Question 1

Tell me about yourself. Where do you come from, and who are you?

Accepted Answer

The interviewer only has your name, contact details and high school. This answer tells them what to ask about for the rest of the conversation. Keep it to about 90 seconds, like a movie trailer: where you grew up, two or three real interests and why they matter to you, and how you got into what you want to study. Drop hints you can expand on later.

Question 2

Tell me about your high school. How big is it, what's it like, and what was open to you there?

Accepted Answer

The interviewer can't see your transcript, so they want context for what you have done. One applicant says the rigor of her coursework was clearly being assessed. Give the size of your class, the overall feel, and what was offered (AP, honors, clubs). Then say how you used those options or went beyond them. If you are homeschooled, explain your curriculum plainly.

Question 3

Why Harvard?

Accepted Answer

A former interviewer calls it a standard question and says a shaky answer suggests you are applying everywhere. They want genuine fit both ways. Link two or three specific features to your own habits. For example: First-Year Seminars, which have no exams or letter grades; living in Harvard Yard in first year and then in one of 12 Houses; the four General Education categories. One applicant (2025) wished they had been more specific about student life, traditions or structure.

Question 4

What does Harvard offer that other schools don't?

Accepted Answer

A sharper version of "Why Harvard" that tests whether you actually looked at how the College works. Point to things Harvard's own pages describe and that matter to you: a joint concentration ending in an interdisciplinary thesis, a double concentration, a special concentration you design by petition, or dual degrees with the New England Conservatory and Berklee. Explain why it fits your plans.

Question 5

What would you like to study, and what got you into it? Any idea what you want to do with it?

Accepted Answer

Applicants say they had to go deep into their intended major. The interviewer is checking that your interest is real and reasoned. Tell the story of how the interest started and what you have done on your own since. Harvard calls a major a concentration, and students declare it in the fall of sophomore year, so you can show focus and still be open.

Question 6

Why do you want a liberal arts education?

Accepted Answer

A Harvard admissions officer lists this among the common questions. It checks whether you want a broad education or just one track. Harvard says the liberal arts build a base to think critically, reason analytically and write clearly. Give an example of a subject outside your main interest that changed how you think, and say what you'd explore through required courses like Expository Writing or the language requirement.

Question 7

How would you pursue your academic interests at Harvard, and what would you add to the place?

Accepted Answer

They want to see a plan that fits Harvard, not a generic one. Name a concentration and maybe a secondary field, plus how you'd get involved in research (Harvard awards $7 million a year to undergraduates for research projects). Then say what you would give to classmates, not only take.

Question 8

How would you define a successful college experience?

Accepted Answer

Applicants report (2021) this question. It shows your values beyond grades and outcomes. Give a personal answer with a mix of learning, people and growth, and one concrete picture of what success would look like for you.

Question 9

What do you do outside class, and why those things?

Accepted Answer

Interviewers want to know the reasons and stories behind your choices. One applicant (2022) was questioned on activities for 45 minutes straight. For each main activity, be ready to say what you contributed, what was hard, and what you learned. Show impact with a number or a real effect on someone. If you started something like a nonprofit, be ready to explain why it exists, its impact and its funding.

Question 10

Tell me about a leadership experience. What skills did it help you build?

Accepted Answer

They want to see how you work with people, which ties into what kind of classmate you'd be. Pick one moment: a conflict you settled, a group that wasn't working, a decision you had to make. Say what you did and what you'd do differently.

Question 11

What's your favorite class, and why?

Accepted Answer

It shows how you learn and what excites you. Interviewers say they are judging intellectual curiosity. Pick one class and describe a specific assignment, idea or teaching style that changed how you think. Then say what you did with it afterward.

Question 12

What are your strengths and weaknesses as a student? Tell me about an academic challenge.

Accepted Answer

Applicants report (2021, 2022) this. It tests honesty and whether you learn from struggle. Name a real weakness or hard class, what you changed, and where you are now. Keep it short and finish on what you learned.

