10 answers
Norbert
Student
Newark, New Jersey
8
Questions
Asked
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Advice for student interviews?
I am currently applying to magnet high schools in my area. Is there any advice for interviews, or maybe the entire process as a whole? How to answer likely questions, how to be confident/calm, how to have stories that you can use for the interview, etc? Anything will help.
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9 answers
Irelis Rodriguez
Self published author
16
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Irelis’s Answer
For interview for your magnet school, they want a student to be prepared and mature enough that takes their education seriously.
So first, they want someone who is dressed appropriately in a school environment and use manners when they are introduced, they will ask question about why you applied to this specific school and what makes this school different from the others, you will answer that question in a way that represents your goals and aspirations of coming to the magnet school, they will ask questions about you and your education/career history.
And lastly if you have any questions for them, you can ask them because they do appreciate your time for being there and they want you to take all the information that they got for you to prepare for the school year.
And if you are nervous for the interview, that is okay, take a deep breath and relax your mind while waiting for the interview, always eat something small like fruit, granola bars or yogurt to keep your stomach full in the meantime, and once you finished the interview, reward yourself a meal afterwards.
So first, they want someone who is dressed appropriately in a school environment and use manners when they are introduced, they will ask question about why you applied to this specific school and what makes this school different from the others, you will answer that question in a way that represents your goals and aspirations of coming to the magnet school, they will ask questions about you and your education/career history.
And lastly if you have any questions for them, you can ask them because they do appreciate your time for being there and they want you to take all the information that they got for you to prepare for the school year.
And if you are nervous for the interview, that is okay, take a deep breath and relax your mind while waiting for the interview, always eat something small like fruit, granola bars or yogurt to keep your stomach full in the meantime, and once you finished the interview, reward yourself a meal afterwards.
Petra Robinson, MBA
Recruiter
3
Answers
Irmo, South Carolina
Updated
Petra’s Answer
Before an interview, my high school band director advised me to prepare physically to ease any nerves. She suggested pushing against a wall or striking a superhero pose until you feel confident.
To answer questions effectively, research common interview questions beforehand. Reflect on your school experiences, like academics, group projects, sports, clubs, and leadership roles, to create example answers. Having prepared responses can help you feel ready and confident during the interview. Use these examples as a guide, but don't try to force an answer if it doesn't fit.
To answer questions effectively, research common interview questions beforehand. Reflect on your school experiences, like academics, group projects, sports, clubs, and leadership roles, to create example answers. Having prepared responses can help you feel ready and confident during the interview. Use these examples as a guide, but don't try to force an answer if it doesn't fit.
Jen Farmer
HR Technology
4
Answers
Birmingham, Alabama
Updated
Jen’s Answer
Be prepared with some stories and examples about yourself, whether it be leadership, interests, etc. In most cases, you can pull from those for any question you get asked. Be yourself. A healthy amount if nerves are expected but just remember to be yourself and answer honestly. Always spin your answers with a positive vibe. Help them see your desire to always be learning and growing.
Brian Higgins
Product Manager
2
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Brian’s Answer
I have interviewed a lot of job candidates in my career and have had the joy of hiring many of them. While this is a little different than a Magnet School Interview, I think there are many parallels that I would like to share.
1. It's normal to feel anxious because this is something that means a lot to you and you want to do well. The best tool that I can recommend for this is to rehearse with family and friends until you feel comfortable with the process. You can search the internet for common questions and then rehearse like you would for the interview. You will find yourself getting more and more at ease and when the time comes for the real interview, it wont feel like the first time.
2. The interviewer is trying to determine whether your background makes you a good fit for their school. You can make their job easier by thinking through how your answers will make that job easier for them. Do your homework and learn about the school(s). If there are things that make you excited about the school, don't be afraid to share that. This energy goes a long way toward making you stand out.
3. Don't feel rushed to answer questions. When the interviewer asks you something, don't be afraid to take a breath and think about your answer. It will feel awkward but those 2-3 seconds will give you time to collect your thoughts and will make a difference with your response. Believe it or not, from an interviewer's perspective this will feel like you are thoughtful in your responses and this is a plus.
4. The best interviews are bi-directional where both parties have a chance to ask questions. Make a list of questions that you have about the school, their programs, what makes them special, or anything else that comes up while looking into them. This is a great opportunity to standout and to get your questions answered at the same time.
Best of luck to you in this!
1. It's normal to feel anxious because this is something that means a lot to you and you want to do well. The best tool that I can recommend for this is to rehearse with family and friends until you feel comfortable with the process. You can search the internet for common questions and then rehearse like you would for the interview. You will find yourself getting more and more at ease and when the time comes for the real interview, it wont feel like the first time.
2. The interviewer is trying to determine whether your background makes you a good fit for their school. You can make their job easier by thinking through how your answers will make that job easier for them. Do your homework and learn about the school(s). If there are things that make you excited about the school, don't be afraid to share that. This energy goes a long way toward making you stand out.
3. Don't feel rushed to answer questions. When the interviewer asks you something, don't be afraid to take a breath and think about your answer. It will feel awkward but those 2-3 seconds will give you time to collect your thoughts and will make a difference with your response. Believe it or not, from an interviewer's perspective this will feel like you are thoughtful in your responses and this is a plus.
4. The best interviews are bi-directional where both parties have a chance to ask questions. Make a list of questions that you have about the school, their programs, what makes them special, or anything else that comes up while looking into them. This is a great opportunity to standout and to get your questions answered at the same time.
