Any tips for an interview at the NYC Harvard Club? I heard you might get two interviewers at once. How well-informed do you have to be about current events? I’m somewhat read it but I don’t think I could talk for more than a minute or so about specific events. Also, I’m applying as an Econ major and I’m more well versed in Econ news.
For those who have had an interview at the NYC Harvard Club, was it more laid
back or somewhat aggressive? Thanks in advance.
First off, all students apply to Harvard as Liberal Arts majors and choose a major, called a concentration, during their sophomore year. Harvard asks about your “intended major” to gauge your interests, but as more than 60% of college students switch majors during their 4 years of college, Admissions cannot use what you write down on the Common Application or Supplement as a recruiting tool.
So don’t make the mistake of saying your applying as an Econ major because that’s not how Harvard Admissions works. You can say your interests are in Econ, and be prepared to talk about some books (not news articles) you have read on the subject outside of a high school classroom.
Both my kids had their interview at the NYC Harvard Club and were interviewed by two alumni at the same time. My son felt it was a bit like “good cop, bad cop” with one alumni being a bit more chummy than the other. Wear a business suit, with a button down shirt and tie if you’re a guy, as the NYC Harvard Club has a dress code (https://www.hcny.com/files/website%20DRESS%20CODE.pdf) and it’s not a casual type of interview. You might be asked about current events, you might not be. Go with the flow, and be your “best” self on your best day. Good luck to you!
One additional note that I was too late to add, bring a one-page resume with you in case you are asked for one. Here’s a sample: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1667731-college-interviews-resume-vs-activities-list-p2.html
@gibby I haven’t exactly read many books on the topic… maybe I should study up?
How do you think an interviewer judges whether a student is really interested in a particular subject???
If you bring up your interest in Econ (or whatever), be prepared to talk about the books you have read and what you liked about them. That’s just common sense. If you are truly interested in Econ, you should have read at least several books on these lists:
http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2011/01/11/132649042/must-read-economics.
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/economics
If you haven’t read that many Econ books, pick one and start reading it, so you can talk about it during your interview.
An alumni interview is very different than a job interview or oral examinations. As long as you dress appropriately, relax, and put your best foot forward, you’ll be fine. Good luck!
@sherpa Thank you for the advice! I asked my friend who also interviewed for Harvard at the Club in NYC and he gave me some tips as well.