How to Make a Great Impression During a Private School Interview

When it comes to private school admissions, you have what we call an application package. These are your grades, test scores, and recommendations combined. However, these parts of your application only tell part of the story. Want to know another chance to shine? Interviews.

Private school interviews allow you to show the admissions team who you are beyond paper. For parents and students alike, understanding how the interview fits into the bigger picture can be the key to unlocking that acceptance letter. So, why do private school interviews matter, and how can you ace yours?

Why Private School Interviews Matter in Admissions

While a stellar GPA might get you noticed, a great interview can be the tipping point. It can turn an average application into a standout one, giving you a chance to showcase personality traits that aren’t easily captured in writing. Admissions officers aren’t just evaluating your academic capabilities but also looking for qualities like character, maturity, and passion.

A well-executed interview can also allow you to explain your application in a more personal, thoughtful way, addressing any weaknesses or nuances in your background. Remember, the interviewer can tell that you’re not just a good student but a person who will contribute positively to the school community.

What Admissions Officers Look for in Candidates

Apart from top-tier grades or a list of awards, admissions officers are interested in finding out who you are as an individual. Do you show enthusiasm for learning? Are you curious, driven, and eager to contribute? Do you understand the school’s values and culture?

In particular, the following are the qualities that institutions like Harvard and Stanford emphasize when evaluating applicants:

• Personal Qualities and Character: Traits such as resilience, motivation, and integrity are crucial for contributing positively to the university community. ​
• Intellectual Curiosity and Vitality: A genuine passion for learning and exploring new ideas, often reflected in a student’s engagement with diverse subjects and independent research. ​
• Creativity and Innovation: The ability to think outside the box and bring fresh ideas to various endeavors, whether academic, artistic, or entrepreneurial. ​
• Collaborative Spirit: Aptitude for working effectively in teams, demonstrating empathy, adaptability, and a willingness to support others. ​

How to Prepare for a Private School Interview

The best interviews convey a genuine interest in the school while promoting your unique qualities, academic achievements, and extracurricular pursuits—but not excessively! Think of it as marketing yourself, but parading yourself and your skills too much can be overkill. So, how should you properly present yourself? Keep reading!

Researching the School and Its Values

Before you step into the interview, take the time to thoroughly research the school. What are its core values? What makes it different from other schools? How does its curriculum or extracurricular programs match your own interests and goals? Knowing this will allow you to tailor your answers and demonstrate that you’ve thought carefully about why this is the right school for you.

Practicing Common Private School Interview Questions

While every interview will be unique, there are common questions you can expect. Practice your responses to questions like:

• Why do you want to attend this school?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Tell us about a time you demonstrated leadership.
• What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Dressing for Success: What to Wear to Your Interview

First impressions matter! When deciding what to wear, opt for something professional yet comfortable. A collared shirt, dress slacks, a neat skirt, and closed-toe shoes are generally safe choices. Avoid anything too casual or too flashy—think of it as dressing for a job interview. The goal is to show that you respect the process and want to make a good impression.

Answering Common Private School Interview Questions

When asked about your strengths and weaknesses, be honest but strategic. A good answer might go something like, “One of my strengths is my ability to stay organized, but I’m working on being more flexible when things don’t go according to plan.” This shows self-awareness and a willingness to grow.

How to Talk About Your Strengths and Weaknesses

When discussing your strengths, don’t just list them—use specific examples. Show how those strengths have helped you succeed academically or in extracurriculars. On the flip side, when discussing weaknesses, focus on areas you’ve actively worked to improve. This shows maturity and self-reflection, qualities that schools love to see.

Best Ways to Answer “Why Do You Want to Attend This School?”

The “why this school” question gives you an opportunity to connect your personal goals and values to the school’s mission. Rather than giving a generic answer like “It’s a great school,” try to explain why the school’s culture, programs, or ethos resonates with you. Mention specific aspects that excite you, like the arts program, sports teams, or their community service.

You might get curveball questions that assess how you handle pressure. The solution here is to stay calm and composed. This might be easier said than done, but we teach students to take a moment to think before responding. Don’t be afraid to admit if you don’t have an immediate answer, as admissions officers appreciate honesty and thoughtfulness over a rushed, rehearsed response.

