Harvard to Conduct Interviews Over Skype

Normally, when a student is interviewing for a college, they have to either drive over to a set location to meet in person, or speak over the phone. That may be a thing of the past, though, as Harvard Law School applicants now have the opportunity to have their interviews in person no matter where they are, thanks to Skype (News - Alert).

In the coming years, J.D. applicants will be able to have interviews over Skype rather than over the phone. Not only that, but each interview will last longer (around 15 minutes compared to the previous 10), and 200 more applicants will be offered interviews.

The interviews will be conducted by Assistant Dean and chief admissions officer Jessica L. Soban, as well as director of Admissions Karen E. Buttenbaum.

While Skype will be the main method of interviewing, the school will also accommodate applicants unable to use it due to disabilities or restricted Internet access. While being able to interview potential students in person is always preferable, video chats are an acceptable substitute when they can’t physically be there.

“There’s nothing that ultimately replaces being able to physically sit down in a room with someone, but I think that Skype is a great way of approximating that,” said Soban. “I don’t know why other schools wouldn’t be pushing in this direction, because I think it just really benefits the candidate in being able to get their full story out.”

Image via Shutterstock

This is a great use for Skype, and one that proves how useful video chats can be. Harvard is making a great choice by using Skype to hold interviews that can’t be done in-person, and will provide many potential students with the chance to prove their selves.

In an environment as competitive as this, everything and anything can help, and Skype can help applicants get that edge they need.