5 Common Mistakes Children Make in Private School Admission Interviews—And How to Fix Them

Mar 6

Private school admission interviews can feel like a big deal for both parents and children. It’s natural for kids to feel nervous or unsure of what to say, but some common mistakes can make a big difference in the impression they leave. Fortunately, with a little preparation, children can approach interviews with confidence and ease.

Here are some of the most frequent missteps—and how to avoid them:

1. Saying "I Don’t Know" Instead of Expanding

Question: “Can you tell me what is happening in this picture?”

**Good Answer:**

“I’m not sure, but I think the girl is helping her friend because she is holding out her hand.”

Many children default to saying "I don’t know" when they feel uncertain, but interviewers aren’t expecting perfection—they want to see how children think. Encouraging kids to talk through their thoughts, even if they’re unsure, demonstrates curiosity and effort.

2. Forgetting Eye Contact & Polite Words

Question: “Why do you want to join our school?”

**Wrong Answer:**

(Looks down, mumbles) “Umm... I don’t know. It looks fun.”

**Good Answer:**

(Smiles, makes eye contact) “I really liked visiting the school! Everyone was kind, and I loved the art in the classrooms.”

Eye contact and basic politeness go a long way in making a strong impression. Even young children can practice looking up when speaking and using polite greetings and farewells.

3. Not Showing Cooperation & Teamwork

Puzzle Activity: The interviewer gives a jigsaw puzzle to two children and asks them to complete it together.

**Wrong Answer:**

“I’ll do it myself. I’m faster!”

**Good Answer:**

“Let’s sort the edges first! Do you want to find the corner pieces while I look for the edges?”

Many private school interviews include interactive activities to assess how children collaborate. Kids who insist on doing things alone may seem uncooperative, while those who invite teamwork demonstrate emotional intelligence and adaptability.

4. Giving One-Word Answers

Question: “What’s your favorite book?”

**Good Answer:**

“I love *Harry Potter* because the characters are really exciting, and I like the way the story takes you into a whole different world!”

Interviewers want to hear more than just one-word responses. If children struggle to elaborate, they may come across as uninterested or disengaged.

5. Speaking Too Quickly or Too Softly

Question: “Tell me about your favorite subject in school.”

**Wrong Answer:**

(Mumbles quickly) “Math, I like it.”

**Good Answer:**

(Takes a breath, speaks clearly) “I really enjoy math because I love solving puzzles and figuring out how numbers work together!”

Nerves often make kids rush through their answers or speak too quietly. This can make it hard for interviewers to understand them and may suggest a lack of confidence.

Final Thoughts

Private school interviews are not just about testing knowledge—they’re about seeing how children think, communicate, and interact. By practicing these key skills, children can feel more confident and prepared.

🌟 Want to help your child feel confident in interviews? Contact our team for a free consultation and make the application season stress-free!

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