Integrity, maturity, concern for others, leadership potential, and an aptitude for working with people.
Interview Day
What can I expect if I am offered an interview?
Candidates selected for an interview will receive an email from the Office of the Committee on Admissions with available interview dates and additional details about the interview day. All interview sessions are conducted virtually.
Applicants will also be given access to an interview day website containing information about Harvard Medical School, its programs, and available resources so they can familiarize themselves with the school and prepare any additional questions in advance.
In addition to the required interview activities, applicants will have access to a variety of optional virtual informational sessions throughout the interview cycle. These sessions are designed to introduce candidates to the people, offices, and resources available at Harvard Medical School. Scheduling information for these sessions will be available on the interview day website so applicants can plan accordingly.
Although there is currently no opportunity for interviewees to visit campus in person, candidates who receive an offer of admission will be invited to attend Admitted Students Preview Days on campus. In the meantime, applicants are encouraged to explore virtual campus tours.
There are separate interview days for the Pathways MD track, the Health Sciences and Technology (HST) MD track, and the MD-PhD program:
Pathways
Once a Pathways interview date has been scheduled, applicants should plan to reserve the entire day (10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ET), as interview times may vary throughout the day.
The Pathways interview day includes a mandatory orientation session and two required interviews with members of the Committee on Admissions. Interview details and Zoom information will be sent to candidates on the morning of the interview day. Each interview lasts approximately 30–45 minutes and is conducted either by two faculty members or by one faculty member and one student member of the Committee on Admissions. An interview with a student committee member carries the same weight in the decision-making process as an interview with a faculty committee member.
HST
Once an HST interview date has been scheduled, applicants should plan to reserve the entire day (11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ET), as interview activities are planned throughout the day.
The HST interview day includes a mandatory orientation session and two required interviews with members of the Committee on Admissions. Interview details and Zoom information will be sent to candidates on the morning of the interview day. Each interview lasts approximately 30–45 minutes and is conducted either by two faculty members or by one faculty member and one student member of the Committee on Admissions. An interview with a student committee member carries the same weight in the decision-making process as an interview with a faculty committee member.
In addition to the orientation session and interviews, the HST interview day will include a student life session, as well as a brief meeting (~10 minutes) with the chair of the HST MD Admissions Committee.
MD-PhD
Once an MD-PhD interview date has been scheduled, applicants should plan to reserve the entire day (10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET), as interview activities are planned throughout the day.
The MD-PhD interview day includes a required orientation session and two interviews with members of the Committee on Admissions. Interview details and Zoom information will be sent to candidates no later than the day prior to the scheduled interview day. Each interview is scheduled for 45 minutes and is conducted by one faculty member of the Committee on Admissions.
In addition to the orientation session and interviews, the MD-PhD interview day includes a brief interview (15 minutes) with the MD-PhD Faculty Director, and the opportunity to meet members of the MD-PhD student community at an optional evening social event.
Admissions Decisions
Selection Factors
Selection Factors