Hey I have two private high school interviews tomorrow, and I wanted to ask about the whole online situation. Should I just text my parents if they are needed? If they need to come do I leave the room? Sorry, I’m just pretty nervous. I’ve had an interview before but my parents weren’t needed.
Not that I recommend this - but to avoid the awkwardness of going to get my parents or texting them and hoping they see their phone, when the interview asked if my parents had any questions (meaning it was not mandatory), I said that my dad was on a conference call for work and my mom wasn’t home. Again, I don’t necessarily recommend this, especially if they actually want to speak with your parents, but if you make up some excuse they’ll be understanding. If you know in advance that the interviewer needs to speak with them, I’d make sure your parents know in advance, and tell them to keep their phones on so you can text them (and so they don’t accidentally show up in pajamas or smth). After you text them, ask the AO a question about the school to buy time. If the interviewer suggests you go get them, just turn your camera and audio off and try to get back quickly.
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I was at the ready for DD’s interviews. We actually started the interview together and said our greetings, then I left. DD called me into the room when the interviewer was ready for me. Some interviews had us log in separately on different devices and put me in a “waiting room” while they interviewed DD. (They told us this would be the format a few days beforehand).
I think it shows support and complete family interest if you are able to have at least one parent say a nice hello, even if they will not be asking/answering questions or become a large part of the interview.
Oh! And I almost always had sweatpants/yoga pants on with a nice sweater or blouse - and entered the room so that only my “interview” wear could be seen. LOL
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have at least one of your parents ready at the interview. usually student portion is about 20min or longer, so you can ask your parent to wait at around 20min, don’t need to wait from the beginning of the interview.
It’s best not to tell a falsehood.
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Let your parents know in advance. I think it shows support and enthusiasm on the part of parents if they show up and have direct questions available.
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Don’t lie (that is such a bad idea in every aspect of BS application). BS want to know that your parents are supportive of the idea. @buuzn03 gave you great advice and I would follow her suggestions.
Regarding the awkwardness of zoom - stop worrying. Everyone knows zoom is awkward. No one doing the interviewing will care if they ask to speak to your parents and you say “great I will go get them for you” and then you get up and go find your parents. You guys are trying waaaaaay too hard to be polished and perfect. Trust me when I say that is not what AOs are looking for. My son spilled an entire cup of coffee at one school during his interview. Guess what, he still got in. Take a deep breath, they expect you to be human. You don’t need to contort yourselves because of zoom.
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