<p>I was just wondering about whether or not interviews give you a better chance of getting in, even though on the Harvard website it says 'no, we won't be bias' or something does it actually gives you more chances? and if so, wouldn't that be unfair to those of who don't get to have one?</p>
<p>(btw, CA, Riverside County, any interviews? Anyone?)</p>
<p>Interviews…</p>
<p>a) When offered, it would be beneficial (slightly) only if: you accept their offer and you carry on an engaging interview session in which you reveal your personality, interests, etc…</p>
<p>b) When offered, it will keep your admissions neutral only if: you decline their offer. At worst, it will be slightly detrimental to your application.</p>
<p>c) If not offered, you application will remain as is.</p>
<p>d) If will hurt your chances if you accept the interview and perform badly. Ex. not being able to hold an engaging conversation, showing up late or disrespecting the interviewer in some way.</p>
<p>Interviews serve the college. They can offer illumination and more info to evaluate. Sometimes this is good, sometimes it’s bad. Mostly it’s “meh”.</p>
<p>“and if so, wouldn’t that be unfair to those of who don’t get to have one?” Right. It’s not so.</p>
<p>Hi Jimmy!</p>
<p>I can definitely help on this perspective. Many people claim that interviews don’t impact chances that much, but in truth, it definitely does specifically for Harvard. I noticed that Harvard interviewed basically every person that they are interested in, and will find means to reach the person. Some people even stated that admissions officers would even hold an interview via phone call for even 15 minutes just to get an idea of the personality of the student (if the student is really hard to reach / lack of interviewers in the region). Personally for me, I received an interview really late (one of the last people to receive one in California, Los Angeles region). After that interview (which was not a good one at all), I ended up getting a second interview from one of the admissions officers (via Skype). So don’t underestimate the importance of interviews, and definitely be yourself (:</p>
<p>jsun: your situation is unique. But it doesn’t hold true across the board – don’t imply generalizations which just aren’t the case. Interviews are done regionally by volunteers. Some are more organized than others. Most interviewers don’t even know anything about the students before hand.</p>
<p>To: CantConcentrate, Axel3419, T26E4, jsungoh (
hi!) </p>
<p>Thanks guys!!</p>
<p>Jimmy - Post your question on 1987 Crimson’s thread. He’s a long-time interviewer.</p>
<p>@gadad</p>
<p>okay, thanks!!</p>