An essential part of the admissions process, boarding schools conduct interviews with students to get to know their strengths and potential outside the academic transcripts. Students may be requested to come in for at least one interview, either with or without their parents, especially if they are in middle or high school. Interviews play a significant role in admissions choices. Together with transcripts, report cards, exams, essays, and other application documents, they assist boarding schools in determining if an applicant is a suitable fit.
Most boarding schools prefer to meet with the applicant in person during the campus tour; however, foreign students are permitted to conduct their student interviews virtually. It’s important to remember that the interview is a two-way interaction. You want to create a good first impression while also learning about the boarding school. To assist students prepare for it, learning the top 10 interview questions asked during an admission interview by boarding schools can help.
10 Student Interview Questions Asked by Boarding Schools
Interview questions help interviewers determine the character, skills, abilities, and mental strengths of a student. Here are 10 interview questions asked by boarding schools:
1. Why are you interested in attending a boarding school?
Schools will be interested in what you want to gain from a boarding education. Prepare to describe how you believe their specific programs will help you reach your objectives.
2. What is the most essential thing you can learn in school?
Try thinking outside the box on this one. Academics are important for educational achievement, but what else? Addressing the interpersonal skills learned from the inclusive experience at a boarding school can be a good pick for this question.
3. What is your current school like and what do you enjoy about it?
Explaining your dedication to learning, no matter the school, reflects the level of commitment that boarding institutions are seeking. Be honest with them and describe what you value.
4. What do you do when you’re having difficulties in class?
Answering this question highlights your problem-solving abilities. Your boarding school interviewer is interested in how you deal with hardships. Using an example is the best way to answer this question. Think of a time when you struggled with an assignment or a subject. Mention your skills and how you overcame that hurdle.
5. Who or what most inspires you, and why?
This interview question indicates an applicant’s respect for the attributes of other people. It can also highlight the personality traits they wish to implement in themselves.
6. Describe your strengths and weaknesses.
This is a question you will be asked again and again throughout your adult life. People are constantly interested in your degrees of self-awareness, from boarding schools to future employment.
7. Do you participate in extracurricular activities?
If you’re considering a boarding school, you’re probably aware that it entails a vigorous and active education, both mentally and physically. From athletics and art to particular hobbies, it’s necessary to explain how you spend your time and your ability to manage it.
8. Tell us about something you’ve accomplished that has made you particularly proud.
Most people lean towards explaining their academic accomplishments for this question, but it doesn’t have to be just that. Perhaps you’ve organized a fundraising or volunteer campaign, composed your music, or assisted a family member in need—the keyword to answering this question is passion.
9. Tell us a bit about your family and your personal life.
The ability to appreciate society is just as vital to boarding schools as your education and future objectives. This is your time to express yourself and talk about people and places that are important to you.
10. Do you have any questions for us?
This is a great opportunity to learn more about the boarding school you’re pursuing and if it’s a good fit for your needs. Answering this will show that you’ve done the research and have a point-of-view about your educational future. They’ll want to see that you have your own criteria for success.
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Tips for Answering Boarding School Interview Questions
Here are some tips you can use to prepare for your student interview:
- Avoid saying ‘like’ or ‘um”
Practice answering interview questions so that you’re well-prepped on the spot and your brain won’t freeze as you formulate an answer.
- Don’t use unnecessarily complex terms
Smooth communication should be your priority over being sophisticated. precedence over intricacy in your daily discussions. Avoid saying complex words until they need to add something to your statement.
- Pay attention to your body language
Gesticulation is the practice of using your hands to add to your ideas. Your audience will be engaged if you use expressions in your body language to enhance your sentences.
Going In Well-Prepared and Ready
An admission interview tends to be an important aspect in determining whether a student gets accepted by a school. They want to know how committed you are, if you will contribute to the school community, and what strengths you bring to the table. Being well-prepared to answer both complex and simple questions can help you emphasize your personality attributes and highlight your potential to the school.