Does every Harvard applicant get an interview?

You haven’t done anything wrong if you haven’t heard from a Harvard interviewer yet, and not every applicant is guaranteed an interview. Harvard does try to offer interviews to as many applicants as possible, but because it relies on an alumni network of volunteers, some regions simply have fewer interviewers available—especially in smaller towns or remote areas like parts of the Midwest.

Here's how it typically works: After you submit your application, your contact info gets sent to a regional alumni interviewer, if one is available. Sometimes there are not enough alumni volunteers in the area, and unfortunately, that means some applicants will not be contacted. It’s not a reflection on your application or your chances of being admitted—it’s just a logistical reality.

Not getting an interview offer does NOT hurt your application. The admissions committee is very clear that interviews are not required and students who don’t have one are still given full consideration. They realize that many strong candidates live where there are limited alumni resources. For example, a student in rural Nebraska might never be contacted, while someone in Boston is almost certain to be offered a meeting.

If you’re worried about missing an email, make sure you’ve checked your spam/junk folders, and confirm that Harvard has your correct email and phone number. But if you don’t hear anything, it’s perfectly normal, especially in less-populated regions.

Bottom line: Not having an interview will not affect your application’s chances at Harvard. Just make sure to check your email occasionally and relax—you’re still very much in the running.