Hey guys 
I’m new here, but I’ve been reading so many CC questions and answers, and this site is a lifesaver! This year, I’m applying to boarding schools as a repeating 9th grade student, and I’m good on the SSAT part. Now I’m starting my application essays and soon, interviews. Wondering if you guys have any interview tips/experiences to share? Also, if you repeated 9th grade at a boarding school, what was it like (socially, academically)?
Applying: Lawrenceville, Loomis, Taft, Northfield Mount Hermon
Thanks!
@etoilefuego Hi! The mutual list of schools to your list that I interviewed are NMH, Taft and Lawrenceville School. Although, I did not get accepted and is re-applying this year as a 10th grade, but I can remember the interview that I had with some AOs.
Some of the questions that were asked by all of these three schools were :
- What is your current school like?
- What are your grades currently?
- Why do you want to attend a boarding school?
- Tell me about an incident where you displayed a key characteristics that define who you are.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What are some extra-curricular activities that you are highly involved with?
I remember my student tour guide telling me that at TAFT, the AOs love to hear stories and anecdotes. Try to answer to the questions by providing your experience!
I hope this helps!
Tell me about your family. What do you like to do outside of school? What is your favorite subject in school and why? Do you play a sport?
@Bantisse
Thank you so much for your answer! This was super helpful and I wish you luck with your admissions this year!
@preppedparent
Thanks for your answer, appreciate the help
Remember to research a lot about the school before and have questions to ask the interviewer. There will be some kind of ask-the-interviewer session and the worst answer to ‘Do you have any questions?’ is ‘no’. I asked questions to the interviewer and they didn’t know the answer but sent me an email about it later. Good questions may help them remember you better. Good luck!
I am applying to four schools this fall which are - Exeter, Peddie, Groton and Lawrenceville. All four of the schools asked a questions along the lines of “Who is your inspiration” or “If you could have dinner with one famous person who would it be” I would keep these answers as genuine as possible, because I talked about my love for Hip-Hop and it sparked a 40 minute conversation about it with my Groton interviewer and some positive comments from Peddie and Exeter.
Why do you want to go to BS? Why this BS? Even if you’re not asked these two questions directly, you ( and your family) need to know the answers beforehand and be on the same page .
The second one is when all the research you’ve done kicks in and comes in handy. Be prepared. It helps if you’ve done some comparison shopping and you know what makes each school unique/ interesting /desirable to you.
It’s also important to identify the things that you’ve never done before and express interest in exploring those things. It may be something like living independently, the opportunity to attend school with students from all over the world, a particular program, club or course that sparked interest , or a sport that you’ve always wanted to try but isn’t always offered like squash, water polo or rowing. Maybe a combination of all the above and then some.
An applicant’s laundry list of accomplishments is truly awesome but let the illustrious past speak for itself later on on the app. You can certainly touch upon a few key things but steer clear of making your past highlight reel the focal point of the interview. Be assured: They’ll see it all later on the app and it will be poured over and noted. Try to remember that a BS interview/app is more about the future. Your future and what you’d like to contribute and accomplish while you’re at BS .
What brought you here? What makes you ready for this experience? If you’re not asked these two questions directly by an AO during an interview , you will still need to answer both loud and clear on the app. How? Through your stats, essay(s), recommendations, life experiences through ECs and sports , and the Parent Statement is meant to compliment all the above ( because like it or not… they’re coming, too ). An applicant needs to convey readiness every step of the way and how going to a BS is the logical next step. Use everything available on your app to drive home whatever you need to in order to accomplish this.
A BS interview is a two-way street and you’re there to collect vital information about them so think about what your needs are and take off the rose colored glasses ( if you have them on ). Make them earn your app. You should also have a list of questions for an AO ready to go before the interview . If you forget one or two questions or something new comes to you later on after the interview you can always follow up with an AO via email.
Hopefully … questions that are not already answered on their website. 
Good luck!
@PhotographerMom thank you so much, this was very useful!
One more thing - Lawrenceville likes to tailor your interviewer based on what you express as your interest in the inquiry form and through contact with admission officers. Make sure you try and bring up that subject since it can be something that makes the interview more person.