Top 10 Questions Asked During Boarding School Interviews

Baylor School (Chattanooga, Tennessee)

We rounded up some of our favorite boarding school students and asked them what they remembered from their entrance interviews. Use this list and our helpful admission tips to put yourself in position to nail your boarding school interview. Though each school has its own criteria, there are a few questions you can expect walking into any interview. Here are the top 10 boarding school interview questions.

1. Why are you pursuing a boarding school education?
   Schools are going to be curious about what you’re looking to get out of a boarding education. Be prepared to explain how you think their particular school will enable you to achieve your goals.
   
   
2. What is the most important thing you can learn in school?
   You may want to think outside the box about this one. Yes, academics are critical to educational success, but what else? How can boarding school prepare you, completely, for future success?
   
   
3. What is your current school like? What do you like about it and what would you change?
   Showing that you’re invested in your education, wherever it is, demonstrates the kind of dedication for which boarding schools are looking. Be honest and let them know what you value.
   
   
4. Describe your personal strengths and weaknesses.
   This is a question you’ll hear time and time again throughout your adult life. From boarding schools to potential employers, people are always curious about your levels of self-awareness.
   
   
5. Are you involved with extracurricular activities?
   Chances are, if you’re pursuing boarding school, you’re an active and engaged individual! From athletics and the arts to more niche hobbies, it’s important to show how you spend your time and that you’re skilled at managing it.
   
   
6. Tell us about an accomplishment that has made you feel especially proud.
   This can certainly be academic-related, but it doesn’t have to be. Perhaps you’ve coordinated a fundraising or volunteer effort, written your own music, or helped a family member in need—the important thing here is passion.
   
   
7. Tell us about a time where you’ve demonstrated leadership.
   Again, this is a great opportunity to showcase how you are able to take initiative whether in the classroom, on the field, or in a lab. Boarding school is a place where leaders are created, show them your potential.
   
   
8. What do you think you might study in college?
   You may not know, and that’s okay. This question is more to show that you’ve at least considered what your future may look like and what might like to learn. Don’t dwell on the details, but be sure to have some aspirations to share.
   
   
9. Tell us about your family and personal life.
   Just as important as your education and future goals, boarding schools want to see a well-rounded person who values community. This is a chance to show your personality and talk about people and places that are important to you.
   
   
10. What questions do you have for us?
    And you better have some! This will show that you’ve done the research and have a point-of-view about your educational future. They will want to see that you have your own criteria for success.

As you read through these and begin to brainstorm, remember, there is no right or wrong answer to any of these. Rather, focus on how your responses can highlight all of the aspects of your personality and habits that make you a prime candidate for their school.

Whether you’re interviewing for a school soon or just starting to explore your options, we’re dedicated to helping you find the right boarding school. Visit us at readyformore.com/students to learn more.