Poland School Interviews - Questions and Tips

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Interview questions
Six tips on nailing the interview

It’s important, then, to get ready for your private school interview. Here we guide you through the process.

First, we list some common private school interview questions, along with advice for answering them. We then provide you with six more tips for nailing your interview.

Interview questions

Questions about yourself

Describe yourself or tell me what you’re like as a person.
Tell me a bit about your family.
What are three of your strengths and three of your weaknesses or challenges?
How would you describe your personality?

Advice: Your answers should be clear, specific, and detailed. For instance, in describing yourself, don’t just list general traits, such as maturity, responsibility, and curiosity. Rather, be specific: “I’ve always looked after my younger brother.” And when discussing weaknesses or challenges, provide context and explain how you’re trying to overcome them.

Questions about non-school interests

What do you like to read outside of school?
What else do you enjoy doing when you’re not at school?
What are your main passions right now? How do you think those might change or evolve in the future?

Advice: Be prepared to speak about your interests and passions in detail. Don’t feign interest or passion—schools will be able to detect this. If relevant, you might also show how your out-of-school interests connect with your school interests. This may not be necessary, though.

Questions about school interests and attitudes

What is your favourite school subject? Why is it your favourite?
What is your least favourite subject, and why do you dislike it?
What is your favourite part of the school day, and why?
Have you had any conflicts with students, teachers, and staff at school, and if so, how did you deal with them?

Advice: Make sure your answers are thoughtful and specific. For example, explain why you like a subject: “I like art, because I enjoy the creative process.” Don’t be too negative in expressing what you don’t like about a subject or other aspect of schools, as this can set off alarm bells (e.g.: ‘Does this student even like school?)

Questions about your fit for a school

Why are you interested in our school?
What makes you a good candidate?
What do you expect to get out of an education at our school?
Do you think you’re well-prepared for this school? In what ways?

Advice: Give concrete reasons for fit. For example, “I’m obsessed with science and would thrive in your STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program.” Never say or imply you’re applying to a school because your parents want you to. Schools want to see that you have a genuine desire to attend and aren’t being ‘sent’ to a school.

Questions about your values

What does it mean to be a good citizen?
What makes you a valuable member of the community?
Are you a good friend? In what ways?

Advice: Give honest and reflective answers. While you’ll need to discuss your thoughts about these issues, you don’t need to show have them all resolved. You might say “A good citizen certainly must be able take others’ perspectives and interests into account,” while conceding that there are other aspects to good citizenship as well, some of which you’re still figuring out.

Questions about the school

Do you have any questions for us?
Do you have questions about our school?

Advice: Be prepared with one or two questions. Ask something that shows you’re really interested in some feature of the school, such as academics, extracurriculars, or student life.

Six tips on nailing the interview

To the extent possible, find out the interview format ahead of time.
Private schools' interview processes differ. Some interview the child only—with or without the parents present, some interview both at once or consecutively. Some are very formal (such as for secondary school), while some are informal (such as for elementary school). Typically, schools will be very open about the interview format and answer specific questions, if you contact them beforehand.
Do your research about the school.
The more you and your child know about the school prior to the interview, the better. Learn as much as possible about their academics, special programs, extracurriculars, community and culture, and more. Doing your homework shows you’re taking the interview process seriously and have a genuine interest in attending. It also better prepares you for some of the questions the admissions team might ask.
Provide as much information as possible prior to the interview.
For example, in addition to required application materials, you might consider sending them reference letters, short statements about your child's abilities, interests, goals, and learning styles (prepared by you or your child). This shows you’re organized and interested, and makes it less likely you’ll be blindsided by questions.
Practice with your child.
Schools are looking for students with such desirable characteristics as a love of learning, willingness to contribute to the school community, and an affable personality. Practice will help your child clearly and comfortably express their strengths and interests. On the other hand, don’t over-rehearse answers. Schools don’t like answers that seemed pre-planned, as they want to genuinely get to know your child.
Be prepared with questions of your own.
The interview process is a two-way street, a time for you and your child to figure out how well your child would do at the school (academically, socially, etc.). As mentioned, take the time to come up with thoughtful, intelligent questions for administrators.
Be well-rested for the interview.
Once you’ve prepared in these ways for the interview, rest up. You and your child should get a goodnight’s sleep, eat a proper meal beforehand (with plenty of protein), and stay hydrated. This will help you and your child to be at your best come interview time.

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