Keith Mack
Harvard Law School is one of the most prestigious law schools in the world, and the application process is highly competitive. While academic merit is a key consideration, the admissions committee also places significant emphasis on getting to know the person behind the application. As part of this process, candidates may be invited to interview with a member of the J.D. Admissions team. Interviews are typically 15 minutes long and are conducted virtually. While there is no guarantee of admission after an interview, it is generally considered a positive sign, with some estimating the chances of acceptance at 60-65% or even higher.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Interview Requirement | Interviews are a required component of admission to Harvard Law School. |
| Interview Timing | Interviews typically begin in November and are conducted throughout the admissions cycle. |
| Interview Format | Interviews are conducted virtually through Zoom and last around 15 minutes. |
| Interview Invitation | Not all applicants will receive an invitation to interview. |
| Application Process | Candidates must apply through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) and participate in the Credential Assembly Service (CAS). |
| Application Materials | Required materials include LSAT or GRE scores, academic transcripts, writing samples, and letters of recommendation. |
| Selection Criteria | There are no specific cut-off GPAs or standardized test scores. Admissions decisions are based on careful assessment and good judgment. |
| Interview Questions | Questions may vary and can include topics such as the applicant's resume, experiences, goals, and application essay. |
| Interview Preparation | Applicants are advised to prepare thoughtful and insightful questions to ask the interviewer. |
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What You'll Learn
- Interviews are required for admission to Harvard Law School
- Interviews are conducted virtually and are 15 minutes long
- Candidates must apply to the regular J.D. program via the Law School Admission Council (LSAC)
- Applicants must submit a resume and a CAS report
- Interview questions are unpredictable, but some common ones include Why Harvard and What is your greatest weakness
Interviews are required for admission to Harvard Law School
Interviews are a required component of the admissions process at Harvard Law School. While not all applicants will be invited to interview, those who are admitted must have completed one. Interviews are conducted virtually, and applicants are informed via email.
The interview is a 15-minute conversation that allows the admissions committee to get to know the person behind the application. The committee will ask various questions to learn more about the applicant's experiences, goals, and aspirations. Applicants are encouraged to think deeply about these aspects of their lives and how they relate to their interest in law and Harvard Law School specifically.
In preparation for the interview, applicants can go over common interview questions and consider the main points they want to convey. It is also beneficial to demonstrate thoughtfulness and enthusiasm when discussing extracurricular activities and projects. Applicants should be ready to explain their reasons for pursuing certain experiences and how these relate to their passion for law.
Additionally, it is essential to come up with insightful questions to ask the interviewer. These questions should showcase the applicant's excitement about joining Harvard Law School and their interest in specific areas, such as environmental law and advocacy. Applicants can also inquire about opportunities for collaboration with external organizations and extracurricular activities related to their interests.
Overall, while interviews are a required step in the admissions process, they are also an opportunity for applicants to showcase their unique strengths and interests, contributing to a holistic evaluation of their candidacy.
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Interviews are conducted virtually and are 15 minutes long
Interviews are a required component of the admissions process at Harvard Law School. However, not all applicants will be invited to interview. If you are selected for an interview, you will be notified via email, and the interview will be conducted virtually through Zoom.
The interview will last around 15 minutes and will be a conversation with a member of the J.D. Admissions team. The interview is a chance for the admissions committee to get to know you and your experiences, goals, and aspirations. They may ask about your resume and the various meaningful experiences and projects you have had. They will also be interested in why you pursued these experiences and projects, so be prepared to demonstrate thoughtfulness and enthusiasm.
In addition to preparing your answers, it is a good idea to prepare a few insightful questions to ask the interviewer. This shows your interest in the school and your enthusiasm for joining. For example, you could ask about how Harvard Law School supports students' engagement with specific areas of law or inquire about opportunities for collaboration with external organizations. While it is a good idea to prepare, you should avoid memorizing full responses as this may come across as inauthentic.
Finally, remember to send a thank-you note to your interviewer within 24 hours of the interview. This is a chance to express your gratitude, mention what you discussed, and reiterate your interest in Harvard Law School.
