The Harvey Mudd interview

Optional interview, and it carries minor weight in the decision. Here is how it works and how to prepare.

Optional interview

Optional alumni interview, ~30-45 min, virtual or in your area; conducted by Harvey Mudd alumni volunteers

How to prepare for Harvey Mudd

Emphasize genuine intellectual curiosity and specific STEM interests , Harvey Mudd wants to see that you think like a scientist or engineer, not just that you have good grades.
Be ready to discuss a project, research topic, or problem you explored independently; the alumni interviewer is looking for depth of engagement, not breadth of activities.
Ask thoughtful questions about the alumni's own HMC experience , the interview is genuinely two-way, and curiosity about the college community matters here.
Avoid treating this as a checklist interview; Harvey Mudd's culture is collaborative and quirky, so let your authentic personality come through rather than presenting a polished admissions persona.

Practice before the real thing

Rehearse real admissions-interview questions and get an honest read on your answers, what an interviewer hears, where you sound generic, and what to sharpen. We coach you; we never script you.

Practice interview questions

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