Jul 5, 2022 |

How to Do Well in Your Admissions Interview for Online Prep School

By Gravitas

Child preparing for online schooling

You have so many options today for the kind of school you might attend. Whether you are currently home-schooled, or in a public or private school, as you move toward and through high school and closer to college, there is much to consider. Choosing a college preparatory school may provide you with the kind of focus, experience, and curriculum that will look good on college applications. But before you get accepted to college, you may need to get accepted to middle or high school. And if you’ve decided to add online prep schools to your possibilities, the process is a little different. Your admissions interview, like future classes, will be online. However, just as you would prepare for an in-person interview, you need to get ready before your online prep school interview.

Research the School

You increase the likelihood that you will be accepted into a school when the admissions team believes that you seriously want to attend. One way to show your passion for an institution is to know as much about it as you can. Visit the school’s website, take an online tour, review its history, understand its mission, and consider the reasons it would be a good fit for your future. The fuller your depth of knowledge, the more you will be able to give examples during your interview that will demonstrate that you’re the kind of student they should welcome to their school. For example, if the prep school focuses on character development, you may be able to tell them of groups you already belong to that are known for character development. Or perhaps the school focuses on giving back to the community. How have you performed community service and why does it appeal to you?

Complete Your Online Prep School Application

The interview is only one component to your application evaluation. Most of what you need to do is in the application itself. Be certain to include all you are asked to and to submit your paperwork on time.

Among the items that you may need are:

  • Academic Transcripts and Test Scores
  • Evidence of Extracurricular Activities
  • Teacher Recommendations
  • Parent Statement
  • Required Essays
  • Prepare Your Space

In a traditional scenario, you travel to a prospective prep school, maybe take a tour of the grounds, and eventually meet with an admission officer for an in-person interview. To gain admission to an online prep school, you’ll have an online interview. That means that it’s your space and, in some ways, you have a home-court advantage. After all, you’re likely in your own home or in a place where you feel very comfortable. That comfort level can help with nerves. And because only your face is on video, you can have notes with talking points just off screen.

For the best look, make sure you are in frame and well-lit. Make sure the area around you is clutter-free with limited distractions. You may be tempted to use a virtual background, filter, or blurred image, but that can be its own distraction. The center of attention should be you! You’ll also want to be careful not to get too comfortable. Dress up a bit for the interview, don’t be distracted by a phone or other device, and prepare questions for your interviewer.

Practice

Getting into a school you really want to attend takes more than good grades. The interview is a critical part of the process and can tip the scales in your favor. That’s why it shouldn’t be left to chance. Prepare the best you can and then practice what you want to say and how you want to present yourself. Consider questions you might be asked and ask a parent or another trusted adult to conduct a mock interview. Take it seriously and you’re more likely to be taken seriously.

Dress Appropriately

Even if you’re sitting at home just a few feet from your bed, you should be dressed as if you’re going to an in-person interview. Your clothes should be clean, neat, and tidy. Your hair should be brushed. This doesn’t just make you look good to others; it helps to build the right mindset for a successful interview.

Present Your Best Self

Bring the best version of yourself to the interview. Smile, speak clearly, and answer any question posed to you honestly, fully, and clearly. Highlight your strengths and, if asked about a weakness, be sure you have a plan to overcome it. For example, if you can sometimes be impulsive when you’re excited by a new project, what strategies do you have for follow-through? And, be sure to use all your knowledge of the school to ask intelligent questions when it’s your turn to get some answers.

Ready to explore your online options for college prep school? Gravitas is the online extension of the renowned Stony Brook School on Long Island, NY. When you’re accepted into our school, you receive the same quality education and accredited diploma from The Stony Brook School. Start your application today.

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