Complete Guide to Harvard Admissions Interview Questions and Answers
Okay. So getting into college Right. It could feel like a whole, you know, pressure figure sometimes. Right? Especially when you're aiming for a top school like Harvard.
Speaker 2:Oh, absolutely.
Speaker 1:You're already dealing with, you know, trying to keep those grades up, making sure all the extracurriculars are, you know, up to snuff.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:And then boom, the interview.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 1:It's like, uh-oh.
Speaker 2:Big time.
Speaker 1:So today, we're gonna kinda take that pressure off a little bit. Okay. And we're gonna, like, demystify that whole interview process.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Good idea.
Speaker 1:Give you guys some tools you need to really shine. You know?
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:So today, we're gonna be diving deep into this, this awesome blog post called The Complete Guide to Harvard Admissions Interview Questions and Answers.
Speaker 2:Oh, nice.
Speaker 1:And this is written by Josh Roman, who is a, you know, Princeton alumni interviewer.
Speaker 2:Oh, interesting.
Speaker 1:So he's been there. He's seen it all.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 1:You know, and he's sharing all his great insights with us.
Speaker 2:I like it.
Speaker 1:So first thing. 1st, the guide says about 75% of Harvard applicants actually get invited to an interview.
Speaker 2:Wow. That's a lot.
Speaker 1:So that means, you know, for most families, going through this whole process
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:The interview is a hue it's a big deal.
Speaker 2:Definitely.
Speaker 1:It's a really key moment to make you stand out.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's a chance for the students to really move beyond those numbers Right. And their resume, the transcript
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Really show who they are to the admissions committee
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Yeah. As a person. You know? And the guide stresses that these interviews are you know? Yeah.
Speaker 2:They're conversational. Yeah. Not like an interrogation. Yeah. They can be in person
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Over the phone or even, you know, a video call, whatever.
Speaker 1:It's not an interrogation.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:That's good to know.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:But but it's still, you know, like an interview. Sure. And so even if it's more like a chat
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:It's still good to, you know, have an idea of what kind of questions they might ask.
Speaker 2:Oh, for sure.
Speaker 1:That can help ease some of the jitters.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Yeah. Totally.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:The guide breaks it down into 3, main categories.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:First one's all about academics.
Speaker 1:Oh.
Speaker 2:So, like, you know, your interests
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:What subjects are you most, you know, passionate about? Yeah. Why this field, or how have you challenged yourself, academically? Yeah. They wanna see that, that spark.
Speaker 2:Uh-huh. You know, that genuine excitement about learning.
Speaker 1:Right. Right. It's not just about, like, listing, you know, AP classes that you've taken.
Speaker 2:Right. Right. Exactly.
Speaker 1:It's about showing that you've really explored your interests.
Speaker 2:Uh-huh.
Speaker 1:You know, gone above and beyond the curriculum.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:And, you know, this is where parents can be really helpful. Right?
Speaker 2:Yeah. You know? Totally.
Speaker 1:Encouraging, students to dive into the things that, you know, really fascinate them.
Speaker 2:Uh-huh.
Speaker 1:Take risks intellectually.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Maybe even, you know, explore some less so, you know, some different ways to learn.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Unconventional. Yeah. I like that.
Speaker 1:The key is to really nurture that, that curiosity.
Speaker 2:Right. And that love of learning Right. Which is something Harvard really values.
Speaker 1:Yeah. They do.
Speaker 2:So we talked about academics.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:What's next?
Speaker 1:What's the next category?
Speaker 2:The next one goes into personal experiences. Okay. You know, things like, tell me about a challenge you faced and how you handled it, or what achievement are you most proud of? Yeah. Things like that.
Speaker 2:Yeah. They're trying to, you know get to know the student, you know, beyond the transcript, understanding their character, their values.
Speaker 1:So it sounds like, you know, storytelling's really important here. Right? Yeah. Yeah. Choosing experiences that kind of, you know Yeah.
