<p>Yea. so Harvard just emailed me for an interview.
They just email applicants who are near them...so I guess this is why.</p>
<p>I only applied because it's a dream but reach school for me. I applied because....well it's harvard. ......can't get any more straightforward than that. it's like a one in a life time chance (applying to undergrad college). so I applied. </p>
<p>Anyways, I'm really scared they will just laugh in my face and ask me why I'm even trying once they look at my GPA and SAT scores. haha....haha.... (Btw. i'm talking about an SAT score lower than 1700....hahaha....and a gpa that is only a 3.6).</p>
<p>Sigh...........I didn't think they would ask for an interview.
So.........should I just hope for the worst and just have "fun" and play thick skinned during the interview?</p>
<p>I’m also a senior applicant, so take what I say with a big grain of salt…</p>
<p>I’m sure that people HAVE got in before with stats around there or even lower. That said, I would assume that those people would also have been in special contact with admissions as athletes or people with important daddies and not applying because “well it’s harvard.” Harvard interviewers do look at your grades and scores. However, tt is my understanding that interviews 1. aren’t that important in the admissions process (interviewers are alumni, not admissions people) and 2. are designed to leave you with a favorable impression of the College. Because of 1 I don’t think you should worry either way, and because of 2 I doubt that they will laugh at you. Be prepared for if they ask “why Harvard,” though…</p>
<p>Or you can gracefully inform your interviewer that indeed, you applied to H on a lark and that his/her precious time would be better spent with a more realistic applicant. Interviewers are volunteers who take 2 hours out away from their families, chores, work, personal leisure time to serve you and the college. Please respect that.</p>
<p>When I called my interviewer to set up a meeting place and time, she told me specifically that she does NOT have access to my application. Harvard apparently forwards them our phone number, email, and our location. Therefore, I doubt your interviewer will laugh in your face, as he/she won’t have anything to laugh at. They are an alumnus. They are not the school. They report to the school, but they are reporting your character, not your scores. Harvard already HAS your scores. They get plenty of applicants with stats like yours. Now your job is to make yourself stand out. </p>
<p>When you meet with your interviewer, be confident, be charming, have fun. Do NOT under any circumstances ACT like you think your stats are bad. And PLEASE don’t say things like “I know I won’t get into Harvard, but…” For all your interviewer knows, you’re the most qualified person to ever apply (just avoid sounding cocky.) Research the school extensively before your interview. Take note of what you love about it, be specific. Delve deep into the website and notice the little things. I read an article by an alumnus interviewer that said something to the effect of ‘If you can tell me something I didn’t know about my own school, I will be very impressed by you.’ Be well prepared to answer “Why Harvard?” and “Why your major?” But be careful. Do not memorize pre-written answers for these questions. According to seasoned alumni interviewers, memorized responses are painfully obvious.</p>
<p>Another thing my interviewer told me is to bring a copy of my resume. So I’d suggest you do that as well. If you don’t have a resume, make one. And make yourself sound good (WITHOUT exaggerating or fabricating accomplishments.) A resume gives your interviewer something to ask questions off, and gives you a chance to show your passions.</p>
<p>Finally, remember: Harvard isn’t accepting SAT scores, or GPAs. They are accepting people. Make a good impression on your interviewer, it could seriously help you in the admissions process.</p>
<p>Mel: that’s good advice in general. But you’re mistaken about what H interviewers have. The don’t have the full file: correct. But they do have test scores.</p>
<p>In the context of the OP, who considers himself/herself a throwaway applicant, I stand by my advice. Quoting Charlton Heston: “Let my people go”</p>
<p>Hey guys, thank you so much for your input.
I had my interview today…what can I tell you…</p>
<p>My interviewer LOVED me. I somehow told her my GPA (3.6) and she didn’t say anything. She just said, “tell me more about it”. So I did…</p>
<p>Like you all said, she “kind of” asked me “Why Harvard?” but she asked “Why the colleges you chose” instead. She made me list out all the colleges I was applying for.
So I told her. haha BTW. I took your advice and I didn’t tell her “I want to go to Harvard…well because it’s Harvard”. So thank you…lol …(I spent the night before trying to understand why I chose Harvard. So I had a legit reason and explanation. It was all good).
Then she asked me a BUNCH of questions.
In the end, she told me that I’d make a lovely addition to Harvard and that I am an extraordinary person who is very strong willed blah blah…that she really wants me to go to Harvard…and to email her and keep her updated all the time…and stuffs.
She ended the interview telling me to tell my parents that the interview today was amazing.</p>
<p><em>Misleading</em> I don’t think she knows my SAT scores…if she did…I don’t think she would have “loved” me as much…
I walked out feeling like I was in heaven, but now I go home and face reality. I ain’t getting in…right… sigh…</p>
sigh…</p>