The interview is a crucial step in the U.S. private high school admissions process. Even with strong academic scores, language proficiency, and a stellar application, one wrong move during the interview could make everything fall apart. Admissions officers use the interview to assess much more than your English skills—they’re looking for your ability to think independently, communicate clearly, and show self-awareness.
So, how can you ace the interview and avoid making common mistakes that might hurt your chances? Here’s what to steer clear of:
1. Saying “I have nothing else to share/ask”
When interviewers ask questions, they want to see how you think and communicate, not just how much you know. If you respond with “I don’t know” or “I have nothing else to say,” it can make you appear unprepared or disengaged. Even if you’re unsure about a topic, try to share some thoughts or ask a follow-up question. Showing curiosity and a willingness to engage is much better than staying silent.
Example:
- “That’s a great question. I’m still exploring different interests, but I recently started reading about artificial intelligence and how it’s changing education, and it’s something I’d love to learn more about.”
- “I noticed your school has a robotics team. Could you tell me more about how students get involved in it?”
The goal is to demonstrate your critical thinking skills and show the interviewer why you’re a strong candidate. Always try to say something thoughtful.
2. Giving generic answers like “ranking” or “location”
One of the most common interview questions is, “Why did you choose our school?” Don’t fall into the trap of giving a generic answer like, “It’s highly ranked” or “It’s in a great location.” They want to know why this school is a good fit for you.
Do your research! Mention specific programs, teachers, or values that align with your academic or personal goals. Show that you understand what the school offers and why it’s the right place for you.
Example:
- “I’m really excited about your Global Studies program. I love learning about different cultures and global issues, and I noticed that your school offers Model UN and international travel opportunities. That aligns perfectly with my interests.”
3. Memorizing answers
While preparing for typical questions is important, memorizing answers can make you sound robotic. The interviewer wants to hear you, not a rehearsed script.
Listen carefully to each question and answer naturally. Don’t hesitate to ask them to clarify if you don’t understand something. Over-rehearsed answers will come across as inauthentic, and you want to sound genuine and engaged.
Example:
- “During my internship at a local community center, I organized weekend events for kids. At first, I thought planning was all about sticking to a schedule, but I quickly learned that flexibility and listening to feedback made everything run more smoothly. That experience helped me become more adaptable and open to new ideas.”
4. Being too vague or cliche
When asked, “What can you bring to our school?” avoid answers like, “I can bring Chinese culture” without further explanation. Schools want to know exactly how you’ll contribute to their community.
Be specific! If you have a unique skill, like calligraphy or Chinese painting, explain how you can share that with your peers. Show how your unique background and talents will enrich the school environment.
Example:
- “I’ve been practicing Chinese calligraphy for five years. I’d love to share that through an after-school club or cultural fair. It’s a great way to introduce classmates to Chinese traditions.”
5. Overconfidence or false humility
Confidence is key, but there’s a fine line between being proud of your accomplishments and coming across as arrogant. Avoid bragging or being overly humble.
Talk about your strengths confidently, but also stay grounded and show humility. You want to appear self-assured but not conceited.
Example:
- “I’m proud to have been selected as the school newspaper editor this year. It’s taught me how to organize a team and meet deadlines, but I’m still learning how to handle feedback better, which is something I hope to improve in high school.”
6. Mentioning immigration goals
Some students view studying abroad as a way to immigrate to another country. However, you should never mention this during an interview. Admissions officers want to hear about your passion for the program and how it fits your academic and career goals, not your plans to immigrate.
Example:
- “I’m interested in studying in the U.S. because I want to experience a more discussion-based classroom and explore different extracurricular activities. I think it’ll help me become a more independent thinker.”
Bonus tip: Body language matters
It’s not just about what you say, it’s also about how you say it. Be mindful of your body language, whether you’re doing an online or in-person interview. Avoid nervous habits like crossing your arms, fidgeting, or avoiding eye contact. These behaviors can make you seem uncertain or impolite.
The key to a successful interview is being genuine. Be yourself and showcase your true personality. If you stay calm and confident, you’ll leave a positive impression and increase your chances of getting that acceptance letter.
Try these practices:
- Sit upright but relaxed.
- Make eye contact and smile naturally.
- Use hand gestures when appropriate.
- Nod occasionally to show you’re listening and engaged.
Hopefully, these tips will help you prepare for your U.S. private high school interview. Need more help getting ready? At Ivy Talent, we coach students to shine in interviews, essays, and the entire application process. Reach out to us today to get started!
Author: Vy Mai
Date: April 14th, 2025