Speaker 1:Reveal something meaningful about who they are
Speaker 2:Right. Right.
Speaker 1:And how they approach the world.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And this is where honesty and self reflection are so important. Right. You know?
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Encourage your student to think back on their experiences, both good and bad, and identify the moments that really shaped them. Yeah. You know? Yeah. Helping them understand what they learned from those experiences
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:That can really make their responses stand out.
Speaker 1:So it's about being authentic.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:Right. Not trying to be. You know?
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Perfectly polished. Perfect yeah.
Speaker 2:Right. Now the guide also talks about, a third category.
Speaker 1:Right. Behavioral questions.
Speaker 2:Okay. What can you tell us about those? Yeah. These questions are designed to assess how your student handles real life situations
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Especially, you know, in leadership roles
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Or team context.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:They might ask things like, describe a time you worked in a team to achieve a goal. You know? How have you demonstrated leadership? You know, these questions can be tricky.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:But the guide gives this great strategy called the STAR method.
Speaker 1:Oh, interesting. Yeah. Tell us more about the STAR method. Yeah. How can it help students, you know Sure.
Speaker 1:Handle these behavioral questions?
Speaker 2:Yeah. Okay. So the STAR method stands for situation, task, action, result. Okay. It's, it gives them a structure
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:For how they answer, a way to be clear and concise Right. And to use specific examples to show their skills
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And how they use them.
Speaker 1:Got it. Got it. So, like, instead of just saying, you know Right. I'm a team player
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:They can tell a story.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:That shows that.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Here's what I did. Here's what happened. Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 2:Yeah. I like that. It takes those vague, like,
Speaker 1:behavioral questions Uh-huh. And turns them into, you know Right. Concrete examples.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Exactly. And it takes practice. Right. But mastering this, it can be so valuable, not just for interviews, but, you know, for life.
Speaker 1:Right. Right.
Speaker 2:It's a communication tool Absolutely. That they
Speaker 1:can use forever. Yeah.
Speaker 2:It'll help
Speaker 1:them. You know? Yeah.
Speaker 2:Way after college application. Right. Exactly. Okay. So we talked about the different types
Speaker 1:of questions. Right? Yeah. What about the
Speaker 2:actual interview itself?
Speaker 1:Sure. The guide mentioned some key tips
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:For mastering the interview.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:What are those?
Speaker 2:Okay. Well, one of the biggest things is clear and concise communication.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Okay.
Speaker 2:So, you know, being articulate
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Avoiding rambling Uh-huh. Expressing your thoughts clearly.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:It's all really important.
Speaker 1:Makes sense.
Speaker 2:You know?
Speaker 1:Yeah. Move. College is all about communication.
Speaker 2:It
Speaker 1:is. So showing those skills is, you know Right. A smart move.
Speaker 2:Definitely.
Speaker 1:And, again, this is something that, you know, parents can help with.
Speaker 2:Oh, for sure.
Speaker 1:You know, encouraging their their student to practice.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:You know, getting those thoughts out there. Right. Maybe even do, like, you know, some mock interviews
Speaker 2:Mock interviews. Yeah.
Speaker 1:With family or friends. Yeah. The more they practice
Speaker 2:Right. Uh-huh.
Speaker 1:The more comfortable they get.
Speaker 2:Totally. And we're confident.
Speaker 1:Right. Right. So practice makes perfect.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Or, you know, as close as we can get.
Speaker 2:Or less nerve wracking at least.
Speaker 1:Right. Right. Okay. What else did the guide say?
Speaker 2:Okay. Well, the guide also really pushes using those real life examples.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You know, it's not just saying I'm passionate about environmental science. Uh-huh. It's about telling a story
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:That illustrates that passion.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Maybe it's, a project they started
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Or a challenge they overcame, something that really got them interested in that field.
