Tips for Acing Your Private School Admissions Interview

Students who are interested in entering private schools located in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Switzerland find their admission interview to be their most crucial application component. The school uses this opportunity to assess you beyond your academic performance while you use this time to present your authentic self. Here’s how to prepare.

Understand What Schools Are Looking For

The admissions officers seek students who demonstrate curiosity and resilience and kindness to become active members of the school community. They are not looking for perfect robots. They want to know:

• Do you have a genuine desire to learn?

• Will you create a positive atmosphere for your classmates during classroom time and when you participate in sports and performing arts?

• Can you handle challenges and talk about them honestly? 

Perfect Your Presentation (Even on Video)

In-Person Interview (common in US, UK, Canada)

• Interviewers expect candidates to wear smart clothes which provide both style and comfort. The appropriate dress code requires candidates to wear a collared shirt with a clean sweater or a simple dress. The dress code prohibits candidates from wearing any items which display brand names or carry visually striking decorative elements. UK schools permit students to wear a "smart casual" style which includes blazers and neat jumpers.

• Body language: Sit up straight, lean slightly forward, and maintain natural eye contact. The person needs to avoid crossing their arms. The person needs to practice their handshake until they achieve a strong grip which does not crush their partner's hand.

• The act of entering the room should be done with purpose. The interviewer needs to be greeted by name using the format "Good morning Ms Chen". The person needs to show authentic happiness through their smile. 

Virtual Interview (increasingly used for international applicants, e.g., Swiss boarding schools)

• Background and lighting: Neutral background, face well-lit from the front. No pets or siblings wandering behind you.

• Camera position: Eyes at camera level. Look into the lens, not at your own face.

• Test tech beforehand: Check your microphone, headphones, and internet connection. Have the school’s phone number ready in case of dropouts.

How to Answer Common Questions (With Examples)

Q1: “Tell me about yourself.”

The first question asks you to describe yourself using two to three specific interests which you should connect to the school. 

The speaker says that he uses math and coding as his main interests because he enjoys solving puzzles. At my current school I operate a comic club as my extracurricular activity which I want to establish at St. George's.

Q2: “Why are you interested in our school?”

The second question asks you to explain your motivation to attend our school. You need to study the school by selecting one particular aspect which you will describe through either a specific program or teacher or school tradition. 

The first example shows how Canadian schools function. I discovered your outdoor leadership program through my research about Ashbury College. The program offers me exactly what I want because I have been a scout for three years and want to learn through academic studies and wilderness trips. 

Q3: “Tell me about a time you struggled with something.”

The third question asks you to describe a situation where you faced difficulties.

 The applicant must select a real obstacle which he will explain through his acquired knowledge. The speaker explains that he failed a group science project because he failed to inform his teammates about their incorrect progress. I learned to check in with everyone early. I now ask everyone to tell me the next step we should take after our meeting ends. 

Q4: “What do you do for fun?”

The fourth question asks you to describe your activities during your free time. The assessment requires students to demonstrate their dedication to multiple activities through their hobbies. The speaker uses a YouTube streaming platform as his only entertainment source.

 The speaker needs to provide detailed information about his activities. I restore old fountain pens. The process teaches me to practice patience. I have started to sell some of my products at local markets. 

Questions YOU Should Ask the Interviewer

Asking thoughtful questions shows genuine interest. Avoid anything that is answered on the school’s website (e.g., “When does school start?”).

Good questions:

• “What do students here wish they had known before their first day?”

• “How do students here support each other when something is hard?”

• “I read about your robotics club. What’s the most ambitious project the team has taken on recently?”

Country-Specific Nuances

Final Practice Routine (One Week Before)

• The task requires you to perform three mock interviews with a parent or teacher or friend while you record your video to assess your eye contact and filler word usage which includes the words um and like. You need to prepare five personal stories which include one success story and one failure story and one teamwork experience and one creative project and one instance where you assisted someone. You need to visit the school Instagram and YouTube channel to listen to students describing their daily activities before you use that information to answer your questions. Students who sleep and eat properly before their important day can perform at their highest level. A student requires rest to handle the important day. 

Remember

The interview serves as a conversation instead of an interrogation. The school has already seen your grades and test scores. The school wants to meet the person behind your application who shows curiosity and kindness and interesting personality traits. Your authentic self will bring you success because that is your best approach. Good luck! You have this ability to succeed.