LD: Hello, Mr. Heminway. Thank you for taking the time to chat with me today. With almost 30 years’ experience as the director of admissions at City of London School I am very excited to be able to pick your brains. Firstly, why do schools interview?
DH: Having the exam results already, schools know what the candidates are like on paper. But now they want to see the candidates. Are they the right fit for that particular school? Academic powerhouses want really bright kids; of course they do. These schools are the pick of the bunch and they want the pick of the pupils, too. They want to know if your child would love to disappear upstairs with the latest novel and devour it for hours so that you have to drag them downstairs for something to eat. These schools want to know whether your child would prefer to open a book, do a puzzle, find something out, or create something rather than look at a soap on the TV. Maths? Of course he’ll like Maths. Getting to the bottom of a problem and working it out is fun. Knowing the capital cities of obscure countries is something to be proud of. You could beat your friend in a quiz. Yes, knowledge really is power!
What else are schools looking for?
It’s not only knowledge. Some children soak up detail, but can they think for themselves? Can they think outside the box? Can they bite back? Schools often set moral dilemmas and get the candidate to argue the case. Does your child like discussing things? Can he think through his opinions? Can she justify her views? To help prepare for this, talk about issues at supper? Don’t eat in silence!
All the best schools love music, art, drama and sport. They spend vast sums of money and lots of time on these things. And they focus on the pursuit of excellence. Schools look for children who can contribute in these spheres, add to the talent pool of the school, demonstrate some expertise.
But remember that schools are trying also to discover what your child is like as a person. Are they going to be good to have round? Will they be part of the community? Cheerful, friendly, ‘open’? Part of the interview will probably be just a social chat. It’s nice to hear them talk about their hobbies, interests, friends, travel, anything as long as it’s with enthusiasm, especially if they can convey that enthusiasm.
What are the don'ts?
Like X Factor, this is your child’s big chance. Tell your child some don’ts. Don’t slink into the room, eyes down. Don’t sit down until asked. Don’t look embarrassed or irritated. Don’t give the impression you’re there because you have to be. Please don’t yawn! Don’t keep looking around the room or fidget. If they give you a piece of paper to read, don’t start nervously curling up the edges (they’ll want to use the paper again!). Don’t mumble. Don’t mutter to yourself. Don’t tut under your breath when faced with a problem, as if it’s a nuisance.
Don't dodge questions. Don’t say I don’t like school; I don’t like English, or maths, or some of the teachers, or sport, or the long day. Don’t admit to being bored or tired. Even if you are! And also, don't be cocky about your achievements: that really goes down like a lead balloon. As once the Director of Admissions of an academic London day school, believe me, I came across all these things!
What are the dos?
There is, of course, no such thing as the perfect candidate but here are some tips to help your child to interview well.
Check your appearance. Knock and wait until asked before entering the room. Shake hands. Look the interviewer in the eye (but don’t stare). Smile and say hello. Hello Miss, hello Sir, is a nice sign of respect. Wait to be asked to sit. Appear eager but not on edge. Be cheerful and receptive. Smile. Listen carefully to the questions and don’t rush. Try not to guess wildly - especially when doing mental arithmetic - but have a think before answering. Speak out confidently but don’t sound like an actor. You’ll almost certainly enjoy the interview anyway but please look as if you are. Show the interviewer that you are enthusiastic and enjoy thinking and learning. Keep the conversation going. Bring in new information. Develop your points. What you’re trying to do is to engage the interviewer in conversation. You can even get the interviewer to think and be challenged him or herself, though don’t become argumentative.
It is always a pleasure to have come across a pupil who is genuinely excited at the prospect of joining a new school, who is eager learn and curious about the world. As Director of Admissions, if I had enjoyed talking with the candidate, then he would certainly have been offered a place.
How do schools make their final decisions?
After all the interviews had been done we would have a big meeting. We already had the candidates ranked in order from the entrance exams. Then we would go through each name and the interviewers would report back, using the notes they made at interview. Comments such as: “quick-thinking, friendly, able to develop an argument, teachable, interesting, cheerful, willing, enthusiastic” all helped a candidate to improve his ranking. “Dull, slow, unenthusiastic, inattentive, too quiet, un-engaged” had the reverse effect.
Lastly. Don’t be afraid of the interview. Schools are friendly places and admissions staff are genuinely interested in what they do. They want to see the girls and boys in their best light and will do everything they can to put their candidates at ease. Whether it’s a one-to-one interview or a team or class activity, it will be friendly. Good luck!
Thank you, David.
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