When you’re interviewing for Harvard, one of the most important questions you’ll likely be asked is, ‘Why Harvard?’ This question provides an opportunity to show how well you know the school and how genuinely enthusiastic you are about joining its community.
In this article, we’ll explain how to tackle this question confidently, with tips for crafting a standout response to help you ace the Harvard interview.
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Key Takeaways
- The ‘Why Harvard?’ question gauges fit with the university’s culture.
- It’s crucial to articulate genuine motivations beyond academic achievements.
- Admissions officers look for evidence of thorough research on Harvard.
- Your answer should reflect personal and academic aspirations.
- Being prepared can make a significant difference in your interview performance.
Why Do Harvard Interviewers Ask ‘Why Harvard?’
The “Why Harvard?” question is a crucial part of the admissions interview, assessing both your genuine interest in Harvard University and how well your goals align with what the university offers. Admissions officers want to see that you have a deep understanding of Harvard’s unique programs and opportunities.
Harvard admissions officers often ask this question to:
- Assess Your Fit: They want to see if your character, values, and academic dedication align with Harvard’s rigorous and dynamic environment, and if your personality complements the diverse and driven student body.
- Measure Your Motivation: A strong response shows that you’ve done your homework and genuinely want to attend Harvard—not just any top university, which reflects careful planning in your college application.
- Evaluate Your Goals: Harvard looks for students with clear goals who can articulate how Harvard will help them achieve those goals.
The ‘Why Harvard?’ question is one of the most important parts of your admissions interview, especially with the Class of 2028 acceptance rate at just 3.6%.
How to Answer ‘Why Harvard?’: Harvard Interview Tips
The “Why Harvard?” question is one of the most important parts of your admissions interview. It’s your chance to demonstrate why Harvard is the perfect fit for you and why you’re a great addition to its community. Here’s how to prepare a compelling answer:
- Research Harvard Thoroughly
Look into Harvard’s specific programs, professors, clubs, and campus resources that genuinely excite you. Understand what makes Harvard unique, from its academic offerings to its extracurricular activities, and identify which aspects align with your interests.
For example, if you’re interested in economics, mention how Harvard’s Economics Department is known for its groundbreaking research and esteemed faculty, like Professor Greg Mankiw, whose work on macroeconomics aligns with your academic interests.
- Identify Your Goals and Aspirations
Think about your long-term goals and how Harvard’s resources can help you achieve them. Whether it’s through access to top-notch research facilities, mentorship opportunities, or a diverse student community, clarify how Harvard fits into your vision for the future.
Harvard’s alumni network includes over 400,000 graduates worldwide, offering mentorship, networking, and support long after graduation. You could mention how you’d benefit from this network which shows you’re thinking beyond college to your future career and connections.
- Connect Harvard’s Offerings to Your Passions
Show how Harvard’s specific programs, organizations, and resources align with your personal passions and values. By demonstrating these connections, you can convey not only why Harvard appeals to you but also how you envision contributing to and growing within its community.
For instance, if you’re passionate about social impact and community service, the Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA) is an excellent example to highlight. With over 80 programs focused on social justice, youth mentoring, and public health, PBHA allows students to make meaningful contributions locally and globally.
You could share how you plan to work with PBHA to support low-income communities or mentor underprivileged youth, showing how Harvard provides a platform to expand on your dedication to service.
- Practice with Sample Answers
Draft a few responses to ensure you’re ready to articulate your points clearly. Practicing sample answers helps you refine your response, and keep it natural, personal, and professional.
Example Answer #1: Academic Fit
“Harvard’s commitment to interdisciplinary studies is a perfect fit for my academic interests. I’m particularly drawn to the Social Studies concentration, where I can combine my passion for political science, sociology, and history. I’m also excited about the opportunity to take seminars with Professor Lisa Smith, whose work on social justice aligns with my career goals.”
Example Answer #2: Unique Harvard Opportunities
“I’m excited about the opportunities Harvard provides, such as the ability to engage in hands-on research at the Harvard Forest. I’m passionate about environmental science, and Harvard’s unique resources will allow me to contribute to meaningful climate research. Additionally, I look forward to joining the Environmental Action Committee to help raise awareness on campus.”
- Reflect on Harvard’s Values and Mission
Harvard values intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a commitment to service—qualities that define its mission to develop impactful leaders. Reflect on how these values resonate with you personally. Think about experiences where you pursued knowledge independently, took on leadership roles, or contributed to your community.
