As school interviews approach, it’s time to help your child feel confident, prepared, and ready to shine. Admissions teams aren’t just looking at grades and test scores—they want to meet curious, engaged learners who will bring positive energy and a genuine love of learning to their school community.

The good news? With thoughtful guidance and a bit of practice, your child can approach interviews with confidence, authenticity, and enthusiasm.

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TREAT THE INTERVIEW AS A CONVERSATION

Encourage your child to see the interview as a two-way conversation rather than a test. Remind them that interviewers want to get to know the real person behind the application. By approaching it this way, students often feel less pressure and can speak more naturally about their experiences, passions, and goals.

Tips to try:

• Practice casual conversations about school, hobbies, or favorite subjects.
• Encourage your child to ask questions about the school, showing curiosity and engagement.

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REFLECT ON INTERESTS AND STRENGTHS

A little reflection goes a long way. Help your child think about what excites them about learning, what motivates them, and what they hope to achieve in school. Being able to articulate these ideas clearly helps interviewers see the student’s personality and drive.

Try this exercise:

• Ask your child to name 3–5 activities or subjects they love and why.
• Have them share a moment they felt proud or accomplished in school.

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PRACTICE SPEAKING COMFORTABLY

Practicing aloud can ease nerves and build confidence. Conduct mock interviews at home, but keep them relaxed and supportive. Focus on encouraging clear, thoughtful answers rather than rehearsed responses.

Practice strategies:

• Role-play common interview questions, like “What’s your favorite subject?” or “Tell me about a time you solved a problem.”
• Give positive feedback on clarity, tone, and body language.

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BE AUTHENTIC

The most important advice? Encourage your child to be themselves. Genuine, thoughtful answers are always more memorable than those that seem scripted. Remind your child to embrace their unique perspective, values, and passions. Authenticity helps them stand out and leaves a lasting impression on admissions teams.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

School interviews are an exciting opportunity for students to share who they are beyond the application. With preparation, reflection, and a focus on authenticity, your child can walk into the interview confident, calm, and ready to shine.