Does Harvard prioritize international applicants by offering them interviews? I know some people will say that according to their website, there’s simply not enough alumni. But I’ve heard that applicants who have interviews are usually accepted, to what extent is that true?
Anyone?
As true as the anecdotes that are provided on this forum, meaning that it can go both ways. However, do be reminded that there is a post quoting from an Admission Officer that international students who are not given an interview will not be at a huge disadvantage.
No. You should not rely on being offered an interview as any indication of admissions. Generally Harvard offers interviews to all their applicants. If an interview cannot be arranged in person you will probably be offered one via Skype or phone.
@amy989 OP is asking about international interviews. Anecdote suggests strongly that Harvard DOES pre-screen and selectively interviews in some countries. What you’re saying holds true for domestic applicants. Not the same for internationals.
In India, Harvard offers interviews to only a handful of applicants who eventually get admitted/waitlisted. Basically, those who do not get one dont get in.
@T26E4 @anotherdude wow I really hope it’s true. I’m from Israel to be specific and I got an interview while some people didn’t.
@T26E4 I asked for an interview though. They first sent me an email saying that there might not be enough alumni in Israel to interview me, but then a month later an alumni contacted me and scheduled an interview. Does this mean that Harvard IS interested in me after viewing my application?
@T26E4 Yes I see that now. I wasn’t paying attention. Sorry I don’t know too much about international applicant pool and what it means to get an interview. I would think if it’s not normally offered then it is a positive sign.
Yes! Very true! There are some countries whose applicants receive interviews selectively, but Israel is not one of them. Interviews for Israeli applicants are student-initiated (You can find this information on the Harvard website). But I’m questioning the edge here, honestly. Why would they say there might not be enough interviewers in the first place if the interviews are indeed student-initiated? I say take it easy! Don’t take this interview request as a sign for anything, despite your possible candidacy/qualifications! Just do well on the interview regardless of the policy behind it. Present your best self, and good luck!
The only country where virtually every applicant is interviewed is the United Kingdom. There’s also a separate site for UK applicants.
I am an applicant from Vietnam, and I did have an interview with a Harvard alumni 2 days ago. I think the interview went quite well. But idk why I do have a not good feeling of the final decision 
Hi, I am also an international applicant and still recieve no interview. Guess that I’ve already known my decision haha :)))
First of all 
your CC name is cray.
Secondly, we’re in the same tank bro.
Maybe they didn’t require any additional info? We hit the nail on the head so greatly that they felt they knew all about us… (Optimistically optimistic)
Why cray? Cats are so kute. Meow meow
Yeah, they know everything about us, so obviously the interview is unnecessary 
(HyperMegaUltra Optimistic)
I contacted the local Harvard Club of Australia (HCA) and attempted to arrange an in-person interview, but was instead connected with an alumnus who asked me some questions via email. Despite the HCA website indicating that applicant initiated interviews are offered, one HCA member told me that interviews are not arranged by HCA. Has anyone else had an email ‘interview’?
Note: I am a domestic applicant (U.S. Tri-Citizen) who primarily resides outside of the U.S. I am not sure how this might affect interview priority.
Hi everyone!
Am an international applicant from Kenya.
I applied Early Action to Harvard, but was Defered… Then H gave me an interview after being Defered… Does that really mean anything.? Bearing in mind that I hadn’t gotten an interview during the early round?
@Kenyankid I’d say you have better chances now than you did in SCEA. When did you receive the interview request?
@pili33 …on December 18th…A week after Early Action decisions!