The prep school interviews are a very important part of the application process.
Below are tips to ensure your student’s success.
1. Bathe or shower the night before or morning of the interview.
2. Brush your teeth the morning of the interview and after lunch if your interview is in the afternoon after lunch.
3. Do not wear bright, loud colors. Wear darker, solid colors. For girls, wear a skirt or dress pants. For boys, wear dress pants. Wear a button- down shirt, polo shirt (for boys), or a blouse (for girls). Girls and boys may wear a sweater and/or blazer. Do not wear jeans, t-shirt, sweatshirt, or other casual/sportswear. Wear close-toed shoes; do not wear sandals or flip-flops. Girls should not wear high heels.
4. Wash your hair the day before or the day of the interview. If you are a girl with long hair, wear it back away from your face using a headband, barrette, or ponytail holder. If you are a boy who shaves, shave the day of the interview.
5. If you are an older teenager, wear deodorant. Do not wear cologne or perfume.
6. Girls should not wear excessive make-up, nail polish, or jewelry. Keep it conservative.
7. Do not chew gum or tobacco during the interview.
8. Do not take your cell phone or any other device into the interview.
9. Arrive at the interview 15 minutes early.
10. When you meet the interviewer, look him/her in the eye, and shake his/her hand firmly while smiling. Tell the interviewer something like, “It is very nice to meet you _________ (call the person Mr. or Ms. followed by their last name). Thank you for your time today.”
11. When seated, do not cross your legs. Girls may cross their ankles.
12. Rest your hands in a relaxed manner in your lap. Do not cross your arms over your chest.
13. Do not bite your fingernails, pick at your skin, or play with your hair. Do not touch your face.
14. Try not to fidget and try to sit still. If you find you are fidgeting or are nervous, breathe in through your nose slowly and then exhale through your mouth slowly.
15. When speaking to the interviewer, look him/her in the eye and smile on occasion. You do not need to smile the entire time, but you also do not want your facial expression to give the appearance of being bored or sad.
16. Speak with good articulation, enthusiasm, and conviction.
17. Avoid using slang expressions like “awesome,” “cool,” and “bummer.” Avoid casual phrases such as “you know,” “um,” and “like.”
18. When the interviewer asks a question, begin with a confident start such as “sure,” “definitely,” or “yes.”
Example: The interviewer asks you, “Can you tell me about your academic experience at your current school?” A good response start is “Yes. I started attending…”
19. When the interview is over, stand, smile, and firmly shake the interviewer’s hand. Tell the interviewer something like, “I enjoyed speaking with you Mr. Jones and learning more about ______________ (fill in the name of the school). Thank you for your time and have a good day.”
20. Ask the interviewer for his/her business card. You will need to send a handwritten thank-you note to each interviewer with whom you meet.
Contact Global Academic Consultants to receive assistance with your student’s prep school interviews.