Speaker 1:Yeah. It's about bringing those experiences to life. Right? Yeah. Showing the interviewer, you know
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Who they are beyond the words
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:You know, on the page.
Speaker 2:Uh-huh.
Speaker 1:I remember working with a student who was, like, really into marine biology.
Speaker 2:Oh, cool.
Speaker 1:And she, you know Yeah. Volunteered at the local aquarium.
Speaker 2:Nice.
Speaker 1:And during the interview, she talked about this one experience
Speaker 2:Uh-huh. With a rescued sea turtle. Wow.
Speaker 1:And it, like, totally captivated the interviewer.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 1:And it, you know, it showed her dedication
Speaker 2:Yeah. In a way that her resume just couldn't. Right.
Speaker 1:You know?
Speaker 2:That's a perfect example. Like, those personal anecdotes, they're what make an application memorable. Right. You know?
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It helps your student connect
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:With the interviewer Mhmm. On a deeper level.
Speaker 1:So it's all about finding that balance, right, between being prepared Yeah. But also letting their personality, you know, shine.
Speaker 2:Right. Right. Is there anything else that the guide, highlights?
Speaker 1:Yeah. One final point. It's a big one. Okay. Passion and authenticity.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Enthusiasm. It's contagious.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:And Harvard wants students who are genuinely excited Right. About what they're doing.
Speaker 2:Right. Not just going through the motions.
Speaker 1:Right. Exactly.
Speaker 2:You know, it it's so easy to get caught up, right, in this process of, like, checking boxes
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And meeting expectations. But it sounds like the interview is really the place where Right. Your student can, like
Speaker 1:Let their, you know, individuality shine.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Yeah. It's about finding that that sweet spot, you know, between being prepared and being themselves.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Now the guide also talks about some specific strategies for, like, standing out
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You know, during the interview Yeah. Which I think are worth exploring.
Speaker 1:Okay. I'm all ears.
Speaker 2:Yeah. What are
Speaker 1:some of the standout tips?
Speaker 2:Okay. Well, first of all, first impressions matter Okay. A lot. So that means a confident demeanor
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Smiling
Speaker 1:Uh-huh.
Speaker 2:A firm handshake if it's in person. Yeah. Good posture, eye contact.
Speaker 1:Right. All that good stuff. Yeah. I can see how, you know, doing those things Yeah. Might actually make you feel more confident too.
Speaker 2:Oh, absolutely.
Speaker 1:You know, you're setting the tone.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's like you're setting yourself up Right. For a good interaction.
Speaker 1:Right. Yeah. And didn't we read somewhere
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:That, like, 55% of first impressions
Speaker 2:Something like that.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Yeah. Are just body language Yeah. Alone.
Speaker 2:Chatty language It's huge.
Speaker 1:It's crazy.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Nonverbal cues, they speak volumes.
Speaker 2:They really do.
Speaker 1:And this is something, you know Yeah. That parents can, you know, help with too.
Speaker 2:For sure.
Speaker 1:You know? Not in a controlling way
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:But just encouraging their student
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:To practice these things.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:You know? Do some mock interviews. Totally. Really focus on that confidence Yeah. And that enthusiasm.
Speaker 1:Right. You know?
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:It's like, you know, building that sense of belonging Uh-huh. Even if you're, you know, feeling butterflies inside.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Yeah. And speaking of belonging Yeah. The guide really stresses the importance of active listening
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And engagement.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You know? Yeah. It's not just about delivering those pre prepared answers.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:It's about really hearing the questions Uh-huh. Taking a moment to think Yeah. Before responding. You know, showing that you're really engaged Right. In the conversation.
Speaker 1:Right. It's about being present
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:Not just reciting a script.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Right. And it shows respect
Speaker 1:Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 2:For the interviewer's time. Right. Right. I bet
Speaker 1:that goes a long way.
Speaker 2:Yeah. For sure.
Speaker 1:Okay. And and finally.
