Harvard conference applications: ACONF and HCONF with Shivangi Rai

Planning to apply for the Harvard College Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) conferences but unsure where to begin?

Having received acceptances for both ACONF 2025 at the University of Tokyo and HCONF 2026 at Harvard University, I’ll walk you through my personal application experience, what I learned, and how you can prepare for these opportunities.

This one-on-one consultation is designed to help you understand the application process and approach it with greater clarity and confidence.

What we'll cover:

1. Understanding ACONF & HCONF: What these conferences are about, how they differ, and which opportunity might align better with your interests and goals.
2. Application process: How to approach the application, understand the requirements, and prepare your responses.
3. Building your application: How to present your academic background, extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, interests, and achievements effectively.
4. Application questions: The types of questions you may encounter, how to structure thoughtful responses, and how to communicate your motivation for attending.
5. Interview preparation: What my interview experience looked like, the kinds of questions you can prepare for, and how to communicate your experiences confidently and authentically.
6. What worked for me: My personal approach to both applications, lessons learned, common mistakes to avoid, and practical tips for strengthening your application.
7. Personalised guidance: We'll discuss your background, interests, experiences, and any specific questions you have about preparing for an upcoming HPAIR application.

Whether you're applying for the first time or looking to improve your previous application, the goal is to help you understand the process, identify your strengths, and prepare strategically.

This isn't about guaranteeing selection. It's about sharing firsthand experience, practical guidance, and helping you put your best foot forward.

Looking forward to connecting and helping you take your next step!