How should students respond to these type of interview questions?

How many other schools are you applying to? What are they?

Tell me your grades/ test scores?
-I’m concerned about this one specifically because I want the interviewer’s judgement of me to be based on our interview, not the numbers. Plus I don’t want to get that “lol why are u even applying here” look if they don’t think my scores are competitive.

How to approach the why __ question if you’re still not sure or maybe not as confident in your reasons.

Anyone else feel free to post your own questions.

  1. Don't mention any obvious rivals to the school (UCLA and USC for example). Mention state schools you are applying to. If the school is very far from you, then mention schools that you applied to that are near there. They want to be sure that you are prepared to make the move. For instance if I live in Boston, and Stanford asked me where I'm applying, I should say UC Berkeley, USC etc. opposed to Harvard, Yale, Brown etc. Obviously be honest, don't lie about it, but you also don't have to tell them everything.
  2. Grades/Test Scores: I'm pretty sure interviewer's are not supposed to ask this. For Harvard, they send a form asking for your GPA/SAT for the interviewer to see but that's about it.
  3. Why_ school. What did you write for the Why_school essay? Expand upon those answers, give some personal insight onto why (relate it somehow to a personal experience not necessarily mentioned in your application if possible).

Other possible questions: Tell me a little bit about yourself.
What motivates you?
Describe a time when you showed leadership.
How has your family influenced you?
Favorite class/subject, least favorite class/subject and why?
Tell me a little bit about your school.

These were asked in my interviews but they may vary based on each school.

I am a high school senior, so my advice may not be the best. I am going sort of off my own opinion and what my guidance counselor told me.