Speaker 2:Okay. Yeah. One of the, I think, most important tips the guide gives is to have some thoughtful questions
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Ready for the interviewer
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:At the end. Right. You know, it's not about just asking anything.
Speaker 1:Uh-huh.
Speaker 2:It's about showing you've done your homework.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And you're really curious about Harvard. What? You know? Yeah. Not just stuff you can Google.
Speaker 1:Right. Right. It's like that turn the tables moment.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:But it's gotta be genuine.
Speaker 2:Right. Exactly.
Speaker 1:What kind of questions does the guide suggest?
Speaker 2:Well, it suggests asking questions that, you know Yeah. Go a little deeper.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You know?
Speaker 1:Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 2:Then the surface level. Maybe inquiring about specific programs. Yeah. Research opportunities. Uh-huh.
Speaker 2:Student life experiences that you're, you know Right. Really curious about.
Speaker 1:So it's showing that you're interested more
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:Than just, you know, the name Harvard.
Speaker 2:Right. It's about showing a genuine desire to learn Yeah. And engage with the community.
Speaker 1:Right. Exactly.
Speaker 2:Initiative
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And a deeper level of interest. Uh-huh. Both of which are super valuable.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. Now beyond, you know Yeah. Acing the interview itself.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:The guide talks about something crucial.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:What Harvard really values
Speaker 2:Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 1:In their applicant.
Speaker 2:This is where it gets really interesting.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Yeah. We're moving beyond the, like Yeah. How to A how to. Yeah.
Speaker 1:Into the, like
Speaker 2:The who you who you are. Yeah. Okay.
Speaker 1:So it's about aligning with Harvard's values.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:They wanna see character
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Integrity
Speaker 2:Uh-huh.
Speaker 1:A commitment to personal growth.
Speaker 2:Right. Know? Yeah. Qualities that fit their community. It's not just about, you know, right, being brilliant.
Speaker 2:It's about being a good human. Right. Exactly. Someone who's gonna contribute positively Yeah. To the world.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And those are qualities Right. That, you know Yeah. Parents have been nurturing Totally. In their kids Yeah.
Speaker 2:Their whole lives.
Speaker 1:Their whole lives.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Right. And, of course, intellectual curiosity
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:And drive, that's huge. Yeah. They want students who are passionate about learning Mhmm. You know? Yeah.
Speaker 1:Inside and outside the classroom. Right. Always pushing those boundaries. Right. You know?
Speaker 1:Yeah. Seeking new knowledge.
Speaker 2:That that thirst for knowledge. Yeah. Right? That eagerness to, like Yeah. Explore new ideas.
Speaker 2:Right. That's what sets a Harvard student apart.
Speaker 1:It really does.
Speaker 2:And it goes back to what we were saying, right, about, you know
Speaker 1:You know, encouraging students to, like Yeah. Dive deep
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Into what interests them.
Speaker 2:Into their interests. Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 1:Be lifelong learners.
Speaker 2:It's all connected. Right. Right. And finally
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:The guide highlights the importance of community contribution.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:You know, Harvard's looking for students
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Who make a positive impact Uh-huh. Whether it's through leadership
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Volunteering. Right.
Speaker 1:What are the The other forms of engagement. Yeah. You know, it's about showing
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:That your student, you know
Speaker 2:Uh-huh.
Speaker 1:Isn't just focused on themselves Right. But also cares about the world.
Speaker 2:Right. You know? It's
Speaker 1:Making it better.
Speaker 2:It's about showing they have a purpose. Yeah. You know? Right. Beyond their own ambition.
Speaker 2:And this is something parents can really, like Yeah.
Speaker 1:Support. Totally. Right. Encouraging their kids to volunteer Yeah. To get involved in their community Mhmm.
Speaker 2:To find ways to, you know
Speaker 1:Yeah. Make a difference.
Speaker 2:Make a difference.
