How to Tackle the ‘Why Harvard?’ Interview Question.
Right. So we're diving into something that I think a lot of students and, honestly, parents do kinda stress about.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 1:The why Harvard interview question.
Speaker 2:The big one.
Speaker 1:I mean, you've you've gotten through the SATs and the Mhmm. Application and everything else. And now you're sitting in this interview, and they hit you with this.
Speaker 2:Right. And it seems so simple. Right?
Speaker 1:Yeah. Like, what do you even say to that?
Speaker 2:Exactly. It seems so deceptively simple, but it really is one of those make it or break it questions.
Speaker 1:I can imagine.
Speaker 2:We've got this guide, though, that we're gonna be going through that really helps lay out, like, how to answer that question and really make yourself stand out.
Speaker 1:Awesome. Let's get into it.
Speaker 2:Okay. So the first thing to think about with this question is that it's not about just, like, you know, showering Harvard with praise. Okay. It's really about showing this genuine connection.
Speaker 1:So it's not just, like, listing off all the amazing things about Harvard and, you know, their history and how great they are?
Speaker 2:No. Not at all. It's more about you and and how you connect with the school.
Speaker 1:Oh, okay. So how do you how do you actually do that then?
Speaker 2:Well, it's almost like you're trying to show that there's this, like, click between what you want and what Harvard has to offer, and they're trying to figure out if you would be a good fit for their environment.
Speaker 1:So both sides are trying to figure out if it's a good match.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Okay. I like that. Yeah. So how do we how do we, like, nail that and show them that click?
Speaker 2:Well, a big part of it is research.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Not just, like, you know, looking at the website, but really going deep, like, looking at specific programs and professors.
Speaker 1:Oh, so, like, if someone was really into economics.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Exactly. So instead of just saying, oh, Harvard has a great economics program, you could talk about how, you know, professor Greg Mankiw's work on macroeconomic is something that you're really interested
Speaker 1:in.
Speaker 2:Oh, that's a good point. And you can even tie that to a specific interest of yours. Like, maybe you're really passionate about tackling income inequality. Oh, wow. So you're you're basically, like, showing them you've done
Speaker 1:your homework. Yeah. You're not just, you know, reading off a script.
Speaker 2:You're showing that you've thought about this, and you visualize yourself at Harvard.
Speaker 1:That makes a lot of sense.
Speaker 2:And don't just stop at academics. You know, Harvard has an incredible alumni network.
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah. Over 400,000 people. Right?
Speaker 2:Huge. So you could talk about how you would use that network for mentorship or networking opportunities.
Speaker 1:So it's about connecting the dots between, like, what they have and what you wanna do.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And that kinda goes for anything. Let's say you're passionate about environmental science, you know. You could talk about how you're excited to do research at the Harvard Forest. Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's about finding those pieces that fit together like a puzzle.
Speaker 1:I love that analogy.
Speaker 2:And it shows that you're not just saying I wanna go to Harvard. You're saying I wanna go to Harvard because this is what I wanna do there.
Speaker 1:I'm getting inspired just hearing about this.
Speaker 2:That's great.
Speaker 1:So we've talked about research and and connecting your passions to what they have. But Harvard also has, like, core values.
Speaker 2:Yes. Definitely like any institution.
Speaker 1:Things like intellectual curiosity leadership Yeah. A commitment to service.
Speaker 2:Those are big ones. And they really are at the heart of what Harvard is all about. They're about developing leaders who are gonna make a difference in the world.
Speaker 1:So it sounds like it's also important to think about how your own experiences reflect those values.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Have you pursued knowledge on your own? Have you taken initiative in your community? Those are the kinds of things that show you're aligned with what Harvard stands
Speaker 1:for. So you're weaving your own story into the answer?
Speaker 2:Precisely. So far, we've covered a lot of ground, you know, research, connecting your passions, reflecting on values. But there's another piece to this puzzle.
Speaker 1:Okay. What's that?
Speaker 2:It's about painting a picture of your future at Harvard. How do you articulate what you want to achieve during those 4 years?
Speaker 1:I like that. So it's not just about saying, I wanna make a difference. It's about going deeper.
Speaker 2:Right. Like, let's say you're fascinated by the work of a specific professor in sustainable development. Okay. You could say, I wanna contribute to their research lab and explore sustainable development.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You could say, I wanna contribute to their research lab and explore solutions for urban farming.
Speaker 1:Wow. That's a lot more specific.
Speaker 2:Right. It's about showing that you're not just gonna receive an education, but you're going to be an active part of the Harvard community.
Speaker 1:That's a great point. You know, a lot of our listeners are parents who are kinda going through this whole college application process with their kids. Yeah. And I think this part can be really tricky. You know, how do you as a parent help your child with this without, you know, taking over?
Speaker 2:It's all about finding that balance.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Any advice for those parents out there?
