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Harvard Video Interview: Expert Tips & Common Questions

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Excelling in your academic career often involves more than just stellar grades; it's about standing out, showcasing your unique qualities, and demonstrating your ability to thrive in diverse environments. One such opportunity to shine comes with the Harvard video interview. This integral part of the university's application process provides aspirants with a chance to authenticate their application and reveal the compelling stories behind their achievements.

Harvard's video interview, integrated into the Coalition Application platform, is designed to offer insights into candidates that printed words alone cannot. It's an opportunity for applicants to let their personality, thoughts, and aspirations shine, making it a significant step in the admissions process. But what does this process entail, and how can you make the most of this opportunity?

Preparing for the Harvard Video Interview

The first step in acing the Harvard video interview is understanding what it's about and how to prepare. The interview is approximately 20 minutes long and consists of six questions. You'll have 30 seconds to prepare your response and 60 seconds to record it. It's a challenging task, yes, but with the right strategy, it's achievable.

a woman sitting in a chair smiling at the camera
a woman sitting in a chair smiling at the camera
a man sitting at a table with a basketball in front of him on his laptop
a man sitting at a table with a basketball in front of him on his laptop
a woman with long grey hair and glasses on her face is looking at the camera
a woman with long grey hair and glasses on her face is looking at the camera

Harvard provides the questions in advance, allowing applicants to practice and prepare thoughtful responses. The questions are not meant to stump you; rather, they're designed to prompt compelling, authentic stories. So, take your time, think, and respond candidly.

Answering Harvard's Video Interview Questions

Crafting compelling responses begins with understanding the question thoroughly. Harvard's questions often start with phrases like "Tell us about a time when..." or "Describe a challenge you faced...". Such questions are seeking narrative stories, NOT just your opinions or views.

Harvard study to 10x your motivation! It’s all about changing what you focus on 👌 Intro by anna
Harvard study to 10x your motivation! It’s all about changing what you focus on 👌 Intro by anna
The 3 KEY things you NEED to know about Harvard's SHOCKING recent announcement!
The 3 KEY things you NEED to know about Harvard's SHOCKING recent announcement!
the harvard business school sign is in front of a building with a clock tower behind it
the harvard business school sign is in front of a building with a clock tower behind it

Structure your response using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. This method helps you frame your response in a clear, engaging manner. Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't hesitate to record yourself answering and review the results. It's a key step in refining your responses.

The Role of Non-verbal Communication

While your answer is crucial, so is how you deliver it. Non-verbal communication plays a significant role in the interview process. Stand or sit upright, maintain eye contact with the camera, and use gestures naturally. Your body language and facial expressions should complement your words, not detract from them.

Practice recording in different environments to see how your non-verbal communication translates on camera. Find what works best for you and stick to it.

a woman with pink hair sitting on a green couch
a woman with pink hair sitting on a green couch
four different shots of people in the same room, one with his hands on his chest
four different shots of people in the same room, one with his hands on his chest
a man sitting in front of a laptop computer
a man sitting in front of a laptop computer
a man sitting at a desk in front of a computer monitor with multiple pictures on it
a man sitting at a desk in front of a computer monitor with multiple pictures on it
a woman standing in a room holding a suitcase and covering her mouth with both hands
a woman standing in a room holding a suitcase and covering her mouth with both hands
interview tips
interview tips

The Importance of Authenticity in Your Responses

At its core, the Harvard video interview is about authenticity. Harvard is interested in understanding you, the person behind the application. Therefore, while it's essential to prepare, it's equally important not to script your responses.

Be genuine. Share your passion, your dreams, and your challenges. Diversity, in all its forms, enriches Harvard's campus, and your unique story can contribute to that. Let your personality shine through in your responses.

Showcasing Your Unique Qualities

Harvard values diverse thinkers and doers. Use your responses to highlight your unique qualities, skills, and experiences. Tell them about the extracurricular activity that has shaped you, the community service that fired your passion, or the academic project that you poured your heart into.

Harvard diaries: week in my life as a Harvard Master’s student!
Harvard diaries: week in my life as a Harvard Master’s student!
two men sitting at a table in an office
two men sitting at a table in an office
a man sitting in a chair with his hands out and birds flying overhead behind him
a man sitting in a chair with his hands out and birds flying overhead behind him
how to make your resume
how to make your resume
a man sitting on top of a white couch
a man sitting on top of a white couch
harvard eliot library thesising
harvard eliot library thesising
filming an interview 🎬
filming an interview 🎬
38 Smart Questions to Ask in a Job Interview: The Harvard Business Review Guide
38 Smart Questions to Ask in a Job Interview: The Harvard Business Review Guide
two different shots of a man sitting in front of a computer monitor and looking at the camera
two different shots of a man sitting in front of a computer monitor and looking at the camera
people are sitting at tables with laptops in front of them and on the screen
people are sitting at tables with laptops in front of them and on the screen
a man standing in front of a book shelf filled with books
a man standing in front of a book shelf filled with books
three people sitting in chairs talking to each other at a panel discussion on harvard's office of the prospect for research
three people sitting in chairs talking to each other at a panel discussion on harvard's office of the prospect for research
Take a Seat in the Harvard MBA Case Classroom
Take a Seat in the Harvard MBA Case Classroom
i love zhafira
i love zhafira

Remember, Harvard is looking for leaders, innovators, and thought-leaders. Show them the stand-out qualities that make you an ideal candidate for their community.

Handling Behavioral Questions

Harvard's interview questions often delve into your behavior and decision-making processes. They want to understand how you handle challenges, make decisions, and collaborate with others. These questions are an opportunity to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities.

Instead of trying to give 'the right' answer, share an incident from your past that illustrates the quality they're probing. It could be a time you navigated a tricky situation, a decision you made under pressure, or a time you stepped up as a leader. The key is to be honest and reflective.

As you navigate through the Harvard video interview, remember that this process is about you – your journey, your achievements, and your aspirations. Prepare diligently, but stay true to yourself. It's your unique story that sets you apart and makes you an excellent fit for Harvard. So, go ahead, tell your story. The admissions team is ready to listen.