Harvard C/O 2019 Applicants Forum

[RedWhite&Blonde]

Again- lack of research capabilities due to being on my break at work, but does anyone know when the earliest waitlists go out?

late, like March

ETA: in the past few years, the last week of march or first of april

Oh my god. Seriously?
And my interviewer told me I'd hear back in late January
The thought of waiting two more months to find out I have to wait even longer just blows my mind.

Sitting at complete 10/26.

[texasellewoods]

.

[WinterComing]

Here's my draft of an FAQ. Feel free to propose additional questions or edits to the answers:

If you're asking what should girls wear (if they don't want to go full suit) then I'd just say "a conservative blouse or cardigan"

No stripes/busy patterns, try to wear dark solid colors since they show up much better on Skype.
For girls, simple jewelry thats not too sparkly (pearl earrings and a simple chain necklace are good). In general, more intense eye makeup and bronzer look better than you might think. Test out makeup before hand on screen! You don't want to look washed out, but don't want to look like a clown either.
Hair pulled back from face is a must. I like a half up, half down or a low bun with tendrils to still frame my face.

I mean this in the absolute nicest way possible, but are you sure you aren't actually Elle Woods?

[cantorb]

Here's my draft of an FAQ. Feel free to propose additional questions or edits to the answers:

If you're asking what should girls wear (if they don't want to go full suit) then I'd just say "a conservative blouse or cardigan"

No stripes/busy patterns, try to wear dark solid colors since they show up much better on Skype.
For girls, simple jewelry thats not too sparkly (pearl earrings and a simple chain necklace are good). In general, more intense eye makeup and bronzer look better than you might think. Test out makeup before hand on screen! You don't want to look washed out, but don't want to look like a clown either.
Hair pulled back from face is a must. I like a half up, half down or a low bun with tendrils to still frame my face.

I mean this in the absolute nicest way possible, but are you sure you aren't actually Elle Woods?

I wouldn't call Elle Woods bronze (and I doubt she ever pulled her hair back - even for Harvard).

[RedWhite&Blonde]

Here's my draft of an FAQ. Feel free to propose additional questions or edits to the answers:

If you're asking what should girls wear (if they don't want to go full suit) then I'd just say "a conservative blouse or cardigan"

No stripes/busy patterns, try to wear dark solid colors since they show up much better on Skype.
For girls, simple jewelry thats not too sparkly (pearl earrings and a simple chain necklace are good). In general, more intense eye makeup and bronzer look better than you might think. Test out makeup before hand on screen! You don't want to look washed out, but don't want to look like a clown either.
Hair pulled back from face is a must. I like a half up, half down or a low bun with tendrils to still frame my face.

I mean this in the absolute nicest way possible, but are you sure you aren't actually Elle Woods?

I wouldn't call Elle Woods bronze (and I doubt she ever pulled her hair back - even for Harvard).

Actually, the iTunes description claims she has a penchant for fake-tanning. And she does pull her hair back---she has a different hair style in each scene and she wears several ponytails. In the second movie, her bangs are pinned back when she testifies in front of Congress.

[RedWhite&Blonde]

Here's my draft of an FAQ. Feel free to propose additional questions or edits to the answers:

If you're asking what should girls wear (if they don't want to go full suit) then I'd just say "a conservative blouse or cardigan"

No stripes/busy patterns, try to wear dark solid colors since they show up much better on Skype.
For girls, simple jewelry thats not too sparkly (pearl earrings and a simple chain necklace are good). In general, more intense eye makeup and bronzer look better than you might think. Test out makeup before hand on screen! You don't want to look washed out, but don't want to look like a clown either.
Hair pulled back from face is a must. I like a half up, half down or a low bun with tendrils to still frame my face.

I would actually recommend not doing the more intense eye make up and go for a more subtle, natural look (not saying that anyone has to wear make up if they don't want to!).

[Canadianhopeful]

Hi folks, long time lurker, first time poster. Have definitely been following this thread religiously since the fall!

I had a quick question, if I had an update on my application that I wanted to send to admissions, what would be the best email address to send this update to?

[Hildegard15]

Here's my draft of an FAQ. Feel free to propose additional questions or edits to the answers:

If you're asking what should girls wear (if they don't want to go full suit) then I'd just say "a conservative blouse or cardigan"

No stripes/busy patterns, try to wear dark solid colors since they show up much better on Skype.
For girls, simple jewelry thats not too sparkly (pearl earrings and a simple chain necklace are good). In general, more intense eye makeup and bronzer look better than you might think. Test out makeup before hand on screen! You don't want to look washed out, but don't want to look like a clown either.
Hair pulled back from face is a must. I like a half up, half down or a low bun with tendrils to still frame my face.

Nothing is ever a must. I wore my hair down for my HLS interview. I don't like when we perpetuate this idea that women must do 900 things to look professional. What do you feel best in? Go with that. I wore zero make-up and no earrings in all my interviews. Wore a sweater on top and sweatpants on bottom.

