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.
6th Grade Interviews 2-1
Here are some questions to practice with your child:
Questions about school, in general:
What do you enjoy most about school? What do you enjoy doing outside of school? What is your favorite part of the school day? What is your least favorite part of the school day? Describe a typical day after school for you. What is your favorite subject ? What do you like about it?
Questions about the school you are applying to:
Why do you want to go to Middle School here? What interests you about our curriculum?
Questions about the future:
How would our school help you to achieve your dreams? What are your goals for the end of the 5th grade school year? What are your hopes for Middle School? How do you want people to see you inside the school? Who would you like to become?
Questions about behavior & personality:
Describe something challenging youve overcome. What seems challenging to you at school? How would you handle a problem with a friend? If you needed special help with a particular subject, how would you get it? What do you like best/least about working in groups?
Questions about interests & extracurricular interests/activities:
Tell me what you like to do outside of school? If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? What do you read outside of school? What hobbies do you have? What do you like to do in your free time?
Questions about academics:
What is your favorite book? Why is it your favorite? If you could be any character in a book, who would you be and why? What is your favorite subject ? What do you like about it?
Questions about civil & community engagement:
Have you ever done community service (for schools that require this) If so, what did you do, and what did you learn? What has happened recently in current events that you find interesting?
Other questions:
How would your teacher describe you?
Questions for students applying to performance/visual arts schools might also include:
How long have you been studying voice/instrumental music/dance/drama/art? Where have you studied? Which art form do you like the most, and why? Why did you pick this song/dance/monologue for your audition? What was special about it for you? What is your favorite piece of music, painting, sculpture, play, or short story? If you could meet any famous person in the arts, who would you like to meet, and why?
Remember to discuss important interview etiquette like:
Eye contact A firm handshake Polite manners Fluent responses good behavior positive attitude
Parent tips:
“Tell your daughter to enjoy the interviews, answer qs as honestly as she can and not to worry if she gets flustered. Theyre just trying to get an impression of the students, and not to ask them “gotchya” questions. I interviewed 5th grade students for a public school in Manhattan, and you could spot the prepped students immediately (Q: why do you like this school: A: “I noticed the artwork on the wall reflected the school values such as caring for everyone in the community each other which is very important to me.” REALLY?!!! I was far more likely to believe “a friends sister goes here and really loved her ELA class and Ive always liked book clubs in class” or “I want to sing and I think a double period will be a good break after thinking so much in my other classes” or “I know it sounds dumb, but I want to go out to lunch w my friends.” Not a great answer on a job interview, but this is FIFTH GRADE and honesty counts. The lunch q can lead to a follow-up on how to handle social interactions, why a kid thinks its important to go outside, all sorts of things. . . Lastly, the interviews are only a piece of the confusing puzzle so really, dont stress! Good luck to all the 5th graders and their parents!!”
Why middle school? Why not elementary or high school?
You have a few options to explain your choice. You can say that you enjoy working with this particular age group, that you understand their world and challenges they experience, and therefor you prefer to work with them, and not with younger or older students.
Another alternative is to say that you like to focus on your main subject (Math, Physics, History, anything), and believe that the value you can convey to the students in the lessons is higher at Middle School, since students choose their subjects, and the classes are typically smaller in size, which allows for a more individual approach to the students.
The last alternative (and often the genuine one) is saying that you do not care much about the grade level, but that you wanted to work for their school, and since they advertised this particular vacancy, you applied. And here you are in the interview…
Teacher Interview Questions and Answers:
A1. It is crucial for teachers to develop a rapport with their students. A strong relationship allows middle school teachers to identify students’ strengths, uniqueness, and nurture their talents. As a teacher, I always want to establish a connection with my students so that they feel important and optimistic.
FAQ
How do you prepare for a middle school interview?
- Do your homework. …
- Appearance and behavior count. …
- Actively listen to the interviewer, and answer questions concisely. …
- Interviewing is not an academic exercise. …
- Think of what you would regret not mentioning. …
- Be sure to get the full names and emails of the people you meet with.
What do they ask in a middle school interview?
- Could you tell me about yourself and describe your background in brief? …
- How did you hear about this position? …
- What type of work environment do you prefer? …
- How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations? …
- Do you prefer working independently or on a team?
What are the basic questions asked in a school interview?
