Whether you’re applying to MIT, Harvard, UPenn, Yale, or Northwestern, we’re sharing a resources for 10 top universities and their admissions interview processes.
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- MIT provides an overview of their interview process, along with advice on how to prepare and what they’re looking for in applicants.
- Most students receive an offer to interview at MIT.
- According to the MIT admissions site, “At MIT we don’t just want to see how you look on paper; we’re interested in the whole person. That’s why, whenever possible, we offer an interview with a member of the MIT Educational Council, a network of over 3,500 MIT graduates around the world who volunteer to meet with applicants in their home area.”
- Website: mitadmissions.org
2. Harvard University
- Harvard shares detailed insights into their interview process and offers tips on how to make a positive impression.
- Not all applicants are offered interviews.
- According to the Harvard admissions site: “Applicants are assigned interviews at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, based, in part, on availability of alumni in your local area. Nearly 10,000 alumni/ae volunteers help us recruit students from all 50 states and around the world, but most areas do not have the capacity to interview all applicants. Your application is considered complete without an interview and will receive a full and thorough evaluation. In most cases, the Admissions Committee has sufficient information in the student’s application materials to reach an admissions decision. If the Committee would like more information about a student or has questions about any application materials, someone may reach out to schedule an interview.”
- Website: college.harvard.edu
3. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)
- UPenn’s admissions page explains the purpose of their alumni conversations and gives tips on preparing for both virtual and in-person formats.
- Almost all applicants are offered an alumni conversation.
- According to the UPenn admissions site: “Alumni Volunteers will contact you directly via phone or email to set up a time to meet virtually. Please be patient and understand that this opportunity is likely for most applicants, but not guaranteed for all applicants due to limited alumni volunteer availability and capacity. Opting out or not being contacted for an Alumni Conversation will not impact your admissions decision negatively. Alumni conversations are not available by request.”
- Website: admissions.upenn.edu
4. Yale University
- Yale’s admissions website describes the interview process and gives advice on what to expect and how to make the most of the experience.
- Yale’s alumni interviews are not offered to all students.
- According to the Yale admissions site:”An interview is not a required part of the application process. Because of limited interviewing capacity, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions prioritizes interviews for students for whom the Admissions Committee needs more information. Students who do not receive an interview invitation will not be disadvantaged, but applicants are encouraged to connect with a Yale alumni interviewer or student interviewer if invited.”
- Website: admissions.yale.edu
5. Stanford University
- Stanford provides a guide to alumni interviews, detailing what to expect and how to prepare for an engaging conversation.
- Not all applicants are offered an interview.
- Applicants may not request an interview.
- According to the Stanford admissions site, “Stanford extends interview invitations according to alumni availability in your high school area, not based on the strength of an application.Your application will not be at a disadvantage if you are not offered an interview.”
- Website: admission.stanford.edu
6. Dartmouth College
- Dartmouth offers information on its alumni interview process, including preparation tips and what interviewers look for in applicants.
- Dartmouth offers alumni interviews only and not all applicants are offered an interview.
- According to the Dartmouth Admissions website, “While our alumni work hard to offer as many interviews as possible, we are not able to offer interviews to all applicants due to alumni availability and geography.Interviews are arranged after you have submitted your application. Not having an interview will not put you at a disadvantage in the admissions process.”
- Website: admissions.dartmouth.edu
9. Princeton University
- Princeton outlines the structure of their alumni interviews and gives advice on what applicants should consider when preparing.
- Not all applicants are offered an interview.
- According to the Princeton University website, “Interviews are 30-45 minute informal conversations, where you can discuss the things that are important to you and also ask questions to someone who attended Princeton. This will depend on the availability of alumni in your area.”
- Website: admission.princeton.edu
10. Northwestern University
- Northwestern explains its optional alumni interview process, including tips on what to expect and how to prepare for a successful interview.
- US students are encouraged to submit a Glimpse video. International students may submit an InitialView video.
- Website: https://admissions.northwestern.edu
