Interviews can be one of the most important pieces of the admission process. Private schools pride themselves on having their own unique cultures, which we often refer to as “personalities," and this is largely determined by the families they invite to join their communities. 

Parent and student interviews can be informative for both schools and families alike. They are how schools can get a sense of your value system, how you have decided to raise your children, and the type of school environment you are looking for. Private scchool admissions officers are looking for a partnership between school and home, and interviews help them determine if this partnership will be successful. 

All private schools have interviews. In general, students applying to high school are interviewed, but their parents are not. Whereas in lower grades it is typical for both students and parents to be interviewed. 

Private schools have interviews to ensure that students and families are a good fit for the school, and likewise, that the school is a good fit for them. Interviews are one of the most effective ways for schools to build a community based on  common values, beliefs, and missions.

Why do private schools interview parents?

In addtion to exceptionial academics, what stands out most about private schools is the importance of community. But this can only happen if families buy into and are on board with the school culture. Parents are often key orchestrators and participants in the events that make the school a lively community environment, such a holiday fairs, fundraising benefits, and service intitatives. Interviews with students determine if they are well suited to the school academically and socially, but interviews with parents determine if the family is a good fit for the overall school community. 

What questions do they ask in a private school interview?

When schools interview students, they are focused on getting to know the students' interests and how they will connect to the school both academically and socially. The admissions office is responsible for building and curating a community, so while they are conducting an interview they may actually be picturing in their minds how this students will relate to other students, faculty, and community memebers. 

What do they ask parents in a private school interview?

Parents can expects the school to ask questions about family life, what your child is like as a student, their personality, and what type of school would be ideal for them. The best interviews are more of a conversation, rather than a simple question and answer. More information is gleaned from such interviews for both parties.

What are common private interview questions?

Schools will generally read your application before the interview, so they may ask questions about something that you have shared about your child or family.

What kinds of things do you do as a family? 

They may ask parents what type of schools they attended, as this often informs what type of education they would like for their children. Schools also want to measure interest. Admissions offices are fully aware that families are applying to multiple schools, so it is in their best interest to find out what draws a family to them. 

Why us over the other school two or three blocks away? 

What are your thoughts about what we can do better to support your child academically, socially, and emotionally?

How important is an interview for private school?

Interviews are an important part of the admission process, but it is helpful to keep in mind that there are many compnents of the application to be taken into consideration. In addition to the interview, the application form, teacher recommendations, transcripts, and test scores are all considered when evaluating  an applicant. Schools are aware and understanding of the fact that some students are less likely to be comfortable in an interview or may just be naturally shy. Nevertheless, having students spend some time doing a few mock interviews, whether with a family member or a consultant, could make a big difference. 

How do I prepare my child for a school interview?

It’s important that your child does not feel pressure. Asking our children to be their best selves with a group of strangers in no small task, but it is something  they have to do nonetheless. They should answer questions in full sentences and expand on them with sufficent detail. For example, if they are asked what book they are reading, they should be prepared to speak about the reasons they enjoy the book and their favorite character. They should be polite, pleasant, and show both interest in the conversation and the school. Interviews can actually be delightful, and so the best way to present them to children is as a fun activity.  We provide interview prep at School First and have found that the more children talk about themselves the more comfortable they are, which allows schools to really get to know them and to see their true personalities and exactly what makes them special.

How should I dress my child for a school interview?

Your child should be dressed comfortably for their interview. For the most part, they should dress as though they were going to their own school. The only exception to this is when the interview is taking place at a school where the children wear uniforms. In this case, they should dress up a bit. A collared shirt, khakis, nice slacks, a skirt, and blouses would be appropriate options.

 My top tip for both parents and  students is to be prepared to ask questions. The interview should be a two-way conversation, and is also your opportunity to get to know the school in an intimate setting, which is very different from being at an open house or a school tour. You should be prepared to ask at least three questions, or have in mind aspects of the school or the school program that you would like to share connections to or appreciation of.

Share ways in which your child would benefit from being a member of the school community.

Talk about how you might like to be involved as a parent. This is nice for a school to know, particularly in the lower and middle school.

Mention positive things that stood out to you at the tour or open house.

Ask about how the school helps new students transition into the school. This is important at every stage. How does it look in kindergarten, middle school, and high school? They are all such different processes and experiences.

Interviews are an important part of the admission process, so they should be taken seriously without being nerve wracking or ridden with anxiety. I enjoy doing interview prep with students and always tell them that interviews are conversations, and that they are primarily about talking about yourself. And the great thing is that you know all of the answers to questions about you! Believe it or not this is something that does come so easily to many of us, so a little practice can go a long way. This doesn’t mean that we are changing who we are or the responses that we might have to particular questions, it just means that we want to present ourselves in the best light.