[Li'l Sebastian]

Nothing is ever a must. I wore my hair down for my HLS interview. I don't like when we perpetuate this idea that women must do 900 things to look professional. What do you feel best in? Go with that. I wore zero make-up and no earrings in all my interviews. Wore a sweater on top and sweatpants on bottom.

You wore sweatpants to your Harvard interview?
Now that's bravery.

[Hildegard15]

Nothing is ever a must. I wore my hair down for my HLS interview. I don't like when we perpetuate this idea that women must do 900 things to look professional. What do you feel best in? Go with that. I wore zero make-up and no earrings in all my interviews. Wore a sweater on top and sweatpants on bottom.

You wore sweatpants to your Harvard interview?
Now that's bravery.

Not really that brave considering on the Skype screen you can't see anything from the collarbone down. I know many TLS boys who wore button-downs and boxers.

[QuentonCassidy]

Nothing is ever a must. I wore my hair down for my HLS interview. I don't like when we perpetuate this idea that women must do 900 things to look professional. What do you feel best in? Go with that. I wore zero make-up and no earrings in all my interviews. Wore a sweater on top and sweatpants on bottom.

You wore sweatpants to your Harvard interview?
Now that's bravery.

Not really that brave considering on the Skype screen you can't see anything from the collarbone down. I know many TLS boys who wore button-downs and boxers.

Hilde is way braver than I; I went full suit, even down to making sure that my dress socks matched

[Li'l Sebastian]

Not really that brave considering on the Skype screen you can't see anything from the collarbone down. I know many TLS boys who wore button-downs and boxers.

Hilde is way braver than I; I went full suit, even down to making sure that my dress socks matched

Same, except I didn't wear a tie because I felt it wouldn't that formal of a dress code.

[mdnyc]

Hi folks, long time lurker, first time poster. Have definitely been following this thread religiously since the fall!

I had a quick question, if I had an update on my application that I wanted to send to admissions, what would be the best email address to send this update to?

Darn it, Hopeful! I spend so much time and effort on an FAQ, and then you go and ask a question not on it.

I'm kidding. Use the main one:jdadmiss@law.harvard.edu

[WinterComing]

Nothing is ever a must. I wore my hair down for my HLS interview. I don't like when we perpetuate this idea that women must do 900 things to look professional. What do you feel best in? Go with that. I wore zero make-up and no earrings in all my interviews. Wore a sweater on top and sweatpants on bottom.

You wore sweatpants to your Harvard interview?
Now that's bravery.

Not really that brave considering on the Skype screen you can't see anything from the collarbone down. I know many TLS boys who wore button-downs and boxers.

Hilde is way braver than I; I went full suit, even down to making sure that my dress socks matched

As a frequent victim of Murphy's law, I knew that if I wore the suit-top-and-no-pants combo, I'd forget about it and then stand up to retrieve something from across the room. Of course, I've done a handful of law school Skype interviews and never once moved from my seat, but yeah, I think there is some bravery involved here.

[mdnyc]

Nothing is ever a must. I wore my hair down for my HLS interview. I don't like when we perpetuate this idea that women must do 900 things to look professional. What do you feel best in? Go with that. I wore zero make-up and no earrings in all my interviews. Wore a sweater on top and sweatpants on bottom.

You wore sweatpants to your Harvard interview?
Now that's bravery.

Not really that brave considering on the Skype screen you can't see anything from the collarbone down. I know many TLS boys who wore button-downs and boxers.

Hilde is way braver than I; I went full suit, even down to making sure that my dress socks matched

As a frequent victim of Murphy's law, I knew that if I wore the suit-top-and-no-pants combo, I'd forget about it and then stand up to retrieve something from across the room. Of course, I've done a handful of law school Skype interviews and never once moved from my seat, but yeah, I think there is some bravery involved here.

This is how Hilde killed her JS1. The adrenaline from interviewing on the edge of danger sharpened her senses.

[Hildegard15]

Nothing is ever a must. I wore my hair down for my HLS interview. I don't like when we perpetuate this idea that women must do 900 things to look professional. What do you feel best in? Go with that. I wore zero make-up and no earrings in all my interviews. Wore a sweater on top and sweatpants on bottom.

You wore sweatpants to your Harvard interview?
Now that's bravery.

Not really that brave considering on the Skype screen you can't see anything from the collarbone down. I know many TLS boys who wore button-downs and boxers.

Hilde is way braver than I; I went full suit, even down to making sure that my dress socks matched

As a frequent victim of Murphy's law, I knew that if I wore the suit-top-and-no-pants combo, I'd forget about it and then stand up to retrieve something from across the room. Of course, I've done a handful of law school Skype interviews and never once moved from my seat, but yeah, I think there is some bravery involved here.

This is how Hilde killed her JS1. The adrenaline from interviewing on the edge of danger sharpened her senses.

My interview was also at 7:00am and I don't get dressed that early for anybody

[linguafranca90]

FWIW, I dressed relatively casually for both my Harvard and Chicago interviews. I don't think I wore anything more formal than a tucked-in button down, or a sweater. Just don't wear a t-shirt or hoodie and you should be fine.

