How to Ace the Interview

Island Pacific Academy Aloha for Patients. Photo: Courtesy of Island Pacific Academy

First off, don’t over-prepare. “The interview is an opportunity for us to get to know your child beyond their application,” says Tayler Wang, assistant director of admission at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy. “During this conversation, we explore their academic interests, extracurricular passions and personal strengths, while also gaining insight into how they might contribute to the HPA community.” There are no right or wrong answers, and the interview is just one part of the admission process. “Most importantly, encourage your child to relax and be authentic. We’re not looking for perfect answers—we simply want to get to know them.”

While some schools only speak one-on-one with kids, others such as Our Savior Lutheran School include parents to learn more about the student’s learning profile from multiple perspectives. Some, like Roots School, get to know prospective parents separately.

Interviews with younger children may focus more on social readiness or consist of observed play, while middle and high schoolers will likely focus on academics. Regardless of age, here are nine tips to help you make the most of this meeting.

Interviewing Tips

1. Explain to your child what will happen during the interview. If you’re changing schools, make sure your child understands that. Sometimes younger students will cry when they realize they’re going to be separated from their parents, so the heads-up is vital. “A calm, positive send-off helps your child feel confident going in,” Wang says.

2. Practice with a mock interview. Even the bubbliest kids can get shy when being asked questions by a stranger. Ask a family friend to help with a few practice sessions, but don’t rehearse or script answers. “Have your child practice answering a common question,” Wang says, like: Tell me about yourself and why you want to apply to this school. “Help your child think of a few meaningful examples they can talk about—whether it’s a favorite hobby, sport, academic interest or memorable experience. These stories help us better understand what matters most to them.”

3. Get to know the school ahead of time. Find out what types of programs it offers so you can ask specific questions. Parents should also prep their child to talk about what the individual private school focuses on so they can tell the interviewer why they want to attend. Be aware of the school’s mission and philosophy.

4. Pay attention to the details of the process. Read through the information the school sends you about the interview and assessments or tests thoroughly so you can tell your child what to expect. Make sure to meet any deadlines. If the interview is virtual, test your technology beforehand, and choose a quiet, distraction-free space.

5. On interview day, don’t overdress. Kids should look presentable but be comfortable, since they may be asked to play or work during the interview, depending on the age of the child. Look up the school’s dress code and wear something similar.

6. Have your child get a good night’s sleep. The day of the interview, be sure your child eats a good breakfast. And if the interview is scheduled during your child’s worst time of day, don’t be afraid to ask to reschedule—as long as you give the school enough notice.

7. Let your child speak for him- or herself. Some parents put too much pressure on their kids to answer questions a certain way and have trouble letting go. “It’s OK if your child doesn’t have all the answers,” Wang says. “Thoughtfulness and honesty matter more than having everything figured out.”

8. Don’t count on every interview being the same. Parents will often ask other parents who are enrolling their child in the same school, “Hey, what questions did the interviewer ask?” But questions may change, so don’t get too wrapped up in someone else’s
experience.

9. Prepare for the possibility of rejection. Keep your disappointment in perspective. You don’t want your anxiety to rub off on your child. Remember that there are limited spots and many different roads to success. A kindergarten rejection is not likely to dictate your child’s future.