5 Common Admissions Interview Mistakes

Published June 08, 2008
Obviously when you meet with the admissions staff, you will be trying to put your best foot forward. But you are in unfamiliar surroundings. Relax! Don't let your nerves get the better of you. Avoid these common mistakes during the admissions interview .
 
 
1. Don't draw attention to any minor learning issues.
Let test scores and academic records speak for themselves. If you blurt out that your son has a slight learning difficulty, that could nix your chances of his getting in.
If he has been diagnosed with dyslexia or ADD or some other learning difficulty, then you need to be applying to a school which has qualified staff and programs in place to address those learning issues. But your son's B grade in mathematics or his lack of prowess in fine arts are not deal breakers at most schools.

2. Don't brag about your child's accomplishments.
An oblique reference to your daughter's field hockey abilities is far better than bragging. After all, the admissions staff can read all about her accomplishments in the application. (You did make sure to include all that sort of thing, didn't you?) On the other hand, if she is indeed a very talented athlete, make sure you have her current coach call the school to discuss that. It will be one more check in the 'plus' column on your child's file.
 
3. Don't be abrasive.
Asking pointed questions is acceptable, to a point. The interview is your chance to get some answers too. Just be very careful not to come across as too arrogant. Schools look at accepting your child as the beginning of a nice partnership. A partnership of equals.
 
4. Don't offer to write a check to get him in.
Years ago some schools would be influenced by the offer of a large donation ($100,000 or more usually was considered large) in exchange for their accepting little Roderick Jr. Not any more. Most schools will look askance if you try that sort of thing.  Diversity is a big deal in schools these days. Similarly, arriving for an interview in the Bentley,  dressed in your Oscar de la Renta outfit probably will be seen as ostentatious and out of tune with the school's egalitarian objectives. Being understated and quiet will be quite acceptable. The school probably has a very clear idea of your circumstances anyway.

5. Don't throw your influence around.
Telling the admissions staffer that the CEO of a Fortune 100 company is prepared to write a letter of recommendation for Roderick Jr. will come across as a bit heavy handed. Let them find the letter in your child's dossier themselves. In line with point 4, schools prize parents who will quietly support the school without drawing attention to themselves.

Finally, make the best impression possible. Being gracious will do a lot more to get little Roderick Jr. accepted than being difficult and overbearing.
 
More About Interview Mistakes

Read Related Admissions Articles:

We cover every aspect of the admissions process so that you and your child know what to expect.

  • Application Calendar
    Keep track of all aspects of choosing a school as well as the application deadlines.
  • Guidelines for International Students
    In addition to complying with all the admissions requirements, international students must also obtain a student visa.
  • How Do I Apply?
    You can apply online or submit a paper application via snail mail.
  • They Didn't Accept My Child!
    You thought everything was set. The test scores were excellent. She had glowing teacher recommendations. The visit and the interview went well. But the school didn't accept your child. What do you do now?
  • Waitlisted? What Next?
    Being waitlisted is not the end of the world. More here.
  • The Scramble For Places In Primary Schools
    It is almost as tough getting your child into a good Manhattan or Bay area primary school as it is getting them into an Ivy League university.
  • What If I Miss The Deadlines?
    Finding a school which will accept your child after the normal admissions deadline has passed is not easy. But it can be done.

School Visits

After exploring schools on the web, you need to explore the ones which you are considering applying to in person.

  • Your Admissions Profile
    The admissions process can seem confusing, even intimidating. In reality all the admissions staff want to do is to get to know you.
  • The Interview
    Part of the admissions requirements of almost every private school is the interview. While it sounds as though this is a one sided exercise, you should be interviewing the admissions personnel as well.
  • The Visit
    Visiting the schools on your short list is very important. You need to inspect the campus yourself.
  • What If You Cannot Visit The School?
    Distance and finances may preclude your actually visiting schools. But you have some other options.

Test Preparation

Standardized admissions tests require thorough preparation and practice. You will find test prep texts and other materials here.

  • Admissions Test Preparation: 2 Approaches
    Admissions tests are supposed to measure accomplishments. But what if your child has serious problems in math or English? What do you do then?
  • COOP, HSPT and TACHS
    You will encounter COOP, HSPT and TACHS if you are applying to some Roman Catholic high schools.
  • Do My SSAT or ISEE Scores Really Matter?
    SSAT and ISEE scores are one part of the total picture which most private school admissions staff review.
  • SSAT and ISSE
    Most private schools use standardized tests as part of their admissions process. The SSAT and ISEE are the common tests you will encounter at independent schools.
  • How To Read The Test Scores
    SSAT test scores can be mysterious to most parents. What do they mean? How does the admissions staff use them?
  • Preparing for Admissions Tests
    Don't leave admissions test preparation to the last minute. Adequate test preparation will give you the confidence to take the test and do as well as you can.
  • The Writing Sample
    At some point in the admissions' process, you are going to have to write an essay otherwise known as The Writing Sample.

Applications

The applications process consists of several parts.

All Categories:

Featured Partners:

Featured Partner