A Complete Guide to Private School Admissions Interviews

What is the English Language Arts Regents Exam? 

The Regents Exams are statewide standardized tests in core high school subjects. The English Language Arts (ELA) exam tests students on the key skills of reading comprehension, textual analysis, and argument-based writing in order to assess their readiness for college and a professional career. The exam is required of all students enrolled in high schools in the state of New York.

The ELA exam will be offered during three periods in 2023:

The ELA exam is three hours long. The test is broken down into three sections of varying lengths.

English Language Art Regents Exam Structure

The ELA exam is broken down into three sections:

1. Reading Comprehension (suggested time: 60 mins)

Students will be presented with three different texts: one literature text, one poem, and one informational text. After reading the texts, students will be asked to answer 24 multiple-choice questions.

2. Writing from Source: Argument (suggested time: 90 mins)

Students will be presented with four informational texts. After reading the texts, students will be asked to write an evidence-based argument using the four texts as their sources.

3. Text Analysis: Exposition (suggested time: 30 mins)

Students will be presented with one text: either a literature text or an informational text. After reading the text, students will be asked to write a two- to three-paragraph expository essay that identifies and explains the central idea of the text, and identifies one of the key writing strategies that the author of the text uses to convey that idea.

Many high school students find the ELA exam difficult. The texts that students are asked to read and analyze on the test can be long and filled with complicated grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. The ideas in the texts that students are asked to analyze are often conceptually challenging, too. The language on the test may also pose particular challenges to English-language learners.

However, we have found that with the help of a trained tutor, and with committed practice, even struggling students are able to achieve a passing score! 

The exam will be graded according to four different areas of criteria: Content and Analysis; Command of Evidence; Coherence, Organization, and Style; and Control of Conventions. An IVY tutor can help you to master each of the skills specific to these area of focus.

Each of the exam’s three parts is given a raw score that is weighted, giving students the chance to obtain a higher maximum score for each section.

A passing score on the ELA exam is 65 or above. Students may take the exam up to three times in order to obtain a passing score; if a student does not pass after three attempts, they will have to submit an official appeal to graduate from their high school.

How to Get a Good Score on the English Regents?

We encourage our students to use the following strategies to get the best score possible on test day:

For the reading comprehension sections, read the questions first—then read the passage with the questions in mind. As you read, underline key information.

For multiple-choice questions, cross out the answers that you know to be incorrect in order to focus on the choices remaining to you. This is known as “process of elimination.”

For the writing section, make an outline of your essay before writing. The outline should include the main topic of your essay, the main ideas of each of your five paragraphs, and the supporting evidence that you will use in each paragraph.

The best way to get a good score on the ELA Regents exam is to study with the help of an expert in test preparation. At IVY, our tutors can help students to develop the skills of quick problem-solving, time management, and general test preparation necessary for success on exams like the ELA Regents.

Students will be prohibited from bringing cell phones and certain other electronic devices into the test room. Leave your cell phone at home if you can; otherwise, the test proctor will collect it and hold it for you. (Remember to shut your phone off when it is collected!)

During the test itself, you will be required to use a #2 pencil and fill out a scantron. Bring as many pencils with you as possible!

You can have water—but only clear water bottles are allowed! Otherwise no food will be allowed in the testing room.

Every student will be required to sign a pledge confirming that they have not receive outside help during the taking of the exam itself.

How to Study for English Regents? Five Tips:

Take practice exams! The New York State Regents 

 has past tests available that you can use for practice. Try to simulate the conditions of the test day when you practice: set a timer, avoid all distractions, and score yourself afterward using the official grading rubric.

Form a study group! Everybody in your high school will be required to take the ELA regents. Studying together is a great way to learn from each other—and also to support each other!

Study every day! Besides taking full-length practice tests, we recommend studying for the ELA exam every day for at least thirty minutes—beginning at least two months before the exam.

Take care of yourself! Make sure to get a good night’s sleep before the exam and to eat a good breakfast the morning of the exam; wear comfy clothes on test day, too. After closely working with an Ivy tutor to prepare yourself for the ELA exam, all you will need to do on test day is show up (on time!) and use your skills.

Work with a tutor! Great preparation for the ELA exam means learning strategies to quickly solve problems and identify correct choices, as well as building the essential skill of time management. 

 are experts in creating personalized programs of study and empowering students to cultivate the self-confidence necessary for success.

English Regents: Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to world universities, Oxford is a monolith. It’s older than the Aztec Empire, older than the Black Death, and still one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Luckily, they are also very interested in American students, especially at the undergraduate level.

Oxford is routinely ranked as one of the top three universities in the world, vying with Harvard and 

 for the top spot. While the rankings change from year to year, currently the 

 ranks Oxford as the best university in not only the UK, but the world.

