<p>Hi guys,</p>
<p>I am interviewing at Exeter and Andover next month and I was wondering about what kinds of questions the interviewers ask, what they are looking for, etc. </p>
<p>Thanks(:</p>
<p>They might ask about you favorite classes, activities outside school, WHY YOU WANT TO GO TO THEIR SCHOOL, favorite book, challenge you have faced outside school.</p>
<p>Be prepared to explain in about 2 minutes why you are a good fit for their school. This is a challenge, because you need to be informed about the specifics of the school, and why you are a good match. For example, if you are interested in a subject, take a look at the curriculum and courses, and mention a few courses that look interesting. Check out clubs, sports, music etc. and be prepared to talk about why you want to participate with that particular club. What have you done that makes you stand out? Include that in your answer, but frame it in a non-arrogant manner. </p>
<p>For example, “I am very interested in math and science, and have been fortunate to participate in CTY, Science Olympiad, subject acceleration, science fair. I am very interested in your physics and math programs and am looking forward to taking…I also play the underwater tuba and want to participate in the underwater orchestra, and I come from North Dakota so I hope to bring that honest, down to earth friendliness to my dorm and classes, and I already have warm boots.”</p>
<p>When u answer why u want to go to Exeter, puhleeze don’t say it’s because of Harkness Method-- eyeroll…</p>
<p>Unless u can articulate that there is something specific that is uniquely offered at those 2 schools only, u haven’t considered enough schools. Cast a wider net.</p>
<p>Use the search tool. There have been many threads about interview questions, interview dress, interview protocol, etc. in the past. Search tool is your friend.</p>
<p>Why not say because of the Harkness method? It’s one of the reasons I want to go.</p>
<p>Go ahead and say it- be exactly like EVERY SINGLE on of the 1600 applicants for the freshman class. If the Harkness Method is why you want to go- there are many other schools that employ the same teaching method. Try something that is uniquely exeter.</p>
<p>Just be genuine. I can’t imagine they would hold it against you if you’re interested in the Harkness method, particularly if you can articulate why. And I hope you won’t get too anxious about the interviews; my son said the interviewers (at both of those schools) made it feel like a comfortable conversation. </p>
<p>(I don’t think the OP said he or she was only interested in Exeter and Andover, just that the interviews for those schools were next month. They are very close to each other, so anyone coming from a distance would be likely to interview at both on the same trip.)</p>
<p>Harkness only, in all classes, IS uniquely Exeter. IMO there’s nothing wrong with saying that’s what you like about it–just be able to articulate why and how it suits your particular strengths. One of the things the AO’s are trying to determine is if you’d be a good fit for Exeter’s very unusual way of doing school. Avoiding the subject doesn’t strike me as the best approach…I hope the point GMT and others are trying to make is that you need to say more than “I like Harkness.” What do you know about it? What makes it seem unique to you? What attracts you? How does it suit you? </p>
<p>Along those lines, think about what makes you unique or interesting. This doesn’t need to be an accomplishment–could just be something unique about your family or something you read or explore or think about a lot. Exeter wants diverse voices at the table–think about what you’ll bring to the conversation that makes you different from others.</p>