Perfecting Your Communication and Body Language

How you communicate matters as much as what you say. That said, body language is an important factor as it communicates your confidence and interest. This includes small gestures such as eye contact and handshakes, alongside your overall behavior when moving and speaking, like posture and tone.

• Eye Contact: Make eye contact to show you’re engaged and confident.
• Handshake: A firm handshake can make a big difference in creating a positive first impression.
• Posture: Sit up straight and lean slightly forward to show interest and attentiveness.
• Tone: Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Avoid talking too fast, as it might seem nervous.

On the flip side, be mindful of avoiding body language that might convey disinterest, like crossing your arms, slouching, or avoiding eye contact. These small details can affect how you’re perceived, even if you’re saying all the right things.

How Parents Can Support the Private School Interview Process

While it’s essential that the student takes the lead, parents play a vital role in getting ready for a private school interview. Here are some ways you can support your child:

What Parents Should Expect in Their Own Interview

The admissions team, at times, conducts separate interviews with parents or guardians. Expect to be asked about your involvement in your child’s education, your family’s values, and how you plan to support your child’s success at the school. Be honest, open, and reflective about your educational philosophy.

How to Discuss Your Child’s Strengths Without Overselling

When talking about your child’s strengths, it’s important to balance pride with humility. Focus on genuine achievements and talents, but avoid exaggerating. As we already noted, we want to show that your child’s strengths are earned, not embellished.

Questions Parents Should Ask Admissions Officers

As a parent, it’s equally important to ask thoughtful questions. You might inquire about how the school supports students in areas like mental health, leadership development, or college preparation. This shows that you’re invested in your child’s overall experience, not just their academics.

Navigating Virtual Private School Interviews

Many prestigious schools, like Phillips Exeter Academy and Harvard-Westlake School conduct virtual interviews for applicants. 

Such an approach provides flexibility for applicants who may be unable to visit the campus in person. For this reason, we assist students in navigating online or remote private school interviews. 

Here are some tips to make sure you shine on screen:

How to Set Up a Professional and Distraction-Free Space

Choose a quiet, well-lit area for your interview. Make sure your background is neutral and tidy, and eliminate any distractions (like pets or noise) that could interfere with your focus.

Best Practices for Virtual Interview Etiquette

Ensure your technology is working correctly before the interview to prevent any technical issues. Dress professionally, as you would for an in-person interview, to boost your confidence and preparedness. During the interview, maintain eye contact by looking directly into the camera, not at the screen.

Common Technical Issues and How to Avoid Them

Your internet connection should be stable. Before the interview starts, ensure your device is charged, and your microphone and camera are working properly. Having a backup plan (like using a phone as a hotspot) can help avoid unnecessary stress.

How to Follow Up Without Being Overbearing

If you haven’t heard back after a week or two, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up email. Just make sure it’s courteous and concise, reinforcing your excitement about the school and your hope to be considered. Should you overthink about being overbearing, remember these tips:

• Keep It Short and Sweet. The follow-up should be a brief reminder of your interest. Avoid sending long messages—just a few sentences will do. A short, polite note helps ensure your enthusiasm comes through without overwhelming the reader.
• Express Gratitude. Take the time to thank the admissions team for their time and consideration. Let them know you appreciated the chance to meet with them and learn more about the school, reinforcing your positive impression.
• Reaffirm Your Interest. Subtly restate why you are excited about the school. Mention how it’s values, programs, or environment align with your goals. This confirms your genuine interest while keeping the tone professional and respectful.
• Be Professional and Polite. Maintain a courteous, formal tone in your email. Refrain from sounding impatient or overly eager. Being polite and respectful shows maturity and reinforces your professionalism.
• Give Them Space to Respond. End your follow-up with a gentle closing, such as “I look forward to hearing from you at your convenience.” This signals respect for their timeline and avoids putting pressure on them for a swift reply.
  

Your Path to Success Starts Here

The private school interview is your chance to let your personality, passion, and potential shine. From preparing your responses to perfecting your body language, every detail counts in creating a memorable impression. By staying true to yourself, demonstrating your genuine interest in the school, and following up with gratitude, you’ll set yourself apart from other candidates.

A child’s demeanor during private school interviews is a key part of the evaluation process. Drawing on our 20 years of experience helping families gain acceptance to leading institutions, we offer interview preparation that teaches your child how to respond to common questions authentically while staying true to their values.

Need more private school interview tips? Enroll your child in our interview preparation program. Contact us now!