication and work ethic, which I will need to be successful at Harvard. Additionally, graduating from high school motivates me to continue working hard to accomplish even more in the future.
Tell me about a time when you were creative in solving a problem?
The Harvard interviewers want to know that you can think outside the box and develop creative solutions. They will look for examples of when you have done this in the past, so make sure you are prepared to discuss a specific situation.
Example Answer: I was recently involved in a project where we had to develop a new marketing strategy for our company. We struggled to develop good ideas, so I suggested holding a contest and offering prizes for the best submissions. This was a great idea, and it helped us generate some new ideas that we wouldn’t have come up with otherwise.
What is your most challenging decision?
The Harvard interviewers will also want to know about some of the difficult decisions you have made in your life. Be prepared to discuss why the decision was tough, how you dealt with it, and the outcome.
Example Answer: One of the most challenging decisions I had to make was whether or not to attend college. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue my education and spend more money on tuition. After talking with my parents and weighing all the pros and cons, I decided to attend college. It was a difficult decision, but it was the right choice.
What book are you reading these days?
This is another common question that many applicants are asked. It can be an excellent opportunity to mention any of your favorite books and why you enjoy reading them.
Example Answer: I’m currently reading “The Tipping Point.” It’s about how small changes in a system can lead to big shifts over time.
This is an interesting topic because it relates directly to my field of study: business and marketing. After graduation, I hope to get a job at a company focusing on innovation and change.
What are your thoughts on current events?
Talk about a few of the most recent news stories and your thoughts on them and topics, such as the economy and social issues. Stay up-to-date on the latest news so you can have an informed opinion.
Example Answer: I think it’s important for all citizens to be civically engaged. I like to stay informed about current events by reading newspapers and watching television programs.
What are your thoughts on diversity?
This is a question that Harvard is increasingly interested in, so be prepared to discuss your thoughts on diversity and inclusion. You should mention why you think it’s important and how you have promoted or supported diversity in the past.
Example Answer: Diversity is one of the most important values our society holds dear. We need a diverse population because different viewpoints and perspectives can be heard. I’ve always supported diversity and have worked to promote it in my community. Having diverse backgrounds and perspectives is the only way to solve problems in our society today.
Share about your school projects?
Answer this question by mentioning the project you did in school. You can also mention projects outside of class if relevant to the question. The interviewer wants you to show how well you work with others and contribute to group assignments, so try not to talk or dominate during this part of the interview process.
Example Answer: I was part of a group that designed and built a new website for our school. It was a lot of work, but it was satisfying to see the finished product. My experience working on the website showed that I could take the initiative and work with others to achieve a common goal.
Tell me about your family background?
Talk about your family background and how that has shaped you as a person. The interviewer wants to see what values were instilled in you by your parents or guardians growing up.
Example Answer: I come from a close-knit family, which has helped me develop strong relationships. My parents always taught me the importance of being honest and respecting others. Those values have stayed with me throughout my life and helped me become a successful person.
What are your long-term goals?
Discuss where you see yourself in five or ten years. The interviewer wants you to hear how well you communicate, so try not to talk or dominate during this interview process.
Example Answer: I see myself graduating from college and getting a job in my field of study. I would like a career that allows me to travel worldwide while working on projects related to my area.
More Resources
MIT Interview Questions and Sample Answers
Why did you choose this university?
By preparing for these Harvard interview questions, you can increase your chances of getting accepted into this prestigious school. Good luck!
Job-Related Harvard Interview Question
What experience do you have that would be helpful to this position?
The interviewer wants you to hear how well you communicate and think it would be a good fit for the position.
Example Answer: I also have experience in the customer service industry, which I think would be helpful for this position. I worked at a call center for two years and was eventually promoted to team leader. I supervised a team of eight agents and ensured that all calls were answered within three minutes or less.
What do you think is the most important skill for this position?
Be prepared to talk about your skills and explain why they are important for the position. The interviewer wants you to hear how well you communicate, so try not to ramble on too much when answering this question!
Example Answer: Communication is one of the most important skills for this position because it involves dealing with customers daily. I also think that having good listening abilities is another key skill to solve problems quickly and efficiently.
What are your research interests?
If you apply to a specific Harvard program, you will likely be asked about your research interests. Shre about what topics you are interested in and why you want to pursue this research.
Example Answer: I am interested in studying the effects of global warming on ecosystems. It is relevant to my field as climate change will impact every ecosystem worldwide, including those that may not be directly affected by human activity, such as deserts or mountains.
Harvard Interview Tips
- Prepare yourself to answer common questions.
- Be yourself and formulate answers so that the interviewer knows the real you.
- Stay calm and relaxed. This way, you will focus on answering and bringing the best out of yourself.
- Talk about extracurricular activities (sports, art, etc.) in which you participated and how they helped you grow as a person.
- Dress formally and impress the interviewer with your appearance.
- Do not forget to ask questions about Harvard. It will show your interest in the program you are applying for.
- Talk about your achievements and how they can help you succeed at Harvard University.
Final Thoughts
Stay calm and relaxed, and focus on answering the questions correctly. Dress formally and impress the interviewer with your appearance. Finally, don’t forget to ask questions about Harvard University. The more you know about the school, the better your chances of being accepted into the program. We hope you got some idea about Harvard interview questions, and we want to wish you all the best in your interview.
Be sure to thank the interviewer for their time at the end of the interview. This is a courteous way to end the interview and leave a good impression on the interviewer. Plus, it’s always nice to be polite.
Good!