Admissions Interview Dos and Don’ts
The interview is one of the most important parts of the admissions process to independent and private schools. It’s your opportunity to show the school who you are beyond your application and to demonstrate why you would be a good addition to their community. Below are some dos and don’ts to help parents and students navigate the interview process with ease.
Before the Interview
1. Do your research.
Do: Before the interview, parents and students should research the school. What kind of academic programs does it offer? How do these programs align with your goals and interests? Do they have a sports team or other extracurriculars that excite you? During the interview, it’s important to mention specific offerings that interest you. This not only shows the school that you have done your homework, but it also helps them understand how you might fit into their community.
Don’t: Don’t miss chances to interact with the school beforehand. Attend as many admissions events as possible, including open houses, sporting events, performances, and other school functions. These events offer great opportunities to meet teachers, coaches, program directors, and current students, giving you a better sense of the school culture in action.
2. Know what to expect.
Do: Understanding the structure of the interview can help calm your nerves. Find out how long the interview will be, who you will be speaking with, whether student and parent interviews are combined or separate, and whether a campus tour is included.
Don’t: If the school doesn’t provide this information, don’t hesitate to contact the school’s admissions team and ask. Not reaching out for clarification can only disadvantage you.
3. Practice common questions.
Do: Practicing with a trusted adult helps you prepare to speak confidently about yourself. It also allows you to get comfortable explaining your answers with reasons and examples. For instance, instead of saying “I like math,” you might say “I like math because I enjoy solving problems and figuring out patterns.”
Don’t: Try not to practice solely with a parent. Students often take practice interviews more seriously with a teacher, mentor, or another adult who is slightly removed from the process.
4. Brainstorm a few things you want to share.
Do: Choose two or three things you’d like the interviewer to know about you. These could be interests, accomplishments, or personality traits that show off who you are. If they don’t come up naturally in the conversation, you’ll likely have a chance to share them at the end when asked if there’s anything else you’d like to add.
Don’t: Avoid over-preparing or memorizing responses. That can come across as rehearsed and inauthentic. It’s fine to jot down key points, but try to keep your delivery natural.
5. Come up with questions to ask.
Do: After researching the school, write down at least three thoughtful questions to ask. Some examples are:
- “What kind of academic support is available if I struggle with a subject?”
- “How do students typically get involved in extracurriculars?”
Asking insightful questions displays your genuine interest.
Don’t: Don’t ask questions that can be answered on the school’s website. Questions like, “Do you have a football team?” or “How many students are enrolled in the school?” can make it seem like you have not done your research.
The Day of the Interview
1. Be mindful of your outward behavior.
Do: Nonverbal cues like smiling, making eye contact, and offering a handshake, show confidence and respect. Schools observe how you interact with everyone you meet, so remember to be courteous and professional at all times.
Don’t: Try not to let your nerves take over. Avoiding eye contact or nodding instead of speaking can come across as disengaged or impolite. Interviewers understand nerves–they work with students every day–so just be yourself!
2. Be inquisitive.
Do: Remember, the interview is a two-way conversation. It’s just as much your chance to learn about the school as it is their chance to learn about you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the interview.
Don’t: Avoid asking about college placement, especially if your student is still years away from applying. This can signal that you’re focused solely on the end result, rather than the student’s full educational journey. Also, avoid questions that sound skeptical or critical. These may raise concerns about your level of interest.
3. Be transparent.
Do: Parents should be honest about any academic accommodations their student might need. If you anticipate needing financial assistance, ask about that too, as it is better to be open from the start.
Don’t: Avoid overselling your child. Trust that your student’s personality and achievements will speak for themselves. Instead, use the parent interview to add depth and context. You could highlight recent accomplishments, or share background your child may not have mentioned.
After the Interview
Send a thank you note.
After the interview, have your student send a thank-you email or card to the admissions team. This small gesture goes a long way and can leave a lasting impression.
Practicing for the Interview Webinar
Laurie Geromini, Director of Placement and Lead Admissions Coach, gives tips to help you rock your interviews.
Originally published on November 2, 2022. Updated on May 2, 2025.
