Tips For A Successful Middle School Interview

Each year, middle school students across the country apply to independent schools. Most of these schools are extremely competitive and often times have hundreds of applicants vying for less than one hundred available spaces. The entire process is intense, and lot of criteria is considered including the interview.

The thought of having to interview for anything can wreak havoc with one's nerves. There is so much to think about when preparing for the day of the interview. Here are a few tips that can help calm one's nerves and approach the interview with supreme confidence.


Before The Interview

• Sleep & Eat - Get plenty of sleep the night before, so you will be fresh and alert. Eat a healthy breakfast as well.
  
• Arrive Early - There is no reason to be late. If you live in a city with large volumes of traffic (e.g. Los Angeles), be sure to leave early enough to allow for an early arrival (about 15 minutes early)
  
• Dress Neatly - Dress according to the dress code of the school you are interviewing with.
  
• Greeting - Upon meeting your interviewer, give a firm hand shake, make eye contact and greet accordingly (e.g. "Good morning Ms. _______.")
  

During The Interview

• Sit Tall - Don't slouch. Slouching is bad body language. If sends a message that you are bored and/or dispassionate about what is being said
  
• Be Your Best Self - Be confident and willing to talk. Avoid answering questions with "yes" or "no".
  
• Share - Know something unique about the school (e.g. a celebrity that graduated from the school) in addition to pertinent facts (e.g. classes offered for your grade level)
  
• Enunciate - Think before you speak. Speak clearly when answering questions and avoid using slang expressions. Also avoid using verbal tics (e.g. "I'm just saying" "To tell you the truth") as well as "vocal pauses (uh, um, uh-huh, hmm). Also be genuine/honest when answering questions.
  
• Ask Questions - Don't be afraid to ask the interviewer any questions you may have about the school. It shows that you are genuinely interested in attending.
  
• Show Enthusiasm -  Be enthusiastic about the school you are interviewing with (you are there because you would like to attend)

Don't (During The Interview)

• chew gum or eat candy
  
• fiddle (e.g with hair, jewelry, ink pen)
  
• bring a cell phone or other electronic gadgets into the interview. There is no use for them.
  
• lose eye contact with the interviewer
  
• interrupt unnecessarily

After The Interview

• Thank the interviewer
  
• Give a firm handshake
  
• make eye contact

*Often times a campus tour follows the interview. During the tour, be sure to ask any questions that may come to mind.

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