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College Success
(Admitted to Baylor) |
"This message is not from Kate, but from Kate's Dad, the guy who was skeptical when it was suggested to use the EssayEdge Revision Service. I thought Kate's essay was already very good before we sent it to you. But, your revisions are very impressive. The essay read so well afer your work. And, it was still 'Kate.' I wanted to let you know we got in at Baylor! Thank you very much!!"
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The
Interview
Student and parent interviews provide great opportunities to plead your child's case. Before donning your suit and popping the breath mints, however, read these tips on how to ensure an effective interview.
Interview Overview
At most day schools, student interviews generally occur during student visits, without the parent present in the room. Boarding schools also offer on-campus interviews, but occasionally allow students to meet with alumni in their area for the interview. Interviews typically last twenty to thirty minutes and are either with an admissions officer, a teacher who sits on the admissions committee, or the principal. Interviewers tend to be personable, and often they are current or former teachers who are skilled at putting young people at ease.
Preparing Your Child for the Interview
Interviewers listen to ideas and words, but they also try to get some sense of who your child is. Consequently, you can gain an important advantage in presentation by practicing the interview at home. If your child is willing, you should practice a firm handshake, clear eye contact, and answering simple questions. If your child refuses to practice, however, do not force him. Remember that many children are anxious about the interview and are afraid of disappointing their parents. If this occurs, you should ask your child if there is someone else he would like to practice with - a relative or a family friend.
On the actual day of the interview, urge your child to be himself. You might suggest that he make a list of questions he'd like to ask the interviewer. Admissions officers enjoy answering a student's questions because it helps them get to know each child. Demonstrating initiative and interest also leaves a great impression on admissions officers and proves that your child is truly interested in the school.
Be sure to explain to your child that the interview is a chance to exchange views and address questions. If the visit occurs before you have sent in your application, the interviewer will often ask questions that appear on this form. If the interviewer has already received your child's application, he will often use it as a way to get your child to start talking. Prepare your child for probable questions by practicing the interview beforehand.
Dealing with a Bad Interview
What should you do if your child feels like he has blown the interview? The simple answer is, "don't panic." Most likely, your child did just fine. Children tend to underestimate their performance and expect too much of themselves in interviews. Most visits actually go extremely well, and children usually make a favorable impression on the interviewer, his host, and the classroom teachers.
Admissions officials understand the stress of the interview, and know that it can cause atypical behavior in you child. Some quiet youngsters speak nonstop during interviews, for instance, while other more talkative youngsters speak in limited sentences. Whatever occurs in the interview, if your child seems uneasy about it, reassure him that the admissions representative understands that interviewees are nervous. Assure your child that the interview will not determine if he is accepted or not. It is only one of many ways the school is trying to get to know him.
Nonetheless, if your child had an unhappy experience during the interview or was getting ill, it might be useful to let the school know through either a call or note. Private schools want the visit and interview to be a successful experience for your child, and they might suggest another visit or an interview at a later date.
The Parent Interview
Beyond the student interview, parents also get an opportunity to plead their child's case during campus visits. Each campus visit includes opportunities to talk with someone in the admissions office, and you should view these opportunities as mini-interviews. Think about each school before you visit. Do your homework carefully so you will be able to make the most of the time you spend there.
The most satisfying and informative visits also usually include some less formal conversations with teachers and administrators. You should use these conversations to let the school know why you are interested in it. With some thought, you should be able to explain reasons other than your dissatisfaction with your current school. It will be helpful to share your initial impressions of the school to see if the school staff feels that you have gotten an accurate sense of the place from the catalogs and brochures.
Also be sure to ask your questions. Ask about the math program or whether a Jewish student will feel comfortable there. If it is a boarding school, ask about weekend activities. What is the school's policy on drugs? You want to leave the campus feeling that the school learned a fair amount about you and your child and that you and your child learned just as much about the school.
In general, you should approach the parent interview as a chance to share your sense of your child, his strengths, and your concerns and dreams for him. You do not need to share every detail, but do not omit any significant information about your child's schooling, his interests, or his academic concerns. The parent interview is a mutual exchange of information that should be beneficial to both parties.
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