The majority of private schools require an on-campus admission interview. The admission officers at each school want to meet each candidate and family personally. It is the chance for school and prospective family and student to get to know each other.
This personal meeting with admission officers and, most likely students, is one of the most important parts of the application process.
Most schools rely heavily on the quality of a candidate’s interview in making their admission decisions. You only have one interview in which to present yourself. Personal impressions should be a priority.
9 Tips for the Boarding School Admission Interview
- Interviews work both ways. While it is important for an admission officer to meet you, it is equally important for you to visit the school, meet with students, observe classes, and get a general feel for the school. Go to each campus with this question in mind- Is this an environment/place that can help me learn and grow to the best of my ability?
- Be Respectful. Each school is community of which you may wan to become a part.
- Be yourself. However, that doesn’t mean wearing a tie-dye shirt and ripped jeans. Don’t be worried about expressing your own unique style and personality through the way you dress.
- Dress appropriately. Find out how students dress for classes at the school and dress in the same or similar manner. A jacket and tie or a skirt might be right for one school. Khaki pants and pressed shirt might be appropriate at another school.
- Do your homework. Before your interview, ask each school what materials they would like to see. Most schools are only interested in meeting you during the interview; however, some may like to see what your work.
- Ask Questions. Ask about how things at the school work. Ask about programs and activities that are important to you.
- Be prepared to talk about yourself. This includes your successes and shortcomings.
- Bring documents. Always carry an extra copy of your transcript in case the admission office you doesn’t have one in advance of your meeting.
- Don’t over schedule. Do not schedule several interviews in a single day. Take your time. Enjoy each visit visit. Don’t rush. Give yourself time and space to take everything in.
If you live a great distance from a school in which you are interested, many institutions will help arrange an interview with a local or regional admission representatives. In many cases, these representatives are alumni of the school.
