Here are some tips for the interview, SSAT test, and the overall admissions process from a current prep school student who recently had a successful round of admissions.
INTERVIEW:
-This part of the admissions process is crucial for both yourself and the admissions committee and it gives the opportunity to to really sell yourself, and to see the school in person. It is recommended by many schools to come visit in person and the chances of being accepted is higher if the interview is completed in person, and on campus.
-During the interview, the interviewer is looking for someone who has confidence when they are talking and someone who can hold a mature situation. They want someone who is intelligent with what they say, but also someone who can be charming. Think of it as being a conversation with an unfamiliar adult you want to impress. Be respectful, have some wit, sound intelligent and prove why you should be at their school. Its really a time to sell yourself, but dont come off as too pompous.
-Dress according to dress code. It might help to go onto the school website and search around for their dress code. Dress as the student would on a regular school day. Keep in mind that its always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
-At the end of the interview, the interviewer will most likely ask if you have any questions for them. Have pre-planned questions for them. It shows that you are curious about what the school has to offer and shows your interest.
-Know the school pretty well before you go into the interview. This again shows that you have further explored what the offers to the students and reveals your interest. Try going onto the website and reading the mission statement and a few of the special programs/classes.
-In conclusion, just be someone that they will remember. Try your best not to be nervous, they understand that it is nerve racking to be applying at such a school and they want to help as best as they can!
TOUR:
-If you choose to apply on campus, you will be given a 35-45 minute tour around campus most likely given by a student.
-Its important to ask lots of questions and display your enthusiasm for the school. This is not a time to be stressed either! It is just you, your family members, and another student. Don’t be shy!
-At many schools, after the tour, the tour guide fills out a questionnaire about the candidate they just toured. They are looking for a student who was enthusiastic, questioning, and interested.
-Remember that it is just a student so don’t be nervous and really talk it up.
SSAT TEST:
-One of the more stressful parts of the admissions process for many.
-The most important tip here is just to review, review again, and practice.
-Getting the SSAT prep. book will help immensely. It will give information such as what to expect on each section and how much time is given. It contains practice questions, problems, and writing prompts.
-For the MATH section, just review on how to do the problems. Reviewing and going over the process of completing the problems are what will help the most.
-For the VERBAL section, just memorize roots of words. That will help tremendously. Also, the study site title, Quizlet, is a great resource for memorizing new words. You can create your own study sets as well as study other peoples pre-existing Quizlets.
-For the ESSAY, there will be one creative (story writing prompt) and one essay writing prompt. In my opinion, it is better to choose the essay because it easier to complete in the time that is given. Also, it gives the admissions a better look into your analytical writing.
-This is only one of the few essays you will be writing for the during admissions so don’t think of this essay as a make or break essay. It is important, but it does not contribute to your overall SSAT score.
-For the ENGLISH section, there is not much you can practice for this part. During the test just be sure to carefully read the passage and annotate! Writing notes and annotating the passage is a great way to close read. It also make answering the questions easier.
ESSAYS AND QUESTIONS FROM THE SCHOOL:
-The school asked essay questions are equally as important to admissions as the SSAT scores. Its the school way of getting to know you through your writing.
-Try to make these essay answers as creative as possible. The admission officers read hundreds of these and the essays begin to sound the same after a while. Try to be unique and have your essay stand out. It will make them remember as an individual, and make them want read further into your profile.
-In the essays themselves, try to use a colorful vocabulary and answer the questions throughly. If there is a word count try to almost meet it. The more writing you offer, the more the Admissions gets to know you.
OVERALL:
-Don’t be nervous, be excited that you have the opportunity to apply to such an amazing school!
-The Admissions Officers are all really nice and want to help you.
-The more effort you put in will improve your chances of being accepted.
-Ask questions! Show interest! Get excited!
