Thinking About the Admission Interview
By Eden Self
The New Year is a great time to reflect and assess one's accomplishments and lessons learned from the past year. I found myself thinking back to my October trip to China. I met so many great families and students who were all working hard to put together a solid application for boarding school in America. In Beijing, after a long day of meetings and a three-hour presentation, I was treated to a lovely dinner by a group of mothers. We were eventually joined by their children when they were finished with their Sunday afternoon TOEFL class. One boy laughed with his best friend of ten years as they shared inside jokes and conversation on their way to the table. The boy kindly translated for his mother at the table when she had questions for me. In turn, I asked him some questions and learned he had been to the Center for Talented Youth (CTY) in Los Angeles and loved math and science. He eventually mustered the courage to ask me a question of his own. He asked, "I am a shy boy who is not good at sports, will I have no chance at getting accepted to a boarding school in America?" My heart broke for this young boy whose insecurities were getting the best of him that night.
I was surprised to hear that he thought of himself as shy. I had just seen him laughing with his best friend and listened to him tell me about his memorable experience at CTY, his eyes lighting up as he explained his new passion for airplanes after his flight technology course. I gently explained to him that I did not think he was shy, rather I thought he was just nervous when first meeting people. His shoulders lifted in relief, as if my words had removed a heavy weight from him. Self-reflection is difficult at any age, but it can be hardest for adolescents. They are often more concerned about what their friends think of them than what they think of themselves. They know who they are in their close circle of friends, but not necessarily who they are (or could be) in the greater world.
The independent school admission process is one that analyzes students' academic abilities and potential, but also their personality and character. The paper application is where students will list their academic achievements, coursework, and standardized test scores. The interview is where students will have the opportunity to articulate who they are as individuals. During the interview the admission officer will be imagining ways the student might contribute to campus life.
How can students, regardless of academic abilities, have a successful interview if they have not taken the time to self-reflect and prepare their thoughts? At Boston Interview Prep, we help students reflect upon their experiences and stories and give them the confidence to articulate who they are as individuals during their interviews. For example:
A boy who once lacked confidence in himself will see that his work on his family's farm shows that he is a dedicated, loyal young man whom any dorm parent would love to have as a proctor.
A star athlete will learn that her love of camping shows her sense of independence and self-reliance, as well as her ability to problem solve.
An accomplished violinist might learn that his passion for working at a local food pantry is more memorable to an admission officer than his skills on the stage.
Adolescents, when encouraged to self-reflect, will view themselves in a new light and understand how their experiences and personalities will positively impact the communities at their new schools.
I hope this boy in Beijing continues with his plan to apply to U.S. boarding schools in a few years. He may not be the best athlete or loudest personality on campus, but he will no doubt be a thoughtful, positive contributor. He has the charm and loyalty to make a great tour guide and serve as captain on his JV soccer team. When given the time and opportunity to self-reflect, adolescents discover more about themselves as individuals, learners, and community members. Students who work with Boston Interview Prep will develop lifelong communication skills and have a better understanding of what it takes to be successful in independent schools. These skills and newfound levels of confidence will set them up to be more effective leaders in independent school, college, and beyond.
