I recently got contacted for a 2nd interview to “provide the adcom with more information”. I’m assuming I’m on the fence and this interview could be make or break. Given that they know my academics and extracurriculars, what type of information are they looking for in this interview to tip my app over the edge? In short, what are key things to mention in this 2nd interview that would be helpful to them and consequently, me
If the past is any indication, a second interview means the first interview was inconclusive, accidentally lost, or the Admissions Director is looking for more details to help present you in the best possible light to the full Admissions Committee. So, asking another student what key things to mention isn’t going to be of much help. as you want YOUR uniqueness to shine through – and another person doesn’t have what you posses!
I would review in your mind everything you said in your first interview. Is there anything you wished you could have done differently? Or, better? Gone into more depth with? You know your strengths better than anyone! Be prepared for another conversation that could go just about anywhere and use this as a gift to re-present yourself. Let the second interviewer lead the conversation (they know you had a first interview) and see where it goes! Best of luck.
Every year, this happens to a few people. There’s no question that it’s good news for them. Not everyone given a second interview late in the process gets accepted, but from what I have seen over the years the percentage is at least 50%, and probably higher. This is a really busy time of year for admissions staff, and it’s a huge commitment for a couple of them (it seems usually to be a couple of them) to take an hour to talk to one applicant. So, first off, you should be really happy about this. You certainly are on the fence, but the vast majority of Harvard applicants never get anywhere near the fence, much less on it.
There’s probably something specific they are looking for from the interview. Rather than come up with a list of points you want to make to them, you would be better served to practice listening carefully and responding. One way or another, they will tell you what it is they want to know – probably pretty clearly, but maybe you will have to figure it out – and you should try to answer their questions, not steer things to your agenda. Your best play is to be yourself, but of course one of the better versions of yourself. Someone they would want to know better, whom they would be proud to have in their community.
Sometimes it seems like they want these interviews because the candidate looks too good to be true on paper, and they want to get a sense of what’s real and what’s fluff. Sometimes, the interview report and recommendations they have don’t completely agree, and they want to figure out why, and which ones are more accurate. Sometimes they don’t know enough about your school or background, and they want to get a first-hand sense of who you are for calibration. Maybe you have some unusual EC or life circumstance. Be prepared to be candid, calm, and, well, attractive. And self-confident, without being obnoxious. You are in the room because you are a substantial candidate on your own terms. So act like that.
Who is doing the actual interview?
I would not worry about what information you might want to provide, or impressing them with any preplanned material at all.
As mentioned, they have your transcript, extracurriculars, essays and previous interview. They probably just want to get a real sense of who you are. Or as someone suggested, perhaps your first interview was lost!
So relax if you can, let the interviewer have a chance to find out what he or she wants to explore through, hopefully, a normal, comfortable conversation. I think the best way to project “character” is to relax, be personable and open, and just enjoy the interaction.
Distraction beforehand may be the best strategy. Watch Netflix, play a sport, hang with friends, whatever helps you stay relaxed. And remember, even at this stage, you are also finding the best fit for yourself!
Good luck.