These discussions are a wonderful opportunity for schools to get to know you. Admissions representatives look forward to this time and truly want you to be your authentic self. The best interview is when the conversation becomes more of an exchange of ideas and less of a Q & A. We will practice interview skills in our high school class and complete mock interview(s) in the fall. As a reminder, each time I ask you a question I want you to respond with at least three sentences!
Interview preparation
Below please find below tips that have been helpful to students as they prepare for this part of the journey.
Dress appropriately. Not sure what is appropriate dress for the school at which you are interviewing? Research to find the uniform or attire requirements for students at the school and use that as a guideline. Dressing like a student at the school is a great way to visually demonstrate that you are a strong candidate.
Arrive early. While you don't need to be 15 minutes early for your high school interview, you definitely do not want to be a minute late. Make sure you take into account commuting time and possible delays, so you arrive on time.
Research the school ahead of time. Take the time to get to know the school a little bit before your interview so that you don't ask a question that you can find on the website.
Be alert. You might have butterflies before your interview but try to get a good night's sleep, so you are well-rested and make sure you eat a healthy breakfast.
Show you are engaged. Turn off your phone; don't slouch; greet your interviewer with a “hello”; make eye contact; take time to formulate your thoughts.
Be genuine. Answer questions truthfully, rather than saying what you think the interviewer wants to hear. Your interviewer will likely spot disingenuous answers.
Be ready with a few questions. Think of and/or write down a list of questions that are pertinent to the school and your interests. At the end of the discussion, interviewers will often ask you if you have any questions so this is one thing you can do ahead of time. If all of your questions are answered during the discussion, you can let the interviewer know that!
Be polite. Along with greeting your interviewer and saying thank you, if you appreciated your discussion, it is nice to send a thank you note after the interview.
Sample Interview Questions
Please find below a sample list of questions/discussion topics to give you a sense of what to expect during your interviews. Practice is good but scripted answers for students are a NO NO!
Tell me about your family.
If you could change anything about Millennium what would it be?
What is your favorite subject? Your least favorite?
What kind of teacher do you “click” with?
What do you do in your free time?
How would your teachers describe you? Your friends ? Your family?
Please describe yourself as a learner.
What do you and your family do together for fun?
What is a tradition in your family that you look forward to?
What do you like about our high school?
What’s your favorite book? Movie? Band? Restaurant?
What do you do when you get a bad grade? Lose a game?
Have you thought of any careers you’d like to pursue?
Please share your thoughts on a local, national, or international current event.
What do you value in a friendship? In a teacher? In a community?
What three things are you looking for in a high school?
Which clubs would you like to join in high school?