Question 13

What do you do for fun? How do you spend your free time?

Accepted Answer

They are picturing you outside class, as a friend and dorm-mate. Be honest and specific, even if it's small or odd. One vivid detail is better than a list.

Question 14

Can you tell me your GPA and test scores?

Accepted Answer

Interviewers can't see your transcript or scores, but applicants report (2021) some asked to check them. One 2024 applicant says it isn't typical. Answer plainly in one sentence, with context if it helps (a hard schedule, a jump after a bad year). Then steer back to what you learned.

Question 15

What are you most proud of?

Accepted Answer

Shows what you value. A Harvard admissions officer lists it among common questions. Choose something that matters to you, even if it isn't on your application, and explain why. A personal win can say more than an award.

Question 16

What's the hardest thing you've been through, and how did you get past it?

Accepted Answer

They want to see resilience and self-awareness. Applicants advise preparing for conflicts and failures too. Say briefly what happened, spend most of your time on what you did, and end with what you carry from it. Share only what you're comfortable sharing.

Question 17

If I asked your friends or family what you're like, what would they say?

Accepted Answer

A quick check on how you see yourself and how you treat people. One applicant was asked for three words. Pick two or three words and back each with a quick story. It's fine to include a flaw a friend would tease you about.

Question 18

What kind of roommate would you be?

Accepted Answer

Applicants report that interviewers must answer this about you; one interviewer said her instructions were to judge whether you'd be a good roommate or friend. First-years live in entryways of 20 to 40 students, so talk about how you share space and support people. Give real habits (late night or early riser, how you handle a disagreement) and one story of looking out for someone.

Question 19

What's your cultural background, and how has it shaped you?

Accepted Answer

Applicants report (2021) this. It invites you to talk about where you come from and what you bring. Share a specific tradition, family story or tension and how it shapes how you think or act. Share as much as you choose.

Question 20

What impact do you hope to have on your campus community?

Accepted Answer

Applicants report (2024) this. It tests whether you'd give to the community, not just use it. Harvard has more than 450 student clubs and organizations, so name what you'd join or start and why. Connect it to something you already do.

Question 21

What have you read recently, outside of school? Do you have a favorite book?

Accepted Answer

A former interviewer says this shows whether you love learning; failing to give any example can suggest a lack of depth. Have one or two books (and a favorite movie, one interviewer suggests) you can talk about for a few minutes: what struck you and what you disagreed with.

Question 22

Where do you get your news? Any podcasts or YouTubers you follow?

Accepted Answer

Applicants report (2021) this. It shows how you keep learning on your own time. Name real sources and say why you trust or enjoy them, plus one thing you learned recently from one.

Question 23

Tell me about something you changed your mind about.

Accepted Answer

Harvard's dean says the College invites students to challenge assumptions. This checks whether you can. Pick a real belief, what you thought before, what changed it (a person, a fact, an experience), and what you think now.

Question 24

If you were standing in front of the admissions committee right now, what would you say? Why should Harvard accept you?

Accepted Answer

Applicants report (2022, 2024) this. It asks you to sum yourself up. In under a minute, name what you'd bring and one story that proves it. Make it about contribution, not desire.

Question 25

Is there anything we haven't talked about that you want admissions to know?

Accepted Answer

A last chance to add something. Harvard's admissions officer says you can bring up things already in your application. Prepare one thing ahead: something not on your application, or more about a project or research you care about. Keep it short.

Question 26

Do you have any questions for me?

Accepted Answer

The interview is meant to be two-way, and Harvard says it's a chance to ask what the website can't answer. Ask about their experience: favorite class, concentration, a tradition, best memory, advice for a first-year. Listen and follow up on what they say.

Questions Harvard applicants report

Opening

Why Harvard, and why your subject

Your activities and classes

Character and judgment

Ideas and the world

Closing