Application Advice

How to nail your Ivy League interview

Jan 27, 2026 2:03:45 PM

2 Minute Read

Your Ivy League interview is rarely a “test” in the traditional sense. It’s a conversation designed to add colour to your application: how you think, how you speak about your interests, and whether you’ll thrive in that university’s community. The best interviews feel natural - and that’s exactly what smart preparation helps you achieve.

Start with your elevator pitch

At some point early on, you’ll almost certainly get this: “Tell me about yourself.”

Think of your elevator pitch as a short, confident introduction that creates a clear structure for your answer (without sounding rehearsed). A strong elevator pitch should be around 30-60 seconds and typically includes:

Who you are (in one line): your academic focus or curiosity
What you care about: 1–2 themes that genuinely drive you
What you do with it: an example or two (project, club, initiative, research, creative work)
Why it matters now: a bridge to what you want to explore next at university

Don’t memorise a script

It’s tempting to write perfect paragraphs and practise them until they’re flawless, but in an interview, that approach often backfires. Interviewers can tell when an answer is memorised - and scripted responses tend to sound less authentic, less flexible, and less engaging.

Instead of whole paragraphs, prepare your answers using bullet points:

A few core themes you want to communicate (your “headline ideas”)
2–3 supporting examples you can draw on
One or two short stories that show rather than tell

Bullet points keep your answers adaptable and you'll feel more ready if the interviewer takes the conversation in a new direction (which they often do).

Research the university properly

One of the most common interview mistakes is sounding like you’re applying to a generic “top US university” rather than this university. Your research should cover three areas:

Your intended major (or academic direction)

You don’t need to name every module, but you should be able to explain:

What you want to explore
Why that subject excites you
What resources at that university specifically support it (courses, labs, professors, institutes, student publications)

Traditions and culture

Every Ivy has its own vibe regarding social life, campus traditions, residential system, and student organisations. Knowing a few authentic details helps you show fit without sounding like you’ve just skimmed a brochure.

Community and opportunities

The goal here is to show you’ve imagined yourself there in a specific, believable way. Look beyond academics:

Specific clubs you’d like to join (and why)
Community initiatives that match your interests
Ways students create opportunities (start-ups, publications, student-led research, volunteering)

Come with smart questions

Always prepare some questions to ask the interviewer (ensure they’re not things you could find easily on the internet!).

Better question types include:

“What surprised you most about your experience there?”
“How did students in your area of interest typically get involved outside class?”
“What kind of student thrives most in that environment?”
“How did the community shape your academic path?”

Avoid questions like:

“What majors do you offer?”
“What’s the acceptance rate?”
“What are the dorms like?” (unless it’s very specific and experience-based)

Final checklist

A strong Ivy League interview is all about being clear, curious, and genuine. If you’d like structured interview practice with feedback on delivery, content, and pacing, our experienced advisors can help you refine your elevator pitch and build a confident set of stories you can adapt to any interviewer. Book a free call with us to find out more about our advising support.

Checklist for a strong candidate interview: