How to answer the 'Why Harvard?' interview question?

Hi everyone, I have a Harvard interview coming up and I'm pretty sure they'll ask 'Why Harvard?'. Can you all suggest some tips or key points I should be mindful of when answering that question? Thanks a lot!

When answering the 'Why Harvard?' interview question, it's essential to be genuine and convey your enthusiasm for the school. Here are some tips and key points to keep in mind when preparing your response:

1. Research, research, research: Familiarize yourself with Harvard's unique offerings and how they align with your academic and extracurricular interests. Get to know their programs, majors, faculty, clubs, and traditions. A well-informed answer is crucial to showing that you are genuinely interested in the school.

2. Be specific: Avoid generic statements like "Harvard is a prestigious school" or "It has a beautiful campus." Instead, focus on particular aspects of the university that resonate with you and support your goals. For example, mention a specific professor whose research fascinates you, an innovative course that is unique to Harvard, or a club/activity that will allow you to explore your passions.

3. Align your goals with Harvard's values: Understand and discuss how the university's core values and mission align with your own objectives. For example, reflect on how Harvard's emphasis on liberal arts education, commitment to diversity, or its House system can contribute to your personal and professional growth.

4. Personalize: Share a personal story or experience that demonstrates your enthusiasm for Harvard. For instance, mention a campus visit where you were impressed by the welcoming atmosphere or a meaningful conversation you had with a current student or alum. Showing your personal connection to the school will make your answer more memorable.

5. Show how you can contribute: Finally, discuss how you plan to make a positive impact on Harvard's community. This impact could be through your academic work, participation in clubs and activities, or engagement in service and leadership roles.

Remember to be authentic and true to yourself while addressing these points. Showing genuine interest, combined with the right balance of specificity, personal connection, and potential contribution, will help you create a compelling answer to the 'Why Harvard?' interview question.

Finally, consider checking out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-why-us-college-essay/. Although this post is focused on answering the "Why Us?" question in the context of supplemental essays, much of the guidance is also applicable to interviews.

Good luck with your Harvard interview!