Late International Interviews.

I know that international interviews are pre-screened in my country. But what would it mean if I just got an invitation for an interview to Harvard? Does it mean they are considering me? That they had forgotten about my application? Thanks!

It means that there was time for an interviewer to give you an interview. Don’t read too much into it. It’s not a reason to think you have an extra advantage. Harvard can’t offer everyone an interview, they admit plenty of kids without interviews, and most alumni interviewers here on CC will tell you that the interview makes little, if any, difference.

It might mean you applied close to the deadline and they are only getting around to you now. I wouldn’t read much into it.

I have a different opinion. How other schools use alumni interviews has no bearing on the unique Harvard process. Harvard uses interviews in a specific way, and they admit very few students without interviews. They do not like to admit international applicants without an interview. The interview has no influence for the great majority of candidates who are not under serious consideration, but it has an impact for those who are serious candidates, especially those on the cusp of admission.

The full committee meetings were held this week, and your AO might want to present you to the full committee, and they needed an interview. It’s a good sign, as only a small fraction of applicants make it to full committee. But it’s no guarantee. In the last few weeks, I’ve posted a number of comments about Harvard interviews. Feel free to search for the comments. Good luck.

Thank you so much!