My interviews are soon, and I’m really nervous. Anything helpful? What are some questions they might ask? What should I wear?
don’t try to be somebody that you’re not, be yourself. second depends on your gender. don’t prepare for any questions, the outcome is worse if you do
Be yourself. Make sure you can articulate why you want to attend the school. Do your research on the school and have a couple of questions to ask the interviewer. Wear something that is appropriate for a nice occasion - slacks/nice khakis for boys and slacks/skirt/dress for girls
I would say to be yourself. Give the best parts of yourself, but don’t lie or exaggerate. It’s a really smart idea to just have thought about some general points you want to get across in your interview (example- “what are your strongest and weakest traits?”) but don’t be so prepared that you sound like a robot reading off a script ;)) there are TONS of threads already on this topic so if you just go search “interviews” or “interview tips” in the search bar, you should be able to find everything you need! Good luck and feel free to ok me with any questions.
Research the school (read their website) and come prepared with a couple of questions that you couldn’t already find answers to. Think about what you want the interviewer to know about you and try to work those things into the conversation. For example, my son is very involved in MUN and made a point of bringing that up in his interviews in some way. The interviewer is trying to get to know you, so be yourself and relax. Wear comfortable footwear for the tours!
Judging from my son’s experience last year, it’s easier for you to talk with the interviewer when you don’t have your parents in the room with you. He went from pretty much mute to delightful. Others’ experiences may vary, but we found AOs in general to be very warm and friendly; they are used to working with teens and want to make you comfortable so that you can relax and be yourself. I’d prepare by being very familiar with the school and have a few reasons in mind for why you want to attend, a couple of honest questions that you genuinely want to have answered, and a few key points about yourself that you want to be sure to communicate.
I agree with other the previous posts. What to wear depends on the school culture. It will serve you well to do some research beforehand. Take a look at the school’s dress code. Is the dress code very formal or more on the casual side? I would argue that even for a casual dress code type of school, you don’t want to show up in super casual clothing like a t-shirt and jeans; remember you want to look your best and your attire does matter. Another tip is to bring along a couple of breath mints that you can pop in before you meet your tour guide and any admissions staff.
If you over-prepare for the interview, based on my experience, prepare to get rejected/waitlisted
I think that’s a tad harsh ;)) @applejuice007
I personally believe that it’s good to prepare for interviews and have an idea of some things you want to say and make sure the AO knows about you. Also be sure to have some prepared questions. NEVER say that you don’t have any questions at the end of the interview.
Of course, you don’t want to sound robotic like you are reading of a script or are trying to remember how to correctly phrase something. Just remember your main points of what you want to say and the rest will work itself out.
This is what has worked for me very well, but remember that everybody on these forums is answering from personal experience, so this is our opinions of what works and doesn’t work based on how it worked for us. Good luck!
I don’t know that I’d dismiss applejuice007’s POV out of hand. I think there is a balance to be struck between being deer in the headlights and overly-prepped. And don’t stress too much, I know that 7D2 had what even she’d characterize as a (number of) poor interviews and yet was admitted to the school(s) in question. The AOs know they are dealing with 13/14 year olds, after all.
To the OP…I’m pretty sure the answers to your questions about dress code and what might be asked are in some older thread. I’m too lazy to find them for you this AM, but a good rule of thumb is to conform to the school’s dress code. And even if the school does not have a dress code, wearing what one might wear to a nice dinner with your grandparents at a restaurant that has tablecloths is always a safe bet. My kids wore blazers and trousers/skirts or a dress.
Help- the AO asked my kid during the interviews for the names of the other schools we were applying to. This put kid on the spot-- not prepared for that question, so preparing you all that your kid may be asked that question-- kid answered honestly to AO by saying. " I read on College Confidential that you have to cast a wide net and apply to a range of different schools!"…
Last year, the AO asked my kid during the interview for the names of the other schools we were applying to. This put the child on the spot-- not prepared for that question, so preparing you all that your kid may be asked that ques-- kid answered honestly to AO by saying. " I read on College Confidential that you have to cast a wide net and apply to a range of different schools!"… BTW the AO didn’t ask DH and I @ other schools during our parent “interview”.
@Golfgr8, there are several threads on this question if you search. Schools don’t need to have this info, IMO. Best answer is that you are still crafting your list accompanied by a polite smile, of course.
No. You get right up into the AO’s face and you say it’s really none of their beeswax. But make sure you’re composed, sitting up straight and smiling when you say it.
All kidding aside… it really isn’t any of their business and @ChoatieMom nailed it with the best answer outside of telling them to pound sand or ( my personal favorite ) Who wants to know?
My personal favorite: “Besides me, which other applicants are you considering–or are you still crafting your list?”
+1000
Every single school asked my son this question last year. He told them (I hadn’t told him not to) and honestly I don’t think it mattered.
^I tend to agree. It can help establish what the student /family are looking for. There is no harm in saying you’re still working on your list or that you’re only looking st schools that have hockey, are all girls, etc. but it will help to have an answer that suggests that you think you’ll be a good fit.
they will ask the usual things to get conversation going, what’s your favorite subject and what do you like to do outside school. Tell me about your family.
When my kindergartner (got thru BS and college interviews by now) was going to meet the first grade teachers, one kneeled down beside her and asked what her favorite part of preschool was. I thought she would say music, outdoor play, learning about dianosaurs, anything but…nap time!
Just a couple quick things to keep in mind: Avoid post interview Sally Field Syndrome ( You like me. You really, really like me! ) . Far too many people walk away from BS interviews thinking they’re in based on well-intentened comments or unbridled enthusiasm from an AO like: I can definitely see you here as a student… You’re exactly what we’re looking for… You’d fit right in…
If I had a dime… Anyway- here’s what you need to know or arm yourself with :
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They are encouraging you to apply.
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You’ re not in. They haven’t seen your completed app yet.
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The compliments you receive are truly well deserved. After an interview definitively celebrate with a nice luncheon or high-five your family in the car but remain guarded. You did it and that took a lot of courage! BS AOs… more than anyone else know how difficult and nerve-racking an interview can be for a fourteen old. Just don’t read too much into what was said unless…
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They start suggesting other schools during the course of the interview. In this case they’re doing you a favor so don’t ignore the hint or be hurt. BS AOs know other schools and AOs very, very well and they’re pointing you in another direction for a reason. If they say something like: Have you looked at Kent? Maybe you should consider adding Kent to the itinerary…
The most important thing is to put your best foot forward and relax. This process is not designed to kill you. Go into it thinking that schools will have to earn your application and the interview process is a two-way street and you’ll be fine. Have fun! One other quick tip: If you’re super nervous and already have a "pecking order " on your list - start at the bottom and work your way to the top. That way you’ll be a completely relaxed seasoned pro by the time you reach your #1.
All the best and good luck!