<p>If I'm not good at interviews, should I do it? Is it pretty much standard procedure, even though it's supposed to be optional?</p>
<p>Definitely do it if you have the chance. It is going to look bad if you had the opportunity and didn't take it - it will say to them that you have something to hide about your personality, or that you are just completely socially awkward. So, I would take it, try and relax, I know it's hard but seriously the interview is meant to be very casual - just a chat with an adult, a chance for you to emphasize your strengths and explain any weaknesses on your application. Have in mind what sort of thing you'd say in response to generic questions like 'Why Harvard', 'Why would you be good for Harvard', and also remember they're judging you on academics, extracurricular and personal - so have something to say about your academic interests and ECs.</p>
<p>Harvard places a greater emphasis on the interview than its peer institutions. The fact that Harvard goes to great lengths to try and provide every one of its 23,000 applicants an interview testifies to that fact. If you are offered an interview and do not take it, that does not bode well for you.</p>
<p>Definitely take it.</p>
<p>By the way, a general tip for interviews- your first interview is usually your worst, and your last one is your best. You're usually nervous for the first one, but you get experience and confidence from every interview- you know what questions to expect and how to answer them, you're accustomed to the atmosphere, etc...</p>
<p>So, if you're particularly concerned about the Harvard interview, do anything you can to take a few interviews with other colleges first.</p>
<p>ok, so, i dont wanna hijack this thread, but i have a question about interviews,
do they contact me after i send in the application? or do i contact them?</p>
<p>cause on the harvard supplement, it says, "have you had an interview ... etc etc" and even asks you why not if u haven't, so do i schedule the interview myself, or they contact me?</p>
<p>and, can this be dont over the internet if i have to schedule it myself,or do i call them up?</p>
<p>thanks</p>
<p>That part of the supplement is for internationals -- they will contact you if you live in the US</p>
<p>oh yes, thank you</p>
<p>wow, thanks guys. If I wasn't so stingy I'd send all you guys godiva chocolates.</p>
<p>I have a question. I'm international (from Canada), so how am I supposed to get myself an interview when I apply?</p>
<p>Canadian applicants get contacted as well. If you don't hear from them for a long time, then call the office. :)</p>
<p>(i'm from Canada also... represent, represent.)</p>