Speaker 1:Big or smaller.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Now while the guide, you know, gives a pretty good picture Yeah. Of what it takes Mhmm. To shine in a Harvard interview
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It also has some, you know Yeah. Cautionary advice
Speaker 1:Not really.
Speaker 2:About common mistakes
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:To avoid.
Speaker 1:Let's talk about those. Yeah. What are some of those interview, like, blunders?
Speaker 2:Okay. Well, I think the most obvious one
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Is being unprepared. Right. Not reviewing your application. Mhmm. Not practicing the common questions.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Not having a clear idea of what you wanna say. Yeah. It's like showing up to a test without studying.
Speaker 1:Right. Not a good strategy.
Speaker 2:Not good strategy. Right. No.
Speaker 1:And this is where parents can really help.
Speaker 2:Oh, for sure.
Speaker 1:Right. Making sure, you know Yeah. They've reviewed their application. Uh-huh. They brainstorm some, you know, talking points Right.
Speaker 1:Done some mock interviews Yeah. To, you know, ease those nerves.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Absolutely. Another common mistake is, talking too much
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Or too little.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Rambling can make you seem, you know, unfocused. Uh-huh. But being too brief
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It can make you seem uninterested. Right. Right. So it's about finding that balance.
Speaker 1:Yeah. It's about being concise, but also, you know
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Letting your personality come through.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Yeah. It's a fine line.
Speaker 2:It is. But practice helps. Practice helps. Right. Yeah.
Speaker 2:Okay. And then there's appearing disinterested. Oh, yeah. You know?
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Not making eye contact Right. Slouching Uh-huh. Not engaging with the questions.
Speaker 1:Right. It's like saying, I'd rather be anywhere else.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Right. Yeah. Not a good not the vibe you want. Not the vibe.
Speaker 2:Uh-huh. Especially not at Harvard.
Speaker 1:Right. Exactly. Yeah. And speaking of vibes, you know
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Another mistake is sounding overly scripted
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah. Or robotic Right. Right.
Speaker 1:Like you're just reciting an answer Right. Right.
Speaker 2:Instead of having a conversation.
Speaker 1:Authenticity over perfection.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Every time.
Speaker 1:Every time. Yeah. And then, of course, you know Yeah. There's not asking any questions at the end.
Speaker 2:Oh, right. Right. Big no no.
Speaker 1:Big no no.
Speaker 2:Right. Yeah. That can you know?
Speaker 1:It can show a lack of curiosity Yep. Or genuine interest.
Speaker 2:Right. Which is not what you want.
Speaker 1:Yeah. That's a red flag.
Speaker 2:It's their chance to really shine, you know, to show that they've, like Uh-huh. Gone beyond, you know, the surface level research Yeah. And really thought about, you know Right. What they wanna know.
Speaker 1:Right. Exactly. And finally, you know, something that can be tricky
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Is bragging too much.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:You know? Yeah. You wanna highlight your accomplishments
Speaker 2:Uh-huh.
Speaker 1:But coming across as arrogant Right. Or self absorbed, not good.
Speaker 2:Right. Right. Humility and a genuine desire to learn Yes. Way more impressive Way more impressive Right.
Speaker 1:Than a big long list of, you know, achievements.
Speaker 2:The guide emphasizes that all these mistakes are avoidable. Okay. You know?
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:With a little awareness
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:And preparation.
Speaker 1:Preparation is key.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's about having the right mindset. Right. Going in knowing what Harvard's looking for Right. And how you can show your strengths.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Yeah. It's not just about, you know, getting into Harvard. It's about finding, you know Right. The right fit.
Speaker 2:The right fit. Right.
Speaker 1:Yeah. For both.
Speaker 2:You know?
Speaker 1:The student and the university.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And this guide, it has some great insights
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:To help with that process. You know? Yeah. Presenting yourself authentically Mhmm. Confidently
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Making that connection Right. With the interviewer.