Speaker 2:Well, the first thing is communication. You know? Encourage your child to talk about what they're passionate about. What excites them about Harvard? What do they see themselves doing in the future?
Speaker 1:Oh, okay.
Speaker 2:Help them do the research on specific programs or professors that fit their interests. But the key is to guide, not dictate.
Speaker 1:So it's about empowering them to figure out their own why Harvard Exactly. Instead of us kinda pushing our own ideas onto them.
Speaker 2:It's their journey.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:And you can help them along the way by asking thought provoking questions. Like, what makes this particular professor's work so interesting to you? Or what kind of impact do you hope to make by joining this club?
Speaker 1:I love that.
Speaker 2:It's about turning it into a journey of self discovery.
Speaker 1:And that takes the pressure off of everyone.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Because even the interview questions can be a learning experience.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's about self reflection, critical thinking, being able to articulate your aspirations. Those are skills they'll need no matter where they go to college.
Speaker 1:So it's bigger than just getting into Harvard.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:It's about developing as a person.
Speaker 2:Exactly. So while this guide gives you a framework for answering the why Harvard question, it also helps you start deeper conversations about values, goals, what really matters to your child.
Speaker 1:That's so true. You know, I think a lot of parents get caught up in the hook prestige thing.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 1:And they worry that if their child doesn't get into a top school, they've somehow failed.
Speaker 2:Right. But it's so important to remember that college acceptance doesn't define a student's worth or potential. There are so many paths to success, and what's the perfect fit for one person might not be right for another.
Speaker 1:So how can parents stay grounded and help their kids stay grounded too?
Speaker 2:I think it's about focusing on the process, not just the outcome. Celebrate the effort, the willingness to step outside of their comfort zone, the growth they experience along the way.
Speaker 1:That's good advice.
Speaker 2:And encourage them to explore a range of colleges, you know, not just the big name ones.
Speaker 1:So they could find the best fit for them.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Your role is to be there to support and guide them not to take over. Right. Empower them to take ownership, do their own research, and articulate their why Harvard in their own voice.
Speaker 1:That's so important.
Speaker 2:Because that sense of agency is really valuable.
Speaker 1:And I think the why Harvard question isn't meant to be a trick question.
Speaker 2:No. Not at all.
Speaker 1:It's a chance for your child to show their passion, their perspective, their vision for the future.
Speaker 2:It's about connecting with the admissions committee as a person.
Speaker 1:Yeah. And showing them why they would be a great addition to the Harvard community. We've covered a lot today. From the specifics of answering the question to the broader perspective on the whole college journey.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's a lot to think about.
Speaker 1:Any final thoughts before we wrap up this part of our deep dive?
Speaker 2:Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint.
Speaker 1:Good advice.
Speaker 2:Take time to breathe, celebrate the small victories, and know that you're not alone in this.
Speaker 1:I think that's really reassuring for a lot of parents and students to hear.
Speaker 2:I hope so.
Speaker 1:And, you know, even if Harvard isn't the ultimate goal, the skills you gain from this process are valuable for any college application.
Speaker 2:Definitely research self reflection, being able to articulate your goals. These are life skills Exactly. Not just application strategies.
Speaker 1:So as we wrap up this part of our deep dive on the why Harvard question, let's remember that it's about more than just getting into a prestigious school.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:It's about discovering passions, developing skills, and finding the right fit for a fulfilling college experience.
Speaker 2:And for parents, it's about guiding and supporting your kids while empowering them to own their journey.
Speaker 1:Beautifully said. It's about celebrating their individuality and recognizing that their path to success is uniquely their own.
Speaker 2:Well said.
Speaker 1:This has been such an insightful conversation, and I think a lot of our listeners are feeling more prepared to tackle this question. It's a challenge, but it's also an opportunity for growth
Speaker 2:I agree.
Speaker 1:For both students and parents.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:Well, that brings us to the end of this part of our deep dive.
Speaker 2:Great conversation.
Speaker 1:We hope you found it insightful and maybe even a little inspiring. Remember, even with all the competition out there, genuine passion and thoughtful preparation can make all the difference.
Speaker 2:Until next time. Happy exploring.
Speaker 1:And, hey, before we sign off, if you're looking for some extra help on this journey, be sure to check out College Journey. They have this amazing AI college counselor named Alice who can give you personalized guidance every step of the way. Think of it as having a secret weapon in your corner to make this whole process a little less stressful and a lot more fulfilling.
Speaker 2:Sounds like a great resource.
Speaker 1:Alright. That's it for today. We'll see you next time for part 2.
Speaker 2:Looking forward to it. It's about going beyond simply saying, I wanna make a difference. Imagine you're captivated by the work of a specific professor in sustainable development.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You could say, I'm eager to contribute to their research lab and explore solutions for urban farming.
Speaker 1:Wow. That's a lot more specific.
Speaker 2:Right. It's about showing that you're not just gonna receive an education, but you're going to be an active part of the Harvard community.