Oxford is not short on famous US alumni. Bill Clinton, a half dozen Supreme Court justices, and dozens of other politicians once called Oxford home. Beyond the US, Monty Python was founded at Oxford, and a list of alumni is a veritable “Who’s Who” of British life.

What does Oxford University Specialize In?

Oxford strives to have world-leading programs in everything it teaches and researches. That said, many in the UK feel that Oxford’s biggest strengths are in the humanities and social sciences, while Cambridge excels in natural sciences.

Oxford University Programs for International Students

Oxford offers a wide range of graduate degree options, ranging from postgraduate programs, PhDs (which it calls DPhils), and masters degrees.  Of note is that upon the passing of seven years from undergraduate graduation, an Oxford BA “upgrades” to an MA.

Oxford offers cutting-edge opportunities for research, with many funded opportunities for study at the doctoral level and beyond. An Oxford DPhil typically takes 3-4 years, and funding can often be found.

Like other UK universities, masters degrees in the UK are typically one year long. These are called “Taught Masters,” and are equivalent to a masters in the US. MPhils, on the other hand, are a “Research Masters” that is used as a step towards a PhD (or DPhil)

Oxford offers a wide range of summer programs, but it is important to note which are officially conducted by the University, as opposed to those that are simply hosted at the university’s various colleges. Not only do the former have the advantage of having an official Oxford qualification at the end, but they also tend to be much more affordable. Many of these are operated through the Department of Continuing Education.

That said, some of those do have age restrictions. Instead, look for some of the many third party providers that are more well equipped to work with younger students. Please note that there is no advantage to one of these over the other, and there is no inherent advantage to attending one of these summer programs.

What exams are required to study at the University of Oxford for US students?

Students will almost always have to have 

, typically at a 33/1480 or above. Some subjects may require lower, while others have higher minimums.

Additionally, AP scores of 5 in at least three exams are required, though these can be predicted scores to be earned senior year. IB students will find minimum requirements depending on their course, but typically 7s in their HL subjects are required.

Additionally, the vast majority of degree options at Oxford require a specialized admissions test. Registration for these is often no later than September 30.

Oxford Acceptance Rate for International Students

Oxford’s admissions rates look odd, when you first see them. On average, around 17% of applicants are admitted. However, there are issues with this number. First, students can only apply to one program at Oxford or Cambridge for undergrad. That heavily reduces the number of applicants. Additionally, some programs are easier to be admitted to than others. Computer Science, for example, is much more competitive than History.

Is it hard to get into Oxford University for US students?

American students are often victims of their own overconfidence when it comes to applying to Oxford. Simply put, as with many other competitive UK universities, simply copying and pasting a Common App personal statement is the fastest way to get rejected from Oxford. However, students who can demonstrate why they belong at a place like Oxford often find that they are much more successful than those who apply to top universities in the US.

University of Oxford Tuition Fee for International Students

Depending on the course of study, Oxford charges different tuition rates. The least expensive courses cost 28,950 British Pounds per year, with the most expensive being more than 66,000 pounds. Please note that this does not include room and board, but is only for three years. Additionally, Oxford, unlike Cambridge, does not charge College fees.

How to Apply for Oxford University from the US?

The first step to applying to Oxford is to start early. Applications are due by October 15, but students will want to be mindful of the fact that they will have had to register for an admissions test by September 30. After the test, routinely held in early November, candidates will then be offered an interview in late November or early December.  

These interviews are not like those conducted by American universities. Instead, they will focus on presenting a candidate with a series of problems relevant to the proposed field of study and seeing how the student works to solve them.

Students will be notified of their admissions results in mid to late January.

How to be Accepted to Oxford University? 4 Tips From Experts:

 - Oxford prides itself on being an intellectual place, so being able to articulate your passion through reading in your personal statement is a great way to stand out.

 - Your interview is your last big hurdle to admissions, and Oxford does tend to interview American students. If you can stand out here, you will be successful.

 - While 3 APs is the minimum, a number of 5s will make your application look more robust.

Don’t save your application to the last minute

 - October 15 comes up fast; we recommend finishing your Oxford application by September 30.

Finally, we also reccomend that you take advantage of the 

 offered by Ivy Tutors Network in order to drastically improve your chances overseas. From preparing for the 

, Ivy Tutors Network is in a unique position to help you make the most of your college applications.

Discover the ultimate 2023 guide on how to get into Oxford University from the US. Uncover key admission strategies, essential requirements, and valuable tips for American students aspiring to study at Oxford University.

How to Get into Oxford University from the US [2023 Guide]

Need help navigating the complexities of the college application process? Work with one of IVY's expert coaches to craft your college list, win over admissions officers with your essays, and get into the school of your dreams!

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