Consider how you’ll continue to embody intellectual curiosity through Harvard’s interdisciplinary courses or research opportunities, and further your leadership skills in student organizations or campus initiatives. Service to society is another core part of Harvard’s mission, so think about ways you’ve already made a difference and how you hope to expand this at Harvard.
Here’s a simple table highlighting Harvard’s core values and missions, along with examples of how you could embody each at Harvard:
| Harvard Value | Mission Element | How to Embody This at Harvard |
| Intellectual Curiosity | Pursue knowledge and innovation | Engage in interdisciplinary courses, join research programs, and attend lectures or speaker events that expand your learning. |
| Leadership | Develop future leaders | Take on roles in student government, lead student organizations, or participate in leadership workshops and initiatives. |
| Service to Society | Make a positive impact | Join the Phillips Brooks House Association for community service, volunteer for public service programs, or engage in activism. |
| Diversity and Inclusion | Embrace a global perspective | Participate in cultural clubs, attend diversity events, or collaborate with peers from different backgrounds on shared initiatives. |
| Ethical Responsibility | Act with integrity and purpose | Adhere to Harvard’s Honor Code, advocate for ethical research practices, and engage in programs focused on social responsibility. |
- Visualize Yourself at Harvard
Imagine how you’d participate in Harvard’s community. Describe how you aim to contribute to campus life, collaborating with peers, and making the most of Harvard’s unique opportunities.
If you’re looking for additional insights on navigating the admissions journey or are a parent looking to support their child, visit our Ultimate Guide to College Admissions for Parents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Answering Harvard Admission Interview Questions
Preparing for the ‘Why Harvard?’ question requires careful thought. Avoiding common mistakes is essential to making a strong impression, as these missteps can hinder your ability to demonstrate a genuine connection with the university. Here’s a list of common mistakes to avoid:
- Avoid vague responses; mention specific programs, resources, or opportunities.
- Don’t focus solely on Harvard’s prestige—show genuine interest beyond its name.
- Not being specific enough to demonstrate that you’ve thoughtfully considered why Harvard is a good fit.
- Overlooking how Harvard’s resources align with your academic or career aspirations.
- Practicing excessively so that your answer feels unnatural or overly scripted.
- Forgetting to connect your answer to Harvard’s values of intellectual curiosity, leadership, and service.
Ace Your Harvard Interview!
Answering the “Why Harvard?” question is your chance to showcase genuine interest, a strong understanding of Harvard’s offerings, and alignment with its values. By preparing thoughtfully, avoiding common mistakes, and leveraging the Harvard interview tips in this article, you’ll make a compelling case for why you’re a perfect fit for the school’s community.
About College Journey
Preparing for the “Why Harvard?” interview question can be challenging, but College Journey is here to guide you through it. Powered by Alice, your AI college counselor, College Journey provides personalized advice on researching Harvard, crafting thoughtful answers, and showcasing why you’re the perfect fit for the school.
Whether you’re looking for tips on how to connect Harvard’s resources to your goals, need help aligning your responses with Harvard’s values, or want expert insights for a standout interview, Alice has you covered. With tailored guidance, college comparisons, and tools to track your progress, College Journey simplifies the admissions process and helps you make a lasting impression. Best of all, it’s free to sign up!
FAQ
Why does Harvard ask the ‘Why Harvard?’ interview question?
The “Why Harvard?” question is central to the interview because it helps assess whether you align with Harvard’s values and culture. It also reveals how well you’ve researched the university and why you genuinely want to be part of its community.
What does Harvard look for in a response to the ‘Why Harvard?’ question?
Harvard looks for a well-thought-out, genuine answer that reflects your understanding of what makes the university unique. Admissions officers want to see that you’ve researched specific programs or resources that align with your goals and values and that you have a clear vision of how you’ll contribute to the Harvard community.
How should I prepare for the ‘Why Harvard?’ question?
Thoroughly research Harvard’s programs, activities, and campus culture. Reflect on how these align with your future goals to create a meaningful and specific response.
What are common mistakes to avoid when answering the ‘Why Harvard?’ question?
Avoid generic answers. Instead, highlight specific Harvard programs or resources that connect with your interests. Be authentic to make your response more memorable.
How can I prepare a strong answer to the ‘Why Harvard?’ question?
Connect Harvard’s offerings to your personal growth and aspirations. Discuss specific programs or resources that excite you, explain your reasons for wanting to join the community, and describe how you plan to contribute.
