Um.. Need Some Advice for University Interview and How Long Does Interviews Usually Last?

[j@cko]

I got a phone call from a local Harvard alumnus who wants to arrange an interview with me this Saturday! I have never really expected to hear from Harvard, but here it is the interview. I have never been interviewed before, so what criteria should I be aware of? In what way should I take this interview as?
By the way, how strong of message does this type of interview indicates in terms of acceptance? My guardian was really freaked out when she heard the phone call. But I don't know whether I should be glad or otherwise.

edited, Another question, how long does this type of interview last?

 

[Angrymarshmello]

Well first off, don't show him/her this post. (Advices is not plural)

As opposed to the interview - I'm not in an ivy league school but I wouldn't look too too much into it. Just be yourself

 

[Legendary]

It doesn't mean anything regarding your acceptance status. An interview is now a common part of the application to higher tier schools.
Dress nicely and be yourself.

 

[Reel]

A few of my friends did interviews with Harvard reps and it is impossible to say how it will be since they are usually alumni that do it as a volunteer thing. One friend had a great discussion about middle east politics and economics. The other was quizzed about a lot of information and left feeling like a moron. I do have a feeling that the interview is an important part of the process with them more so than other schools that I interviewed with (JHU, CMU). I would suggest reading the paper for a few days before the interview so that you are well prepared to discuss any current events which is likely to come up in the interview. In addition, I would say bone up on any topics that you indicate that you have a preference for or experience in.

 

[Comp625]

Just remember to...

Dress Nicely
Don't Chew Gum during the interview
Smile as much as you can
Maintain eye contact
Avoid nervous habits such as shaking your leg(s)
If asked What are your weaknesses, turn your weakness into strengths (eg: I do not have work experience but have babysat on many occasions and also accumulated many volunteer hours)

Good luck!

 

[jaydee]

Be sure to take off your rubbers when you walk in.

 

[Comp625]

Oh yeah...

If they ask you to talk about yourself (eg: "Can you please tell me about yourself?") Turn the tables around and say "Sure I'd love to tell you. What would you like to know?" This avoids rambling and allows the interviewer to ask a more specific question.

 

[xuanman]

just be yourself. and watch your manners. a great interview can help you, and an awful interview can hurt. Most interviews fall somewhere in the middle, and it's really more of a way for alumni to convince smart kids to go to their school. i interview kids, and i've only dinged one person b/c he was extremely obnoxious.

 

[j@cko]

thx guys.... sofar your inputs have been helpful.

 

[j@cko]

it's really more of a way for alumni to convince smart kids to go to their school.

but the thing is that i am not one of those smart kids....

 

[xuanman]

Originally posted by: j@cko

it's really more of a way for alumni to convince smart kids to go to their school.

but the thing is that i am not one of those smart kids....

i guess i didn't mean smart in terms of grade-smart or book smart. lots of people have their own talents, so for one reason or another harvard thinks you've got something special to contribute. just be yourself. i treat interviews as mainly a way for applicants to ask me questions about my school.

 

[DaWhim]

does the alumi have the power to make a decision for the school?

 

[xuanman]

Originally posted by: DaWhim
does the alumi have the power to make a decision for the school?

generally, alumni recs don't have much of an impact. the main function of alumni interviews is that they serve as marketing tools for the schools. alumni at my school are also encouraged to see if the applicants have any questions about the school. that being said, a really bad interview (e.g. if someone acts like a jerk) will materially damage an application.

 

[Dudd]

Originally posted by: DaWhim
does the alumi have the power to make a decision for the school?

I doubt it. I believe that they simply make a recommendation, and also try to sway you to go to their school. I don't have any experience though, the only experience I have with them is turning them down.

 

[j@cko]

Another question, how long does this type of interview last?

 

[cchen]

There is no average time.... it ends when you and the interviewer no longer have anything else to talk about... it's gonna be at least 1 hour... probalby as long as 3 hours if you guys really have topics to talk about