What is your favorite subject? Why do you like it?
There is a near-100% chance you will get this question in your admissions interview. After all, this interview is about your desired high school experience! There’s no wrong answer; just be prepared to explain why a subject is your favorite. What do you find so interesting about it? What’s an assignment you especially enjoyed doing? Again, use specific examples as much as you can.
What are three things you’d like to improve upon?
Asking this question is useful for gauging a candidate’s level of self-awareness. While it’s never easy to admit shortcomings, students who can acknowledge their areas of opportunity are likely to dedicate energy to making necessary improvements.
What do you like to read? What is your favorite book?
This is a question people often overthink—from high school interviews all the way to job interviews! If you have a favorite book that you can speak passionately about, that’s great, but you don’t need to find a book that perfectly encapsulates everything about you. Talking about your favorite book that you read recently shows that you’re an engaged learner.
In the spotlight:
Manitoba private schools Find a list of private schools in Manitoba here (December 16, 2022)
Saskatchewan private schools Find a list of private schools in Saskatchewan here (December 16, 2022)
Saskatoon private schools Find a list of private schools in Saskatoon here (December 16, 2022)
Online schools and distance learning Schools that are fully online versus schools that offer part-time online learning (December 14, 2022)
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme What the IB Programme is and what it offers (December 14, 2022)
Questions about your suitability for a school
To determine whether you’re a good fit, you may be asked why you’re interested in attending, how you can benefit from a school, and what you will bring to it.
Tips: Give specific reasons for why you’re a good fit. For instance, “I’ve always been interested in social justice and am excited to take part in your community service program.” Don’t say you’re applying to a school “because your parents want you to.” And avoid ‘bootlicking’: “Ive heard your school is the best.”
Many schools like to get a sense of some of your core beliefs and values. They’ll want to learn whether they square with their own.
Tips: Give honest and reflective answers. Avoid non-starters such as “I don’t know.” On the other hand, you don’t want to oversimplify things, with short, curt answers, such as “that’s easy, I wouldn’t let him copy my homework.” Give details: explain why.
Don’t be surprised if you’re asked if you have any questions about a school. This is a common way to gauge your level of interest. It can also reveal what interests you about the school.
Tips: It’s normally a mistake to answer “no.” 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.