<p>It's around the time of the year when interviews for boarding schools are completed, and- if they're anything like me- most applicants probably have a lot of questions and maybe even anxiety for this particular process. What are some commonly asked interview questions? Should you try to stand out or fit in? What signs do you look for in a school (if you are interviewing on campus)? Feel free to ask and share insights, parents, former applicants, and current applicants!</p>
<p>Great post ! My interview is in 1 week and I am so anxious !!!</p>
<p>What should I wear?
What questions should I expect ?</p>
<p>Thanks >.<</p>
<p>Try the search tool, as I know this has been covered in threads from last year.</p>
<p>On the website of St. George’s School in Rhode Island, I found the questions below ( [St</a>. George’s ~ Questions](<a href=“http://www.stgeorges.edu/admission/applying_to_sg/visit_and_interview]St”>http://www.stgeorges.edu/admission/applying_to_sg/visit_and_interview) ). While they are provided by a specific school for a specific interview, they do seem general enough to encompass many of the subjects an admissions associate might ask about. </p>
<p>What are the most important aspects of a School to you?
Do you have a strong interest or talent that requires a special athletic, musical, artistic or academic program?
What is missing at your current school?
What are your goals over the next few years?
What is your favorite class/subject?
What do you feel are the most important qualities of an excellent teacher?
What books have you enjoyed?
What leadership roles have you experienced?
What prizes or awards have you received over the past few years? </p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>Thanks, futureboarder. I kind of hope they won’t ask these questions, though, because IMO they’re such ordinary questions that don’t really leave an applicant much room to distinguish themselves. Does anybody know, will the interviewers allow time for the applicant to actually talk instead of answering scripted questions?</p>
<p>I think the point of those questions is to see if you CAN distinguish themselves with such clich</p>
<p>Interviews are actually really fun! (To me, anyway xD)
Besides, you have time when you can ask questions: at the end of the interviews, and when you’re walking back to get the 'rents.</p>
<p>@PaperIdeas: You know, I actually agree. It’s gonna be hard, though.
@98beebee: I hope that’s the case for me! :)</p>
<p>What should I do if, after more than a week, an admissions rep doesn’t answer my emailed request for an interview? All the others schools have answered, even if they didn’t have any time slots left. I’m thinking that I’ll mention that to them (respectfully) at the TSAO reception that’s happening very, very soon.</p>
<p>You could call the school directly. If it is very close it is probably because their slots are already filled up. My dd had one also that never replied and when she called over 2 wks out their slots were filled and she was told if she could not make it to an on campus interview she should interview with one of the local alumni.</p>
<p>So I’ve just finished two interviews with two CHADES school reps at a TSAO reception and it was a generally positive experience. </p>
<p>The venue was very nice, although it did get quite crowded later in the evening with the other patrons’ arrivals and all the interviews taking place on the first floor. One interviewer was out of this world and better than I could have ever hoped for (he seemed to like me so much I am tempted to feel as though my prospects for that school just upped), but the second interviewer, though not openly unfriendly, was unenthusiastic and generally seemed to be on the bored side. (The school was my first choice too!) All the interviewers appeared to be completely booked for interviews the entire afternoon and were very, very busy.</p>
<p>All I will say concerning the interviews themselves is that most of the questions were not cliche and do require some thinking. I was also very disappointed concerning some of the other applicants’/prospective applicants’ behavior (please at least try to conceal the fact that your parents made you come) and especially the majority’s DRESS! Appearance might not be everything, but first impressions are! Yet 60% of attendees- families and students- dressed in jeans, T-shirts, or other inappropriate attire.</p>
<p>Could you post some of the more tricky questions that they asked please? I’m having two interviews in a few days and I don’t know what to expect so I’m pretty much a nervous wreck now. Thanks!</p>
<p>@Anxiouskid, my interviews last year were surprisingly easily. Remember, the interviewers are not there to test you. They just want to hear more about who you are.
My questions were ones that required little thinking, such as
“Walk me through a typical day”.
“What books have you enjoyed in the past month(s)?”
I ended up having a really nice conversation with my Exeter interviewer. I didn’t feel any tension or anxiety at all. 
However, I do suggest coming prepared with questions about the school.</p>
<p>well, one of my interviews was really easy, (half the interview was her answering my questions) and the other one was full of questions like “What would be the first thing you do if you were made President tomorrow?” and “If you could meet any 3 people who would they be?”</p>
<p>I got asked the “3 people” thing too. I think one thing all nervous interviewees should work on is to think about what kind of impression of you that you want to get across, and then shape your interview towards that direction.</p>
<p>Because the venue was full of interviews at the TSAO reception I attended, I overheard one interviewer (I think from Loomis Chaffee) asking a lot of questions about family. My interviewers didn’t, though. And a quick heads up- I noticed that they change direction sometimes based on what you say, a bit like cross-examination… so come prepared to back up your statements.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone! That was a great help. :)</p>
<p>Hey just wondering if u know what a girl should where for an exeter interview. Mine is tomorow and i bought close but i dont know what they’re looking for. sorry about the spelling. im in a rush.really desperate too!!! thanks.</p>
<p>Stay covered up
Skirt, tights, cardigan or dressy blouse should be fine.
Or, dressy pants, cardigan or dressy blouse.
Or, dress, tights, and cardigan.</p>
<p>Consider bringing a jacket. It gets cold!</p>
<p>Shoes: Comfortable, but not sneakers. Flats are fine.
Make sure your appearance is neat, and makeup isn’t excessive.</p>
<p>One of my interviewers asked me, “What is your sense of humor?” I was like “Um… Dry and sarcastic?” So, yeah, it was a random question. Try to think quickly during the interview, you don’t want to be that boy/girl who’s constantly umming and errring. Good luck all!</p>
<p>Do schools frown upon those who don’t schedule personal interviews or are they pushed aside? I live pretty far away and would probably have to do an interview over-the-phone.</p>
<p>@helloel: I don’t think it really matters, if it’s an issue of location and not laziness. By the way, I think most schools now use Skype, rather than phone. Maybe so they can see you?</p>
<p>As far as attire goes- it shows respect and how well you’d potentially fit in at the school you’re interviewing for, so dress to reflect that. If most students at the school wear ties, wear one! Looking at photos and the dress code helps.</p>