The private high school application process has a lot of important steps, but among the most significant is the personal interview. For many middle school and high school students, this will be the first serious interview they’ve ever done. For that reason, knowing what to expect and practicing accordingly is imperative for all private school applicants.
While private school admissions offices do care about an applicant’s test scores, transcripts, and extracurricular activities, the interview is particularly important. It’s there that admissions officers can really get a sense of an applicant’s personality, interests, values, and aspirations. A great interview can make a huge difference in their decision.
The best way to prepare for an admissions interview is to practice answers to some common questions, so we’ve compiled a list of both typical questions and ways to answer them. There’s no guarantee you won’t get different questions or variations on these, but having a good idea of what you want to say will give you additional confidence and poise.
Alex Trebek Interviews Regis High School’s Joe Taglic ’14 7/25/14
Regis High School Profile for Parents
Located in the Upper East Side of New York City, Regis High School is the only tuition-free Jesuit high school in the United States and was ranked as the top Catholic High School in 2017. All students who pass the rigorous application process are awarded a full scholarship valued at over $100,000 over four years. Boys looking to attend Regis face a competitive application process that examines their academics and leadership skills. Your student’s tuition-free education at Regis High School will set him up for a lifetime of future success. As such, most of the student body commutes from as far as two and a half hours away to this Manhattan high school. Regis prides itself in helping its students become “men for others,” who will graduate from Regis High School as young adults committed to the tenants of Christianity, humanism, and justice.
Regis High School Quick Facts
| Percentage of Regis students accepted to college | 100% |
| Percentage of Regis students taking honors classes | All courses are intensive and accelerated. Students are encouraged to take AP exams after taking the standard required courses at Regis |
| Yearly tuition | Full tuition scholarship awarded for all boys accepted |
| Number of Clubs and Organizations | 78 |
| Number of Sports and Athletic Teams | 8 |
| The student to teacher ratio | 10:1 |
| Average class size | about 12 to 24, depending on the course |
| Approximate Grade Size | 140 |
| Religious foundation | Roman Catholic, Jesuit |
| Student body | All Boys |
| Average SAT score | 1470 |
| Average ACT score | 34 |
| Entrance Requirements | Admissions application with essays, HSPT exam, two interviews |
| Website | regis.org |
| Test Date and Application Info | https://www.regis.org/section/?ID=21; |
| Application Process | https://www.regis.org/section/?ID=20 |
| Open House Dates | https://www.regis.org/section/?ID=197 |
| Information Session Dates | https://www.regis.org/section/?ID=198 |
Do you want your son to join the likes of the many famous writers, lawyers, scientists, doctors, journalists, actors, and directors that have crossed through the hallways and classrooms of Regis High School?
Let’s dive into the philosophy, education, and statistics of Regis High School so that you can start planning for the rigorous testing, application, and interview process that potential Regis boys endure in the hopes of becoming a Regis Owl.
What do you like to do for fun or in your free time?
Another question that seems easy but has a few traps! When answering this question, think about what they want to hear: that you’re a good citizen, that you spend time with your friends, that you pursue your hobbies in a creative way. Stay away from TV and video games; focus on ways you have fun with others or on more intellectual or creative activities that you pursue beyond the classroom.
My personal reflection on quality of life at Regis is that it was not lacking at all. Besides a satisfactory dining service, the school itself is located in the heart of a fantastic city, in a beautiful, expensive, and safe neighborhood, filled with culinary opportunity, and upperclassmen are allowed to seek meals outside during the lunch period. As far as socializing, the schools location allows it to have a plethora of so-called “sister” schools, who share dances, social events, and who are part of the Regis Repertory, the schools theatre program, which brings females into the school every afternoon. The facilities themselves…. Get the real inside story on quality of school life and extracurricular offerings at Regis High School as experienced by former pupil and Georgetown University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
FAQ
How do you prepare for a school interview?
How do you prepare for a middle school interview?
- Get a good night’s sleep before the interview.
- Don’t worry if you are nervous – most students are.
- Dress to impress. …
- Be prepared to answer questions. …
- Make sure you know something about the school. …
- Make sure you have a firm handshake and always use eye contact. …
- Use your best manners.