Speaker 1:That's a great point. You know, a lot of our listeners are parents who are kinda going through this whole college application process with their kids.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And I think this part can be really tricky.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:You know, how do you as a parent help your child with this without, you know, taking over?
Speaker 2:It's all about finding that balance.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Any advice for those parents out there?
Speaker 2:Well, the first thing is communication. You know, encourage your child to talk about what they're passionate about, what excites them about Harvard, what do they see themselves doing the future. Okay. Help them do the research on specific programs or professors that fit their interests. But the key is to guide, not dictate.
Speaker 1:So it's about empowering them to figure out their own why Harvard
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Instead of us kinda pushing our own ideas onto them.
Speaker 2:It's their journey. Right. And you can help them along the way by asking thought provoking questions.
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:Like, what makes this particular professor's work so interesting to you, or what kind of impact do you hope to make by joining this club?
Speaker 1:I love that.
Speaker 2:It's about turning it into a journey of self discovery.
Speaker 1:And that takes the pressure off of everyone.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Because even the interview questions can be a learning experience.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's about self reflection, critical thinking, being able to articulate your aspirations. Those are skills they'll need no matter where they go to college.
Speaker 1:So it's bigger than just getting into Harvard.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:It's about developing as a person.
Speaker 2:Exactly. So while this guide gives you a framework for answering the why Harvard question, it also helps you start deeper conversations about values, goals, what really matters to your child.
Speaker 1:That's so true. You know, I think a lot of parents get caught up in the whole prestige thing.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 1:And they worry that if their child doesn't get into a top school, they've somehow failed.
Speaker 2:Right. But it's so important to remember that college acceptance doesn't define a student's worth or potential.
Speaker 1:I agree.
Speaker 2:There are so many paths to success, and what's the perfect fit for one person might not be right for another.
Speaker 1:So how can parents stay grounded and help their kids stay grounded too?
Speaker 2:I think it's about focusing on the process, not just the outcome. Celebrate the effort, the willingness to step outside of their comfort zone, the growth they experience along the way.
Speaker 1:That's good advice.
Speaker 2:And encourage them to explore a range of colleges, you know, not just the big name ones.
Speaker 1:So they can find the best fit for them.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Your role is to be there to support and guide them not to take over. Right. Empower them to take ownership, do their own research, and articulate their why Harvard in their own voice
Speaker 1:That's so important.
Speaker 2:Because that sense of agency is really valuable.
Speaker 1:And I think the why Harvard question isn't meant to be a trick question.
Speaker 2:No. Not Not at all.
Speaker 1:It's a chance for your child to show their passion, their perspective, their vision for the future.
Speaker 2:It's about connecting with the admissions committee as a person.
Speaker 1:Yeah. And showing them why they would be a great addition to the Harvard community.
Speaker 2:Exactly. I've covered a lot
Speaker 1:today, from the specifics of answering the question to the broader perspective on the whole college journey.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's a lot to think about.
Speaker 1:Any final thoughts before we wrap up this part of our deep dive?
Speaker 2:Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint.
Speaker 1:Good advice.
Speaker 2:Take time to breathe. Celebrate the small victories and know that you're not alone in this.
Speaker 1:I think that's really reassuring for a lot of parents and students to hear.
Speaker 2:I hope so.
Speaker 1:And, you know, even if Harvard isn't the ultimate goal, the skills you gain from this process are valuable for any college application.
Speaker 2:Definitely research self reflection, being able to articulate your goals, these are life skills
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:Not just applications strategies.
Speaker 1:So as we wrap up this part of our deep dive on the why Harvard question, let's remember that it's about more than just getting into a prestigious school.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:It's about discovering passions, developing skills, and finding the right fit for a fulfilling college experience.
Speaker 2:And for parents, it's about guiding and supporting your kids while empowering them to own their journey.
Speaker 1:Beautifully said. It's about celebrating their individuality and recognizing that their path to success is uniquely their own.
Speaker 2:Well said.
Speaker 1:This has been such an insightful conversation, and I think a lot of our listeners are feeling more prepared to tackle this question. It's a challenge, but it's also an opportunity for growth
Speaker 2:I agree.
Speaker 1:For both students and parents.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:Well, that brings us to the end of our deep dive.
Speaker 2:Great conversation.
Speaker 1:We hope you found it insightful and maybe even a little inspiring. Remember, even with all the competition out there, genuine passion and thoughtful preparation can make all the difference.
Speaker 2:Until next time. Happy exploring.
Speaker 1:And hey, before we sign off, if you're looking for some extra help on this journey, be sure to check out College Journey. They have this amazing AI college counselor named Alice who can give you personalized guidance every step of the way. Think of it as having a secret weapon in your corner to make this whole process little less stressful and a lot more fulfilling.
Speaker 2:Sounds like a great resource.
Speaker 1:Alright. That's it for today.
Speaker 2:We'll
Speaker 1:see you next time.
Speaker 2:See
