Our Foolproof Framework for School Interviews

If your student has never done a school interview, it can be incredibly intimidating. We get it! But let’s change this narrative and reframe things. Instead, think of school interviews as an opportunity for students to learn as much about a school as possible.

We approach these interviews using our ACE acronym: Academics, Community, and Extracurriculars (ACE). This framework allows our students to share about themselves and ask valuable questions about the school in each interview.

Below is our list of questions that students can ask to make the most of their interview time by utilizing the ACE model.

Academics

Of course, your student will have some questions about the school’s academics. Here are some questions they can consider bringing to their interview:

On average, how much time per week should I expect to be involved with academic commitments? How much time each night do kids spend on homework?

Are classes largely focused on individual or group work?

Are there opportunities for me to have ‘office hours’ or one-on-one sessions with my teachers? Is this common for students at this school?

What academic or learning support resources are available to me?

What resources on campus do you recommend I take advantage of during my first year?

Are tutors accessible? How many kids are meeting with tutors?

Can students do an independent study if they’re interested in something special?

Community

The community of the school is one of the most important parts of the private school experience. If your student loves the community they are a part of, it makes their private school experience that much better.

When your student wants to learn about the school’s community, encourage them to ask these questions:

Are there any mandatory school events?

What type of community service do students get involved with?

When do students go into the town and what do they do there?

What are some of your favorite school traditions?

What is dorm life like? Are students living with kids in all grades or just their grade?

What kind of voice do students have at your school? How are students shaping the environment at this school?

As a student, how will I be involved with the campus community? How do new students get involved?

Can you share examples of how this school feels diverse and inclusive as a community?

Extracurriculars

At the time of the interview, your student might not be sure what extracurriculars they are interested in joining. Despite how they feel about joining a club, we still encourage them to ask questions about the school’s extracurriculars. Most schools offer an “activity fair” energizing students with vast offerings and it’s likely they will find a club, group, or activity to join!

To learn more about the school’s extracurriculars, encourage your student to ask:

When do students participate in extracurriculars?

What extracurriculars are available? Can you realistically do more than one activity?

What are the most popular hobbies of students at this school?

How do students here spend their free time?

How many extracurriculars do you recommend I join?

How much time is there for students outside of academics to engage in extracurriculars?

How do kids balance both athletics and other interests, such as the performing arts?

Before the interview, encourage your student to read through this list to pick a few questions in each category they want to focus on during their time with their admissions representative. Of course, there is always room on this list for your student to add their own questions, which we encourage!

Remember to convey to your student that this interview is their chance to explore the school, to envision themselves succeeding there, and to engage in a meaningful conversation with admissions representatives. With the ACE framework as their guide, your student will approach this experience with confidence and poise. Now, as we wrap up, we'd love to hear from you: What additional questions would you include in this list to make interviews even more insightful and impactful? Please share your thoughts!