Speaker 1:It's about, you know, turning that anxiety into excitement.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:Seeing the interview as an opportunity
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Not a hurdle. Exactly.
Speaker 2:So what does all this mean? Okay.
Speaker 1:You know, for families gearing up
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:For this interview?
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:What's the big takeaway?
Speaker 2:I think the big takeaway is that the Harvard interview. You know? Yeah. It's a chance to let your student's personality really shine
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:To show who they are beyond the grades and, you know, Right. All the achievements.
Speaker 1:It's about showing those qualities that Harvard values. Right?
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Character, curiosity
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:A passion for learning, and a desire to, you know, make a difference.
Speaker 2:Right. Exactly.
Speaker 1:About showing that. You
Speaker 2:know? They're not just a, you know Yeah.
Speaker 1:A brilliant student
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:But a good human Right. Someone who's gonna contribute, you know
Speaker 2:Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 1:Positively to the world.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And it's important to remember, right Yeah. That this isn't a one size fits all thing.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Every student, every interview, you know Yeah. Is different. Right. What shines through is genuine enthusiasm Uh-huh.
Speaker 2:Thoughtfulness
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And that that spark. You know? Right. That makes your student unique.
Speaker 1:It's about finding that sweet spot, right, between being prepared
Speaker 2:Uh-huh.
Speaker 1:And being authentic.
Speaker 2:Right. Exactly.
Speaker 1:And, you know, as parents, I think the best thing we can do Yeah. Is just provide that support.
Speaker 2:Uh-huh.
Speaker 1:You know?
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:That guidance.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And a healthy dose of perspective.
Speaker 2:Right. Perspective.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:So important.
Speaker 1:Throughout this whole process.
Speaker 2:It is. It's about empowering your student, right, Yeah. To approach this with confidence Uh-huh. Knowing they've got what it takes
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:To succeed no matter what happens.
Speaker 1:Right. It's about helping them see this as an opportunity for growth.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:You know?
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Yeah. And self discovery
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Not just a hurdle Exactly. To overcome. Yeah. Now before we wrap up
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:I'm curious.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Did anything in this guide, you know Mhmm.
Speaker 1:Particularly surprise you? Yeah. Something that maybe, you know Yeah. Shifted your own perspective.
Speaker 2:You know, what really struck me
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Was the emphasis on finding the right fit.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It's easy to get caught up, you know, in the prestige of a place like Harvard. Right. But this guide reminds us. Right?
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's not just about getting in. Uh-huh. It's about thriving once you're there. Right. It's about finding that environment Yeah.
Speaker 2:Where your student can really, you know Blossom. Academically, personally. Yeah.
Speaker 1:It's a great reminder that, you know Yeah. This whole process is about more
Speaker 2:Uh-huh.
Speaker 1:Than just a name
Speaker 2:Right. On
Speaker 1:a diploma. Exactly. Right. It's about finding that place.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Where your student can really become you know? Yeah. The best version of themselves
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Where their passions can ignite
Speaker 2:Uh-huh.
Speaker 1:And where they can, you know
Speaker 2:Make a real impact.
Speaker 1:Make a real impact. I love that.
Speaker 2:On the world.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Absolutely.
Speaker 2:So that all those parents out there, you know Yeah. Feeling a little overwhelmed.
Speaker 1:By this process.
Speaker 2:It's a lot. Remember Yeah.
Speaker 1:The Harvard interview.
Speaker 2:Uh-huh.
Speaker 1:Like, any interview. Right? Yeah. It's a chance It is. For your student to connect Uh-huh.
Speaker 2:To share their story Yeah.
Speaker 1:To show what makes them unique. Right. So encourage them
Speaker 2:Yeah. To embrace that opportunity. Mhmm. You know? Yeah.
Speaker 1:To be prepared
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:But also to be themselves
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:And most importantly Yeah. To enjoy the journey.
Speaker 2:Yes. Enjoy the journey. That's so important.