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Candidates must apply to the regular J.D. program via the Law School Admission Council (LSAC)
Candidates for the J.D. program at Harvard Law School must apply through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). The LSAC is a one-stop shop that streamlines the application process, allowing candidates to apply to multiple U.S. law schools of their choice through a single online account.
The LSAC offers a range of resources to support candidates through the application process, including free LSAT Prep offerings, such as official LSAT practice tests, and monthly LawHub webinars, which provide tips and support for candidates. The LSAC website also features an application checklist and hosts events where candidates can meet with admission representatives to help determine their best-fit school.
Candidates are advised to prepare for the LSAT, with many law schools requiring applicants to take the test by November or December for admission the following fall. Taking the test earlier—in June or September/October—is advisable, and candidates should schedule their test date with sufficient time to receive their score before their first law school application is due.
In addition to the LSAT, candidates applying through LSAC will need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a resume highlighting their experiences and projects. During the application review process, candidates may be invited to interview. For regular J.D. candidates, these interviews will happen throughout the admissions cycle, starting in November. The Admissions Office will contact candidates directly to set up an interview. It is important to note that not all applicants will receive an interview invitation, and those who are eventually admitted to Harvard Law School must complete an interview.
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Applicants must submit a resume and a CAS report
Applicants to Harvard Law School must submit a resume and a Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report as part of the application process. The CAS simplifies the process of applying to law school by allowing applicants to send their transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other required documents to LSAC, who then forward them to the applicant's chosen schools along with their LSAT score. This service is required by most ABA-approved law schools and many others, and a subscription costs $45 for five years.
The CAS report includes a one-page summary of the applicant's transcripts, LSAT scores, and other information. Applicants can add schools to their CAS school list and must arrange for their current law school and undergraduate transcripts to be sent to LSAC. The CAS subscription fee and the cost of CAS reports can be covered by an LSAC fee waiver for applicants who are financially under-resourced.
The resume should highlight various meaningful experiences and projects. At least one of these will likely be brought up during the interview, and applicants should be prepared to discuss their passions and motivations for pursuing these experiences. The admissions committee is looking for thoughtfulness and enthusiasm and wants to know that applicants have genuinely engaged with their extracurricular activities.
In addition to submitting a resume and CAS report, applicants to Harvard Law School may be invited to interview with a member of the J.D. Admissions team. Interviews are conducted virtually through Zoom and typically last around 15 minutes. Not all applicants will be invited to interview, but it is a required component for admission to Harvard Law School, so applicants who are not invited to interview will not be admitted.
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Interview questions are unpredictable, but some common ones include Why Harvard? and What is your greatest weakness?
An interview is a required component of admission to Harvard Law School. However, not all applicants will receive an invitation to interview. Interviews are 15-minute conversations conducted virtually through Zoom.
Interview questions are unpredictable, but some common ones include "Why Harvard?" and "What is your greatest weakness?". Here are some ways to approach these types of questions:
This question is your chance to demonstrate your knowledge of Harvard Law School and explain how the school aligns with your interests and goals. Talk about specific programs, courses, or extracurricular activities that interest you and relate them to your own experiences and aspirations. For example, you could mention your interest in environmental law and ask about opportunities for collaboration with local environmental organizations. This shows that you are excited and motivated to join the Harvard Law community.
When answering this question, be honest and authentic, but also strategic. Choose a weakness that is not a core requirement for a career in law. For example, you could mention that you struggle with public speaking but are actively working to improve by joining a public speaking club. This demonstrates self-awareness and a commitment to personal development.
Other common interview questions include:
- How would your friends/colleagues describe you?
- Tell me about your hardest law school exam question.
- Describe a complex legal issue you've worked on.
- How do you engage with faculty and peers inside and outside the classroom?
- How do you anticipate participating in the broader community at HLS?
- Tell me about an experience that is seemingly unrelated to law.
Remember, the interview is a chance for the admissions committee to get to know you beyond your application, so be thoughtful and enthusiastic in your responses.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, an interview is a required component of the admission process at Harvard Law School.
According to some sources, the chances of admission after being granted an interview are in the 75-85% range.
Interviews for the 2023-2024 cycle started in November.
The interview will take around 15 minutes to complete.
The interview questions will focus on getting to know you better as an individual. You may be asked about your resume and your extracurricular activities.
