<p>Introduce yourself. Adults love polite teenagers. You should greet the staff and your tour guide (most likely a student), with respect. "Yo! Waddup dawg?" is probably not the best choice of words. A simple "Hello!", followed by a handshake and a smile, should do the trick.
Get settled. You will probably be with your Admissions Counselor for anywhere between 20 minutes to an hour, so you want to be comfortable. Your Admissions Counselor may think you are disinterested if you constantly fidget. You should also turn off any electronic devices at this time, if you have not done so already. Can you imagine how embarrassed you would be if your cell phone began to screech the tune "American Idiot" as you explained your impressive track record?
Listen carefully. Most of the questions asked during an interview are simple questions about the different aspects of your life, especially your school life and your social life; they are not meant to be tricks. As a result, extensive preparation (and excessive stress) is not necessary. Your Admissions Counselor knows his job well; he knows where he wants to take the interview. As long as you are attentive, you should be fine.
Stay on topic. You want to be as focused as possible during your entire visit, but especially during your interview. Although one-word answers are not appropriate, you should also avoid elaborate speeches. You should get to the point as soon as possible and answer all questions clearly.
Remain calm. Your Admissions Counselor wants to get to know you, so he can decide whether or not you are a good match for the school. Nervousness is normal, hysteria is not. The last thing a highly competitive prep school needs is an emotionally unstable student who is unable to handle stress. An Admissions Counselor is not a type of psychologist. Your interview should not double as a mental therapy session.
Speak with confidence. There are enough mediocre people out there. What you need to do is convince your Admissions Counselor that you are the best, and that you deserve the best. This is one of the only times when you are allowed, even encouraged, to brag. You want to appear as a well-rounded individual. A variety of extracurricular activities are a real plus. Since each school has a different focus, however, highlight those attributes which you believe are most valuable. For example, if a particular school has a strong science department, emphasize your interest in environmental studies.
Ask questions. Not only is the ability to ask good questions a sign of intelligence, but they also make you seem interested. Schools in general, especially high schools, are full of students who rather be at home in front of the television. Prep schools want motivated students who will do well in a competitive environment.
Thank the staff. Once again, adults love polite teenagers. Remember to tell your Admissions Counselor how much you enjoyed your visit. Even if you don't feel as if things went too well, you want to leave on a good note.</p>
<p>this is from wikipedia by the way I don't mean to take credit for it</p>
<p>it is excellent advice, and would be good for college apps too. (I do alumni interviewing for an Ivy)</p>
<p>Tis true, tis true. By the way, if anyone is walking around the Biology floor at Andover and hears a teacher start saying "And astrogeophysically speaking--" that would be my teacher. He's hoping to impress you. :)
I love seeing the prospective students. I see mostly boys. I love seeing them in these fancy jacket-and-tie ensembles, and their tour guide wearing cargo shorts and a sweatshirt. By the way, if you get an afternoon tour on a non-Wednesday weekday, ask to be taken to Boyden. We're fencing in there, and we look bloody awesome.</p>
<p>Another point to emphasize -- don't be too lengthy or too brief.</p>
<p>Thanks for the tips hockeykid841. You said at one point: This is one of the only times when you are allowed, even encouraged, to brag. This is true but there is fine line between boasting and telling of your EC's, grades, etc. The admissions officer is looking for a smart kid but doesn't want a stuck-up, nosed up kid.</p>