How to Prepare for Your Private School Interview

Tabor Academy, Director of Admission, Andrew McCain shares thoughts and advice on the private school interview. Tabor's a co-ed boarding & day school in Marion, MA.

McCain's suggestions can be captured in three phrases. Relax. Be yourself. Prepare.

The interviewer knows that you might be nervous, but he/she also understands that everyone is gathered together to learn about each other- parents and students to learn about the school; the school to learn about student and family.

Student Interview

The admission officer- through a 20-30 minute conversation- wants to get an idea of who you are.

• Be prepared to speak about your academic, extracurricular, social, and personal lives.
• Be prepared for questions regarding your classes/academics.
• Be unafraid to discuss your weaknesses- where you need to grow. The interviewer is interested in your level of self awareness.
• Be able to engage the interviewer in depth in areas/subjects in which you've professed interest. One word answers on you professed favortie topic 'probably isn't the best approach."

Parent Interview

Parents should ask questions.

• What makes the school unique?
• Is my son or daughter a fit for the school's strength and weaknesses?
• Do you foresee any concerns regarding our child's application?

Parent's should look to get a handle on whether, or not, the school and student are a good fit for each other.

Don't shy away from discussing financial aid.

Interview Logistics

The interview is part of process but it doesn't matter when in the admission process a family visits campus for an interview- earlier, or later. in the application process whatever fits for the family. A student's application does not have to be complete before visiting campus. Always check with the school regarding what to bring to your interview

Wear the school's dress code. Follow-up your interview with a note.

Relax. Be yourself. Come with questions. Show that you're interested in and read about your potential school.