1.

Questions about yourself

It is common for private schools to ask you questions about yourself. They want to get a sense of the kind
of person you are, and how you see yourself. They want to learn about your strengths and weaknesses,
aims, goals, values, and more.

 Describe yourself or tell me more about yourself.

 Tell me a bit about your family.
 What are three of your strengths and three areas of growth or challenges?
 What three adjectives best describe your personality?
 What personal achievement are you most proud of?
Tips: Your answers should be clear, specific, and detailed. For instance, in describing yourself, do not just list
personality traits, such as confidence, curiosity, and empathy. Instead, give specific examples: “I’ve always
been fascinated by space exploration.” And when focusing on challenges, be sure to explain how you are
trying to overcome or work through them.

2. Questions about non-school interests

To get a more complete picture of you, schools may ask about your interests outside of school. They will
want to learn about your talents, hobbies, and passions, whether in the arts, sports, history, science, or
some other area. They may also size up your interest in current events.

 What do you read outside of school?

 Tell us more about what you do outside of school.
 What extracurricular activities are you interested in?
 If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would you meet and why?
 What has happened recently in current events that interests you?
Tips: Be prepared to speak about at least one or two interests in earnest. Make sure these interests are, well,
interesting: while playing a musical instrument qualifies, watching TV does not. You should also be prepared
to speak intelligently about at least one current event.

3. Questions about school interests and attitudes

Your school interests and attitudes may also be covered in the interview. Many schools like to learn about
how you view school, in a way that may not come across in report cards, transcripts, or other application
materials.

 What is your favorite subject, and why do you like it?

 What is your least favorite subject, and why do you dislike it?
 Have you ever had trouble communicating with a teacher or coach, and if so, what
did you do?
 Have you had any other conflicts at school, and if so, how did you deal with them?
Tips: Give thoughtful and detailed answers. For instance, explain why you like a subject: “I like math,
because I enjoy solving difficult problems.” Do not be overly negative in expressing your dislike of certain
aspects of school, and do not mention specific names of teachers or staff you have had problems with.

4. Questions about your suitability for a school

To determine whether you are a good fit, you may be asked why you are interested in attending, how you
can benefit from a school, and what you will bring to it.

 Why are you interested in our school? Why do you want to enroll here?
 Why should we select you?
 How will you benefit from attending this school?
 In what ways have your experiences prepared you to attend this school?
 What gifts and talents can you bring to this school?
Tips: Give specific reasons for why you are a good fit. For instance, “I’ve always been interested in social
justice and am excited to take part in your community service program.” Do not say you are applying to a
school “because your parents want you to.” And avoid ‘bootlicking’: “I've heard your school is the best.”

5. Questions about your beliefs/values

Many schools like to get a sense of some of your core beliefs and values. They will want to learn whether
they square with their own.

 What does it mean to be a good member of a community?

 If your best friend asked you if they could copy your homework, what would you
do?
 What would you do if you did not make a team you really wanted to play for?
Tips: Give honest and reflective answers. Avoid non-starters such as “I don’t know.” On the other hand, you
do not want to oversimplify things, with short, curt answers, such as “that’s easy, I wouldn’t let him copy my
homework.” Give details: explain why.

6. Questions about the school

Do not be surprised if you are asked if you have any questions about a school. This is a common way to
gauge your level of interest. It can also reveal what interests you about the school.

 Do you have any questions about our school?

 Do you have any concerns about our school?
Tips: It’s normally a mistake to answer “no.” Be prepared with one or two questions. Ask something that
shows you are really interested in some feature of the school, such as academics, extracurriculars, or student
life.