Private School Application Process: The Interview

The Interview. The 30-minute conversation will determine your fate, future, and career... at least, this is what some students think. The truth is that the interview is just one part of the picture. While important, there are other factors determining fit in a school. Keeping this in mind will help you stay relaxed, calm, and confident in your application. In this third installment of The Private School Application Process, we will break down the interview into three main parts: before, during, and after. 

Before the Interview

It is important to dedicate some time to prepare for the interview. There are a lot of really great resources that are at your disposal, from youtube to google. Even videos and articles on career sites can be beneficial and applicable to the school interview. 

Develop a plan for what you would like to discuss and share in the interview. It is essential to have main points as opposed to a "script" because if the conversation is directed a certain way by the interviewer, you have to be quick on your feet and provide examples for them. The main points you should use might be a bit repetitive. You should reiterate the main interests you indicated on the application; however, you should be sure to use most of the time to speak about things that are hard to portray in the application or in written form. 

For example, during our interview, you might describe the hardship and difficulties you experienced at school during the COVID pandemic and the specifics of what didn't work for you. I can gain an understanding of the educational needs and gaps our programs might solve for you. Have a family member or close friend mock interview you, and prepare to answer difficult questions. 

During the Interview

With all the time, effort, and work that you put in before the interview, it is important to trust all the work you did. It's time to be yourself. Talk about the things you find interesting and how you enjoy spending your time. It should be easy because you have to be honest about what you like to do. 

It is always impressive when you have done your research and can ask specific questions rather than vague ones. One example would be, "what do you think would be the best elective choice for me if I want to try something new and unique?" As opposed to saying, "Tell me about what electives are." Don't be afraid to ask questions, but when possible, be specific.

Finally, be comfortable pausing before answering a question. Students sometimes feel like there should never be a gap in the conversation, but pausing shows the interviewer that you are thoughtful and care about your answer. "Hmm, that's an excellent question" or "Let me think" are great ways to introduce a pause and give you additional time to form your response.

After the Interview 

The weight of the interview is off your shoulders! Congratulations, take a deep breath, and don't overthink it too much. It is always helpful to journal what you thought went well or didn't go well in the interview so you can improve next time. Before you do anything, pat yourself on the back. The interview can feel stressful, tense, and climactic. The best thing you can do is trust all the work that you put in beforehand. 

Remember to send a thank you after your interview. Write and mail a handwritten note when possible. Taking this extra step helps you stand out because it signifies that you are willing to put in the extra effort. At the very least, it is crucial to email the interviewer thanking them for their time. 

Key Points

The interview can seem like a make-or-break moment because first impressions are very important. However, by following the basic steps outlined in this article and being yourself, you are on the right track toward enrolling in your dream school. 

Bonus: Zoom Interview Tips 

But what about Zoom? We can only talk about interviews if we mention Zoom because many families have opted for virtual interviews since the pandemic. Here are a couple of quick tips:

1. If you can be in person, be in person for the interview. If not, a virtual interview will not hurt you in any way. 
2. Dress to impress. Just because you are on the computer and Zooming from your bedroom does not mean you shouldn't dress for the occasion. You can never overdress, so wear your best blouse, tie, or sweater. 
3. Pay attention to the background. You don't want anything distracting or moving in the background. If you have a great collection of action figures, include them in the background, they may help with your conversation