SECONDARY SCHOOL COUNSELING OFFICE
SECONDARY SCHOOL INTERVIEW
SUGGESTIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW
1.
Read the list of Topics to have at your fingertips/Typical interview questions
2.
Be acquainted with the school. Before you go for your interview, please make sure that you know about the
school you plan to visit. Go to their website and learn about their academic program, athletics, and their
school culture. If you are interested in a specific program or activity, make sure that you contact the
teacher/coach and try to meet him/her during your visit.
3.
Be on time. It is important that you plan to arrive to your interview on time. Early is better.
4.
Smile, and be nice to everyone. First impressions go a long way. When you first meet the person at the
Admissions office make sure that you put on a smile, have a firm handshake, and make eye contact.
Remember that this is a community you are interested in joining, and being nice is key.
5.
Dress up or down? It is always a good idea to dress up for an interview. A jacket and tie are recommended
at all schools where Fenn families usually interview, even though boys there may not wear them to classes.
You can check with the school as well as with our office if you have questions about dress code.
When you arrive for your interview you will most likely first go on a tour of the campus with a student tour
guide. The tour guide will take you around campus, show you the school, talk to you about the school, and
answer any questions you may have. The guide will give you his or her email address at the end of the tour in
case you have additional questions. Ask questions about the academics, athletics, and school life in general. The
tour guides are your best resources because they attend the school.
6.
Pay attention during your tour. Introduce yourself. You may take notes and ask questions. Make sure that
you find something specific during your tour that you can talk about with the admissions representative
after your tour: a piece of art, a classroom, a class dynamic that made an impression, sports fields, the
cafeteria.
7.
Keep a positive tone. Listen carefully and express interest in what your interviewer has to say. Always
speak positively of your teachers, your friends, your family, and your school.
8.
Answer all questions thoroughly, with as much detail as you can. Here are a few examples:
9.
a.
Q. How was your tour? What did you think of our campus?
i. I really enjoyed my tour, and was especially impressed by…(this is the time to talk
about something that caught your attention). I can see myself being part of this
community.
b.
Q. Tell me about your school. I see that you are at Fenn.
i. Yes, I arrived at Fenn in ___grade, and have been there for ___ years. I especially love
_____, and this year my favorite subject is ______, because_____.
c.
Q. What is your favorite class? Why is it your favorite?
i. My favorite subject is English because we use blogs, and we interact with our
classmates, and get to know them really well. My favorite book has been____
because_____.
It is important that you highlight your interests, accomplishments, and leadership experiences at Fenn and
outside of Fenn.
10. WRITE “thank you notes.” Make sure that you write thank you notes to your tour guide, admissions
officer, and anyone else whom you have met during your visit (coach, teacher). Email is acceptable.
TOPICS TO HAVE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS:
1. Your passions – what you really like to do
2. Academic subjects most liked/least liked
3. Athletics you enjoy as a player or spectator
4. Arts activities you have liked and want to continue
5. Volunteer service inside and out of Fenn
6. Hobbies and lessons you’ve taken
7. Responsibilities at home and school
8. Favorite ways to spend your free time
9. Favorite books, music, movies, TV shows
10. Summer activities and travel experiences
11. Qualities you respect in others
12. Your two greatest strengths
13. Two things you would like to change
14. Examples of leadership
15. “My perfect day would be. . .”
TYPICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
1. In three words, how would you describe yourself?
2. In three words, how would your teachers and friends describe you?
3. What do you most enjoy doing in your free time?
4. What is your greatest skill or talent?
5. In what ways might you make an impact at your next school?
6. How do you hope to grow or change in secondary school?
7. Do you like to read and what have you read lately?
8. Can you describe a challenging experience you have had or a difficult decision you have made?
9. When have you shown leadership?
10. How would you describe your family?