Insider Tips for a Successful Singapore School Admission Interview

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As parents, one of the most nerve-wracking phases of getting your child into an international school is the admission interview. Schools use these interviews not just to gauge academic proficiency, but to understand the child’s personality, interests, and values. With the right preparation and approach, you can ensure your child puts their best foot forward. Let’s delve into some key insights and strategies that can make a world of difference.

Understanding the Purpose of the Interview:

Every educational institution has its unique ethos, vision, and mission. The aim of these interviews conducted by an international school in Singapore is not just to evaluate academic readiness but to understand if the student aligns well with the school’s values and culture.

Schools’ Perspective: They are looking for students who are curious, adaptable, and resilient. It’s about ensuring a good fit both ways.
Your Perspective: Understand what the school stands for. Research their mission statement, values, and the kind of students they pride themselves in nurturing.

Preparation is Key:

The adage’ practice makes perfect holds particularly true here. Ensuring your child is comfortable and prepared is crucial.

Mock Interviews: Conducting mock interviews at home can help familiarise your child with the process. Keep the setting formal to mimic the actual environment.
Discuss Potential Topics: Talk about their interests, hobbies, and any significant events or experiences that shaped them.
Stay Updated: If your child is transitioning to secondary school education, discuss current affairs or topics relevant to their age group. This will help in the interview and build their general knowledge.

Show Genuine Interest:

Schools appreciate students who are genuinely interested in being a part of their community.

School Research: Encourage your child to research the school. They could perhaps reference a particular programme or activity the school offers that piqued their interest.
Ask Questions: Prepare a list of questions they can ask at the end of the interview. It could be about school clubs, specific curriculums, or any support for areas they want to excel in.

Honesty and Authenticity:

Schools can easily identify rehearsed answers. It’s essential that your child remains genuine during the interview.

Personal Stories: Encourage your child to share personal anecdotes. It showcases their personality better than generic answers.
Discuss Failures: Often, discussing a setback and what they learnt from it can be more valuable than discussing successes.

Maintaining Etiquette:

The basics often leave a lasting impression.

Punctuality: Arriving a little ahead of time shows eagerness and respect for the interviewer’s time.
Dress Appropriately: While it isn’t necessary to be overly formal, dressing neatly makes a positive statement.
Politeness: Simple courtesies like greeting the interviewer and thanking them at the end are crucial.

Handling Nerves: Managing Pre-Interview Anxiety:

An overlooked aspect of the admissions process is the nervousness and anxiety children can experience. This nervousness isn’t just common; it’s natural. Whether they’re transitioning to an international school in Singapore or diving into secondary school education, it’s a big step! Engaging in mindfulness exercises, ensuring they get a good night’s sleep, and having an open conversation about their fears can be transformative in helping them calm those jitters.

The Role of Parents: Providing Reassurance and Support:

The school interview isn’t just about the child; it’s a family journey. As primary pillars of support, parents play an instrumental role in shaping their child’s mindset. Offering words of encouragement, being a sounding board for their thoughts, and even sharing personal experiences can provide comfort. Remember, your confidence in them instils a deeper belief in their own abilities and potential.

Post-interview Reflection:

Once the interview is over, it’s a good practice to reflect on it.

Discuss with Your Child: Ask your child how they felt, if there were questions they found challenging, and what they enjoyed about the process.
Feedback Loop: Your child’s insights can be valuable for other parents in your community prepping for similar interviews.

Summing Up

In conclusion, while securing a spot at a sought-after international school can be competitive, with the right preparation and mindset, your child can navigate the admission interview confidently. Remember, it’s as much about showcasing academic potential as it is about reflecting personal values and character. Here’s wishing your child all the best in their educational journey!

Omar Borkan