Interview questions

Tell me about yourself.

This a common introductory question because it seems simple but is actually somewhat difficult!
Where do you even begin? A good answer to this question is clear and concise. Say what grade
you’re in, what you enjoy about school, two or three major extracurricular activities, and why you’re
excited about this school. Then, stop!

What are your strengths?

To answer this question, think about what your teachers and coaches might say about you. Are you a
good communicator? A thoughtful problem solver? An effective leader? Then, whichever description
you decide on, back it up with specific examples. What are some instances of your leadership or
communication skills? Practice a “show, don’t tell” approach as much as you can.

What are your weaknesses?

This is actually a common job interview question, and it’s a challenging one! How do you answer
honestly without reflecting negatively on yourself? The best way to approach this question is to
discuss a real thing upon which you’d like to improve and point to specific ways you’ve already
started to work toward that goal. Maybe it’s your note-taking skills, your willingness to participate in
class, or your slapshot. Then, pivot toward discussing how you’ve worked on this challenge.

What do you like to do for fun or in your free time?

Another question that seems easy but has a few traps! When answering this question, think about
what they want to hear: that you’re a good citizen, that you spend time with your friends, that you
pursue your hobbies in a creative way. Stay away from TV and video games; focus on ways you have
fun with others or on more intellectual or creative activities that you pursue beyond the classroom.

What extracurricular activities interest you?

This question actually has two parts: what extracurricular activities do you know well, and how will
you continue them at our school? Make sure you discuss things that your intended new high school
offers, whether it’s sports or clubs. Do your research ahead of time. For instance, if they don’t have a
debate team or a robotics team, don’t mention that!

What is your favourite subject? Why do you like it?

There is a near-100% chance you will get this question in your admissions interview. After all, this
interview is about your desired high school experience! There’s no wrong answer; just be prepared
to explain why a subject is your favourite. What do you find so interesting about it? What’s an
assignment you especially enjoyed doing? Again, use specific examples as much as you can.
What subject do you find the most difficult?

Approach this question the same way you did the one about your overall weaknesses. You should be
honest, but don’t be negative about your abilities or use words like “hate” or “suck at” when
describing a class. Acknowledge that you need to work harder in this subject, but also highlight that
you are learning to do better and finding ways to enjoy it more.

What do you do when you’re having a hard time in a class?

This question offers a chance to show off your skills in problem solving. We all encounter adversity;
your high school interviewer wants to know how you handle it. A specific example is probably your
best approach here. Think of a time that you were struggling with an assignment or topic.
Remember to talk about your own skills (rather than, say, working with a tutor).

Tell me a bit about your family.

Your interviewer isn’t asking you to describe every family member in your household. They want to
know how your family has impacted you. Describe some things you do with your family that you
enjoy and how your parents and siblings have shaped you. Remember to think about your extended
family, too, and any important celebrations or traditions you share.

How do you deal with conflict?

This is another question where having a specific example in mind can be extremely helpful. Of
course, you want to discuss a time when you resolved a conflict, not get bogged down in the details
of the issue. Was there a time you helped your peers resolve a fight? Or a time you upset someone
but then made things right with them? Be specific and thoughtful.

If there were one thing you could change about your current school, what would it be?

Again, don’t be negative, but try to think of something that your prospective new high school has
that your current school doesn’t. Be sure to acknowledge that not having this thing doesn’t mean
your current school is bad or that the teachers don’t do a good job.

What do you like to read? What is your favourite book?

This is a question people often overthink—from high school interviews all the way to job interviews!
If you have a favourite book that you can speak passionately about, that’s great, but you don’t need
to find a book that perfectly encapsulates everything about you. Talking about your favourite book
that you read recently shows that you’re an engaged learner.

What did you do last summer?

For this question, the best thing to be is thorough! You don’t need to give them a day-by-day
summary, but it’s important to show that you were busy with a few different things over your
summer. Be sure to mention any summer camps you attended, athletics in which you participated,
and (especially) community service that you did.

Which of your friends do you admire the most and why?

Talking about our friends’ good qualities is often easier than talking about our own, so this is a great
question to get! Remember, though, that your interviewer is asking to get to know you, not your
friend. So, make sure you talk about the qualities in your friend you admire and how you’ve tried to
incorporate some of those traits into your own life.

What accomplishment are you proudest of?

Your first instinct might be to pick your biggest accomplishment, but it’s important to think of one
that was truly meaningful, even if it was small. In fact, talking about a challenge you overcame or a
time you helped someone can show much more maturity and thoughtfulness than going straight to
an award, prize, or big game-winning score.

What leadership roles or opportunities have you experienced?

Similar to the last question, you don’t have to talk about your most impressive achievements or roles
here. Of course, if you were a captain or president, you should certainly discuss that, but you won’t
be at a disadvantage if you weren’t. Instead, talk about times you showed leadership qualities by
stepping up to take on extra responsibilities in something.

Why do you want to attend a private school?

This question is an opportunity not only to talk about the school at which you’re interviewing, but
your broader goals. Don’t say bad things about your public school; emphasize the positives you hope
to get from a private school. Talk about the kind of learner you are and how smaller classes, more
face time with teachers, and more in-school resources will enable you to excel.

How will you contribute to our school?

This can be a tricky question, but just stick to concrete items and you’ll be fine. For instance, if you’re
going to play on an athletic team or compete on an academic club, talk about that. As much as you
can, be specific about the things you want to do at the school and how you will be a good classmate,
team member, and peer to other students.

How will you benefit from attending our school?

This might seem like the same question as above, but it’s actually quite different. Here, they want to
hear you talk about what’s special about their school and why it will be a good fit for you. Do they
have a particular approach to learning? Values that matter to you? Opportunities you wouldn’t have
elsewhere? Be specific about those factors and how they’ll benefit you.

Do you have any questions for me?

After a conversation, your interviewer will very likely ask if you’d like to ask them any questions. You
must have some general and specific questions in mind so that you can prove that you are truly
interested in attending this school. Plus, asking your questions allows you to learn more about the
school, which is important, too!

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?

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?

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

What is your least favourite 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?

Why are you interested in our school? Why do you want to enrol 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?

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 wanted to play for?

Do you have any questions about our school?

Tips: Be prepared to speak about at least one or two interests in earnest. Make sure the
Additional Tips for Interviewing

Be sure you shake hands with confidence and say, “It’s nice to meet you!” Make eye contact when
speaking with someone, whether in a formal interview setting or not. Additionally, sit up straight
during your interview. Your body language should be confident and welcoming.

Be aware that some interviewing is done during the tour. Some schools will ask for notes on the
applicants from the students who give the tours. You should be prepared to answer interview
questions on the tour or in casual conversation, e.g., your favourite class or activity.

Be confident! Everyone you talk to wants to get to know you as a person and hear about what you
care about most. This is a chance to meet people who might be your future classmates and teachers,
so take every opportunity to be outgoing and engage with others.

Final Thoughts

While the interview can sometimes seem like the most stressful part of the private school
admissions process, don’t forget that your interviewer just wants to hear from you! There are no
right or wrong answers. As long as you remember to be yourself, listen to the question, and answer
thoughtfully, you’ll do great!