How to Have a Successful Prep School Interview

Designed to prepare students for a smooth transition into college, prep schools offer a disciplined approach to academics with a high rate of student acceptance in Ivy League institutions. Unlike public schools, parents pay the tuition and some prep schools require the prospective student to attend an interview before granting admission.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Prepare in advance. You want to make the best impression and that means presenting yourself well. Make a list of your favorite subjects, your hobbies and extracurricular activities, and your goals for the future.
2. Dress to impress. Boys can’t go wrong with a suit and tie and girls will look professional in a conservative dress or a skirt and blouse. Leave the revealing clothing at home and wear functional shoes. Wobbling on 3-inch heels won’t make a good impression.
3. Stick your hand right out and introduce yourself as soon as you meet the interviewer. In the adult world, people shake hands upon meeting one another as a show of respect. Practice with your mom or dad until you feel comfortable doing it.
4. Pay attention to the interviewer and take a breath before answering a question. By inhaling before answering, you have time to collect your thoughts. If you don’t understand a question, politely ask the interviewer to repeat it.
5. Sit still and don’t fidget. It’s normal to be nervous, but twisting your hair, shifting in your chair, chewing on your lip or cracking your knuckles is inappropriate. If necessary, clasp your hands together and hold them in your lap.
6. Make eye contact when answering questions. Answer briefly but thoroughly and look into the interviewer’s eyes to show him or her that you are serious about becoming a student at the school.
7. Ask the interviewer a couple of questions. Towards the end of the interview, it is customary to ask if you have any questions for the interviewer. Prepare a few in advance so you can use them at that point.

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