<p>Hi! I'm applying for boarding schools in 2014. Class of 2018! Woo!</p>
<p>I have my first interview in less than two weeks, and I don't feel like I'm really prepared. Does anyone have some questions that they remember or think that they will ask for:</p>
<p>Groton
Lawrenceville
Andover
Deerfield
Choate
Hotchkiss
Exeter
St. Pauls</p>
<p>(Yes, almost all the GLADCHEMMS)</p>
<p>Blair
Taft
Peddie</p>
<p>Thanks! If you have any tips that could make me stand out from the others, just tell me :)</p>
<p>One question you’ll be asked is: What other schools are you applying to? How you answer is completely up to you, but what you say only benefits the AO. There is no upside to this question and I happen to think it’s none of the school’s business where else a candidate applies. </p>
<p>My kids handled it two different ways: One divulged a half list of (preselected/comparable) schools, while the other simply said, We’re looking at schools in MA, CT and will be traveling to NJ next week- and then changed the subject or asked a question. </p>
<p>Again, it’s completely up to you, but I wouldn’t rattle off the entire laundry list of schools posted above.</p>
<p>The only other thing I will tell you has been said many, many times before: Just be yourself, relax and enjoy the experience. And make sure you send a handwritten thank you note to the AO after your interview.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>Just for clarity- My youngest was a hot recruit during his admissions cycle. What he said about touring schools in CT, MA and NJ might come off as being evasive to some folks, but the AO’s understood his answer. Also- he wasn’t new to the private/ boarding school interview process and was pretty savvy about how he handled everything. My oldest had a better approach to the question (Where else are you applying?) - offering only a few schools, but not the entire list. It’s also wise to discuss this with your parents and formulate what approach will work best for you.</p>
<p>I agree with PhotographerMom, you pretty much always get asked that. In addition, they’ll ask you:
Why do you want to go to boarding school/this school?
What do you do outside of school?
Tell me about yourself. (Gosh, I hate this question :p)
(From Exeter) How would teachers/classmates/you describe you?
Once they hear something that interests them, they’ll usually ask more questions. (i.e. interesting E.C., they’ll ask how long you’ve been doing it, how good you are at it, if you have any awards)
Maybe have your parents do a mock interview with you. Be yourself and good luck!</p>
<p>Many AO’s are also Alums ( It’s in their Bio, or they’ll usually mention it at one point during the interview). My youngest, who is keenly aware of the whole BS Alum thing and genuinely interested, asked the question: What brought you back to the school? I thought that was great and he loved the answers to the question! Plus, he was able to hear how the school has changed overtime, what wonderful traditions were still in place, etc. Fun! </p>
<p>Searching old threads can be very helpful, but lately I’ve noticed many new voices offering great insight and helpful advice. Don’t feel like you can’t reach out and ask away.</p>
<p>My time is almost up for CC due to travel, but I wish the OP many great interviews! You’ll do fine!</p>
<p>Keep in mind that how you talk about something is more important than what you talk about. It’s not about having the best C.V., it’s about letting yourself and what’s in your head come across.</p>
<p>Also- one more quick thing before I sign off. I believe an interview is a two-way street. (And that sound you just heard was ExieMIT crumbling up paper and throwing it at her computer screen 
). Even if the AO isn’t an Alum, it’s always interesting to know what brought them to the school. Perhaps they are a parent of a former student, took a coaching job right out of college- which also happens be your favorite sport, or a teacher who has his/her own kids currently enrolled. I know a former student who attended one BS in the 70’s and is now faculty/ AO at another boarding school. He has a great story!! </p>
<p>AO’s aren’t robots (well, ok- some are)- they’re people and you can learn a lot more about a school if they’re engaged- thus an interview should always be a two-way street. </p>
<p>Anyway- just a thought I’ve wanted to throw out there! Be confident and try to learn as much as you can. It’s all about finding a place where you’ll be happy and successful for the next four years. Good luck! Now I’m really off! Have a great summer.</p>
<p>One question the schools asked in common (at least at the schools that he visited) - What was the most interesting book you have read recently and why?</p>
<ol>
<li>What do you do over the summer?</li>
<li>What is one problem you faced and how did you handle it?</li>
<li>Do you have any siblings?</li>
<li>What do you think of our school/ your tour? (Not those exact words, but to that effect.)</li>
<li>How did you get interested in boarding school?</li>
<li>What classes do you currently take? How do you like them?</li>
<li>What do you do in your free time?</li>
<li>Name one controversial issue, pick a side, and we’ll debate it.</li>
<li>What is something you’d change about your school?</li>
</ol>
<p>Have an idea of your answers to possible questions, but don’t memorize exact wording. The AO wants a conversation, not a question and answer session. Be personable, and just be yourself. Maybe even plan a place to throw in some humor for a question you’re sure they’ll ask (for example: questions 5 and 7 from above). Look the AO in the eye, and don’t fidget too much.</p>
<p>One of the most important things about your interview, though, is not what the AO asks you. It’s what you ask the AO. They’ll give you a chance to ask questions, and you should definitely have some in mind. Think of intelligent questions, ones that go beneath the surface. Show them that you’re really thinking hard about your high school decision and want to know more about their school.</p>
<p>Thank you everybody. This is really helping me get ready for my interview coming up soon!</p>