Children applying to private school for either high school (from fifth grade and above) or middle school should expect to sit and talk with at least one member of the admission team. This meeting is usually a mandatory part of the application process, and it enables the admission team to add a personal aspect to the candidate’s application. The interview is a crucial part of applying to a private school, and it is an outstanding way to improve a student’s application.

Although one student’s experience during the interview will vary from the other and each school differs in the questions it asks its candidates, there are still some common questions every child should anticipate during an interview in a private school. The best your child can do is practice providing answers to these questions in order to be totally ready for the interview.

Question 1: What in recent current events has interested you?

Students, especially the older ones, are expected to be up to date with the happenings in the world. In order to answer this question correctly, students should get familiar with both national and international news. They should form the habit of reading the local newspaper or at least follow local news channels online. News channels like  The Economist or The New York Times are the most common options, and they are available in print and online.

Students should think carefully about their opinions and talk intelligently about the things happening in the U.S. and in other countries. As a matter of fact, history classes in most private schools require their students to read the news every day. So it would be of great advantage for applicants to start following the news before they are admitted into the school. Also, following popular news channels on social media is one way to stay updated with events happening in the world.

Question 2: Outside of school, what do you read?

Students should have read at least three books or more that they can comfortably talk about in the interview, even if they choose to spend their time on the computer rather than read a book. However this reading is done, either on their digital devices or print copies, it doesn’t matter so far they read regularly. This is beneficial for the admission process, and it is also a good exercise to enhance vocabulary and reading comprehension.

Speaking about books read in the class is allowed, but students should have read other books outside of school as well. The student should know why these books are interesting to him/her. For instance, are the topics captivating? Is there an interesting protagonist in the story? Are the books explaining more about an event in history? Or are the books narrated in some kind of way, engaging and suspenseful? Candidates should think about how to answer these questions before the interview.

Apart from school books, other books relating to the child’s hobbies and recent family vacations can help the admission officer to connect more with the applicant, and it also gives the student an opportunity to talk about certain fascinations. Students should read any material that they are interested in as both nonfiction and fiction are accepted during interviews.

Question 3: Tell me a little about your family

This is a common question during interviews and it is one that is potentially filled with minefields. Students can talk about whatever they are comfortable with including their extended and immediate family, but they should avoid talking about embarrassing situations by all means. There is no problem stating that one’s parents are divorced because this reality will be obvious to the admission team. However, candidates should avoid talking about things that are too personal or revealing.

Your interviewer wants to hear about family vacations, traditions and cultural celebrations, all of which are trying to paint the picture of the home you come from. The main aim of the interview is to get to know the student more, and this can be done by knowing the family the applicant comes from.

Question 4: Why are you interested in schooling here?

Admission teams like asking this question because they want to know the reason behind a  student’s decision to attend their school. So, the student should know a thing or two about the school and the courses or sports he/she would love to participate in.

It is more interesting if the student has been to classes at the school before or has talked to teachers or coaches. This way, the student can speak confidently, clearly stating why he wants to go to the school. Crafted and clichéd answers like “Your school has an outstanding reputation.” or cynical replies like “My father said I have a better chance of getting into a good college if I go school here.” don’t impress the admission committees.

Question 5: Outside of school, what else do you do?

Candidates should be ready to speak fluently about the things that interest them. It could be drama, sports or music. Also, they should be able to explain how they plan to continue in their area of interest even while at school because admission teams are constantly searching for applicants who have a variety of skills and abilities.

This is an opportunity for the applicants to share their new interests as private schools tend to motivate students to attempt new things. So, telling the admission officer about your plans to attempt a new sport or activity is a great step to express your passion for growing and expanding.

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