Private school admissions interview preparation should give you a chance to reflect on your strengths and areas for improvement and what you hope your high school experience will be like. Admissions interview questions are designed to help the interviewer get to know you. Admissions interviewers are looking for qualities you could contribute to the school and, equally as important, how the school could help you on your educational journey.
Interview Insights
Below are insights into the interview and tips to help you prepare. Understanding these insights and using these tips should help you feel confident going into your interview. This will give you every opportunity to excel.
1. Be able to talk about your successes and challenges.
The interview should be a safe space to be honest: to own both your achievements and any areas for improvement. Being able to articulate both of these points is essential preparation for your interview. These conversations help the officer understand what you have to offer the school, and how the school can support you. Don’t be afraid to be proud of your achievements and acknowledge where you have room to grow.
2. Make sure you have researched the school.
This may sound obvious, but it’s a good practice to thoroughly research each school before your visit. This means that you will have a sense of what unique opportunities each school offers that you would want to get involved in. Research will likely lead to questions you would like to ask. It is very likely that each interviewer will ask you why you are interested in their school.
3. Schedule your interview before applying!
You do not have to complete your application before scheduling an interview. In fact, the tours and interviews will help you refine the list of schools to which you will ultimately apply.
Three tips to prepare for your admissions interview:
1. Brainstorm.
Make a list of some of your best qualities as a student and as a person. Write down some of the things that you are good at, and some of the areas you could improve..This will help you with tip #1 in the section above.
2. Review school websites.
A good place to start your research is by looking at the school's course catalogue and list of co-curricular options and requirements at each school. Get familiar with what each school expects of their students and what opportunities are available. It’s fun to imagine the possibilities for yourself!
3. Read about your interviewer.
Most schools have “Meet the Office” sections on their website and you can read about each officer. Some schools will even tell you who your interviewer is in advance. Reading about the people you are likely to meet will help you keep in mind that they are real people who love working with kids and have a lot of wisdom to share. Ultimately, each and every interviewer will work hard to make you feel welcome.
If you ask admissions officers what they like most about their jobs, they’ll probably tell you that interviewing is their favorite part! It certainly is for all of us here at Tabor, and we look forward to meeting you.
