What does Harvard expects?

If you have a topic about which you can talk for 2 complete days without taking a break, I think , that's what they are looking for. In short, a strong point you are comfortable at and something you will answer confidently as well as tackle the related counter questions.

Thinking strategically about your profile - it's that final piece of the puzzle the other questions dont seem to ask/answer

For example, if in all the other essays all you've talked about are your leadership abilities or communication skills, and there's something else you haven't managed to speak about such as your drive, this is the opportunity.

Rephrase the question dude, like on the GMAT - "Answer a question you wish we'd asked" = "Tell me something about yourself that isn't apparent in your essays or your applications"

humblebee wrote:Thinking strategically about your profile - it's that final piece of the puzzle the other questions dont seem to ask/answer

For example, if in all the other essays all you've talked about are your leadership abilities or communication skills, and there's something else you haven't managed to speak about such as your drive, this is the opportunity.

Rephrase the question dude, like on the GMAT - "Answer a question you wish we'd asked" = "Tell me something about yourself that isn't apparent in your essays or your applications"

What do you mean by drive?

Also remember that if there's a section of your candidacy that you need to elaborate on... that's probably the essay to do so with. Ie. "Tell us about your undergraduate experience" - if you need to explain your GPA or something....

I do like this explanation though - "If you have a topic about which you can talk for 2 complete days without taking a break, I think , that's what they are looking for. In short, a strong point you are comfortable at and something you will answer confidently as well as tackle the related counter questions."