[texasellewoods]

Here's my draft of an FAQ. Feel free to propose additional questions or edits to the answers:

If you're asking what should girls wear (if they don't want to go full suit) then I'd just say "a conservative blouse or cardigan"

No stripes/busy patterns, try to wear dark solid colors since they show up much better on Skype.
For girls, simple jewelry thats not too sparkly (pearl earrings and a simple chain necklace are good). In general, more intense eye makeup and bronzer look better than you might think. Test out makeup before hand on screen! You don't want to look washed out, but don't want to look like a clown either.
Hair pulled back from face is a must. I like a half up, half down or a low bun with tendrils to still frame my face.

Nothing is ever a must. I wore my hair down for my HLS interview. I don't like when we perpetuate this idea that women must do 900 things to look professional. What do you feel best in? Go with that. I wore zero make-up and no earrings in all my interviews. Wore a sweater on top and sweatpants on bottom.

Excellent point Hilde! Women have SO MANY fashion rules to live by in the workplace and they can drive anyone insane. Obviously, do not do these things if they put you out of your comfort zone - the most important thing is that you are presenting yourself at your most confident.
When I reference the hair pulled back, I don't mean for aesthetic reasons - I (and other nervous hair touchers) find it much easier to avoid fiddling with hair when it is pulled back, and I think we can all agree that excessive face touching doesn't look good in an interview.
As far as the makeup goes, I noticed when I was practicing and looking at myself in a camera that I looked super tired and pale. I normally only wear mascara and under eye concealer, and while I feel totally fine in that on a regular day, I do think it is important to feel put together in an interview. When I wore "more intense eye makeup" I certainly didn't wear fake eyelashes - just did liquid eyeliner, light brown eye shadow, and thicker mascara. I also wore bronzer on my forehead and jaw to make my face stand out from the white background, and a light blush to make me look healthy. Doing all these things made me feel more confident, which at the end of the day is the goal!
While I am 100% supportive of the no makeup, no jewelry path if that is what you like, I think the women looking at the fashion FAQ section are looking for general advice such as this. But a disclaimer that no woman should feel compelled to change herself would be nice

[texasellewoods]

.

[rachelql]

ahhhhhhh
going crazy here
any predictions on when the next wave of admissions come???

[slippin_jimmy]

Here's my draft of an FAQ. Feel free to propose additional questions or edits to the answers:

If you're asking what should girls wear (if they don't want to go full suit) then I'd just say "a conservative blouse or cardigan"

No stripes/busy patterns, try to wear dark solid colors since they show up much better on Skype.
For girls, simple jewelry thats not too sparkly (pearl earrings and a simple chain necklace are good). In general, more intense eye makeup and bronzer look better than you might think. Test out makeup before hand on screen! You don't want to look washed out, but don't want to look like a clown either.
Hair pulled back from face is a must. I like a half up, half down or a low bun with tendrils to still frame my face.

Nothing is ever a must. I wore my hair down for my HLS interview. I don't like when we perpetuate this idea that women must do 900 things to look professional. What do you feel best in? Go with that. I wore zero make-up and no earrings in all my interviews. Wore a sweater on top and sweatpants on bottom.

Excellent point Hilde! Women have SO MANY fashion rules to live by in the workplace and they can drive anyone insane. Obviously, do not do these things if they put you out of your comfort zone - the most important thing is that you are presenting yourself at your most confident.
When I reference the hair pulled back, I don't mean for aesthetic reasons - I (and other nervous hair touchers) find it much easier to avoid fiddling with hair when it is pulled back, and I think we can all agree that excessive face touching doesn't look good in an interview.
As far as the makeup goes, I noticed when I was practicing and looking at myself in a camera that I looked super tired and pale. I normally only wear mascara and under eye concealer, and while I feel totally fine in that on a regular day, I do think it is important to feel put together in an interview. When I wore "more intense eye makeup" I certainly didn't wear fake eyelashes - just did liquid eyeliner, light brown eye shadow, and thicker mascara. I also wore bronzer on my forehead and jaw to make my face stand out from the white background, and a light blush to make me look healthy. Doing all these things made me feel more confident, which at the end of the day is the goal!
While I am 100% supportive of the no makeup, no jewelry path if that is what you like, I think the women looking at the fashion FAQ section are looking for general advice such as this. But a disclaimer that no woman should feel compelled to change herself would be nice

Troof. I have bangs and left my hair down. I think the importance is being comfortable and being presentable.

[Oskosh]

I thought my interview was CT, so I was late to it, and had to do it during my planning in my teacher attire (t shirt and jeans). Still got a JS2. Don't be so worried about appearances and instead focus on your delivery.

[Li'l Sebastian]

ahhhhhhh
going crazy here
any predictions on when the next wave of admissions come???

I think today!

[mdnyc]

ahhhhhhh
going crazy here
any predictions on when the next wave of admissions come???

I think today!

Don't say it so loud! Now:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1tyiWP9MSk

[rachelql]

ahhhhhhh
going crazy here
any predictions on when the next wave of admissions come???

I think today!

this isn't a joke right?