How does Harvard decide who gets an interview?
I'm a rising senior working on my Harvard application and I'm a little confused about how interviews work. I've heard that some applicants get interviews and some don't, and someone mentioned that Harvard might do a 'pre-screen' before offering interviews.
If that's true, does it mean you have to pass some kind of initial review before they even consider you for an interview? Or do they try to interview everyone depending on alumni availability? I'm worried because my stats are good but not perfect, and I'm wondering if not getting an interview invitation would mean I'm basically out of the running.
If anyone knows more about how this process works—especially if you applied in the last couple of years—can you share your experience? Any insight would help because I'm stressing a bit about it. Thanks!
If that's true, does it mean you have to pass some kind of initial review before they even consider you for an interview? Or do they try to interview everyone depending on alumni availability? I'm worried because my stats are good but not perfect, and I'm wondering if not getting an interview invitation would mean I'm basically out of the running.
If anyone knows more about how this process works—especially if you applied in the last couple of years—can you share your experience? Any insight would help because I'm stressing a bit about it. Thanks!
4 months ago
•
210 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Harvard’s interview process can be confusing, especially with rumors out there about screening and selection.
Here’s how it generally works: After you submit your application, Harvard assigns your file to local alumni interviewers if any are available in your area. Their stated goal is to offer interviews to as many applicants as possible, but availability depends entirely on how many alumni are nearby and able to participate in that season. There’s no minimum threshold or pre-screen that you need to clear before being considered for an interview. In practice, many highly qualified applicants don’t get interviews simply because of geography or lack of interviewer resources—especially for those applying from areas with fewer Harvard alumni.
For example, some students from major cities like Boston, New York, or Los Angeles almost always get interview invitations, while applicants from more rural or international regions may not. I know applicants with similar stats—even test-optional students or those with an 'average' GPA—who got interviews when an alumni interviewer happened to be available locally, while others with perfect scores did not receive an invitation simply due to location constraints.
From Harvard’s own admissions site and updates over the last few cycles, not getting an interview invitation is not a negative sign and does not mean you are out of the running. In fact, Harvard explicitly says admissions decisions are made regardless of whether an applicant has had an interview.
So, focus on putting together the best application you can. If you don’t get an interview invite, don’t let that discourage you or read into it too much. It usually comes down to logistics and not anything personal or based on your stats. Good luck with your application!
Here’s how it generally works: After you submit your application, Harvard assigns your file to local alumni interviewers if any are available in your area. Their stated goal is to offer interviews to as many applicants as possible, but availability depends entirely on how many alumni are nearby and able to participate in that season. There’s no minimum threshold or pre-screen that you need to clear before being considered for an interview. In practice, many highly qualified applicants don’t get interviews simply because of geography or lack of interviewer resources—especially for those applying from areas with fewer Harvard alumni.
For example, some students from major cities like Boston, New York, or Los Angeles almost always get interview invitations, while applicants from more rural or international regions may not. I know applicants with similar stats—even test-optional students or those with an 'average' GPA—who got interviews when an alumni interviewer happened to be available locally, while others with perfect scores did not receive an invitation simply due to location constraints.
From Harvard’s own admissions site and updates over the last few cycles, not getting an interview invitation is not a negative sign and does not mean you are out of the running. In fact, Harvard explicitly says admissions decisions are made regardless of whether an applicant has had an interview.
So, focus on putting together the best application you can. If you don’t get an interview invite, don’t let that discourage you or read into it too much. It usually comes down to logistics and not anything personal or based on your stats. Good luck with your application!
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years