Applying to Schools: School Interview

The Successful Interview
Many students forget that the interview is both a time for an admission officer to get a better understanding of the student, and for the student to get a better understanding of the school. Come prepared to ask questions about the school - you’ll get your concerns clarified, and admission officers will get the sense that you are truly interested in learning about the school. And remember that the interview is a two-way street — the interviewer is determining the suitability of a particular student for the school, at the same time as the student and family are determining whether the student will be both comfortable and challenged in this particular environment.

Be especially prepared to talk about:

• The campus tour: What were you particularly interested in? What did the tour to do alter or confirm your expectations?
• Current or past school experience: Describe your special areas of interest or expertise. Be prepared to discuss your academic interests and what you expect to gain from your schoolexperience.
• Your special interests and activities.
• Why that particular school interests you.
• Your future goals and plans.

Student-specific questions about chances for admittance are generally not asked at the time of the interview - even if you have previously applied to the school. Typically the admission decision has not been made and your interviewer is not in a position to speculate about the decision. However, if you have reasonable doubts about the chance for admission, phrase your concern in the form of a question about whether it is reasonable or ill-advised to continue the application process at that school.

Before you leave the interview, request a business card from the admission officer. As soon as your visit is concluded, parents and students should write down impressions and pertinent facts about the school. The student should write and send a thank you note to the interviewer, and parents should be especially careful to check for spelling and grammar mistakes.

Alumni/Student Contacts
When available, school alumni and enrolled students can be especially good sources of information. They can respond directly from experience to your questions and concerns, and, perhaps more importantly, they can give you a feel for the school beyond that of any catalog or guide. Especially if your family is unable to visit a school’s campus, be sure to talk with alumni or students before making a final decision about enrollment.

Go to next topic: Application Forms.