I’ve already finished all my interviews but I’m curious about what AOs are looking for, because some schools didn’t even ask me anything school related like grades, test scores etc. and focused more on my family life and how I would feel living away from home. Are interviews basically just a test of whether a student would fit in socially/how mature they are?
Almost certainly yes. Your ability to thrive in the challenging BS environment is far more important than your stats/Ecs/Test scores etc. It makes sense too x) They like that you’re a good student and all…but if you’re the kind who’s going to break down every night as a boarding student because of homesickness, or if you strictly dislike having roommates or have troubles socializing, your academics will never flourish like it did when you were studying back home-- and that’s what they don’t want to happen to you. The interview also asks mainly about this because there really isn’t anywhere in the rest of your application where they ask you about your social skills, responsibility, etc.
Then again, the interview is a chance for a lot of things. Of the purpose listed above, and to see what kind of person you are/what you like/ what you’re good at and some other stuff.
I can’t answer your questions on what AO’s are looking for, but my best speculation is that they want a kind, smart, curious and responsible kid. They also look for a variety of different people, not just one “kind” (ex. Only the best SSAT scores, must play at least 2 sports, super artistic)
hope this helped!
They basically want to screen out the wackos. The interviews are also a chance to get to meet the parents. Schools definitely don’t want helicopter-type parents, so the interview is a good setting to informally chat.
@sgopal2 Heh that’s what my parents said too, and I agree.