Best of luck to you in this!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2430
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Below are a few questions the interviewer may ask :
1. Introduce yourself - You can briefly take about your background. Don't make it too long.
2. Why do you interest to study on the school? - You can do some research on the school articulate what aspect of the school you appreciate.
3. What is your hobbies or interest? - You can find out what the strength of the school. If you have any hobbies / interest, etc. that is relevant, you can highlight it.
4. What extra curricular activities you have interest?
5. What are your favorite subjects?
This is not an exhaustive list. You can think about more and prepare.
On the other hand, dress appropriate for the interview and arrive the venue punctually.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
1. Introduce yourself - You can briefly take about your background. Don't make it too long.
2. Why do you interest to study on the school? - You can do some research on the school articulate what aspect of the school you appreciate.
3. What is your hobbies or interest? - You can find out what the strength of the school. If you have any hobbies / interest, etc. that is relevant, you can highlight it.
4. What extra curricular activities you have interest?
5. What are your favorite subjects?
This is not an exhaustive list. You can think about more and prepare.
On the other hand, dress appropriate for the interview and arrive the venue punctually.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Michelle Weller
Human Resources
1
Answer
Williamsburg, Virginia
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
I would recommend the following:
1. As far as introductions, share why you are interested in the school and why you would be a great fit.
2. Review the school qualifications or why you want to attend the school. Prepare responses for what you would like to brag about. Then practice how you would share your examples (record yourself to see if there are any changes you would like to make).
3. Speak clearly and ask for clarification if needed. If you need a moment to think about your answer, just let them know you need a moment.
4. If there are any gaps in your experience that may raise questions, think about responses for those in advance as well. This will help you maintain your cool as the questions come up.
5. Remember the the school is looking to fill the spots as much as you are looking to fill it!
As others have shared, dressing appropriate is important. If there is a dress code for the school, that would be a good rule of thumb. If not, make sure your outfit is not a distraction.
Hope this help and good luck!
1. As far as introductions, share why you are interested in the school and why you would be a great fit.
2. Review the school qualifications or why you want to attend the school. Prepare responses for what you would like to brag about. Then practice how you would share your examples (record yourself to see if there are any changes you would like to make).
3. Speak clearly and ask for clarification if needed. If you need a moment to think about your answer, just let them know you need a moment.
4. If there are any gaps in your experience that may raise questions, think about responses for those in advance as well. This will help you maintain your cool as the questions come up.
5. Remember the the school is looking to fill the spots as much as you are looking to fill it!
As others have shared, dressing appropriate is important. If there is a dress code for the school, that would be a good rule of thumb. If not, make sure your outfit is not a distraction.
Hope this help and good luck!
Kandace Turner
Sales Optimization
6
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Kandace’s Answer
Think of an interview as your chance to share your personal brand — who you are, how you show up, and why you care.
Start with the basics. Make eye contact, offer a firm handshake (if appropriate), smile, and sit up straight. These small things send a big message: confidence, respect, and readiness. Even if you’re nervous, confident body language helps calm your mind.
Dress a little more professionally than you think you need to — being slightly overdressed shows effort and that you take the opportunity seriously. It’s always better to look prepared than casual.
When answering questions, be yourself and use short stories when you can. Think ahead about moments where you showed leadership, worked hard, helped others, or overcame a challenge. You don’t need perfect answers — interviewers are looking for effort, honesty, and how you think. PREPARE! It pays off and people notice. Think through your strengths and opportunities for improvement.
Show genuine interest in them and the school. Listen carefully, don’t interrupt, and respond thoughtfully. If they ask, “Do you have any questions for me?” the answer should always be yes. Prepare a few ahead of time, like:
- “What do successful students here do differently?”
- “What do you enjoy most about this school?”
- “What opportunities do students get that make this program special?”
One important tip many people miss: it’s okay to say you want this. In sales, there’s a rule — ask for the business — and interviews aren’t that different. You can confidently say something like, “I would really love the opportunity to attend this school,” or “This program is my top choice.” That enthusiasm matters. You can also ask about next steps, like “When will I hear back?” It shows maturity and confidence.
Finally, remember this: interviews are conversations, not interrogations. They already see your potential on paper — this is your chance to show your character, curiosity, and commitment.
These are great rules of thumb for any interview — school, college, internships, or jobs. The more you practice now, the more confident you’ll be later.
Start with the basics. Make eye contact, offer a firm handshake (if appropriate), smile, and sit up straight. These small things send a big message: confidence, respect, and readiness. Even if you’re nervous, confident body language helps calm your mind.
Dress a little more professionally than you think you need to — being slightly overdressed shows effort and that you take the opportunity seriously. It’s always better to look prepared than casual.
When answering questions, be yourself and use short stories when you can. Think ahead about moments where you showed leadership, worked hard, helped others, or overcame a challenge. You don’t need perfect answers — interviewers are looking for effort, honesty, and how you think. PREPARE! It pays off and people notice. Think through your strengths and opportunities for improvement.
Show genuine interest in them and the school. Listen carefully, don’t interrupt, and respond thoughtfully. If they ask, “Do you have any questions for me?” the answer should always be yes. Prepare a few ahead of time, like:
- “What do successful students here do differently?”
- “What do you enjoy most about this school?”
- “What opportunities do students get that make this program special?”
One important tip many people miss: it’s okay to say you want this. In sales, there’s a rule — ask for the business — and interviews aren’t that different. You can confidently say something like, “I would really love the opportunity to attend this school,” or “This program is my top choice.” That enthusiasm matters. You can also ask about next steps, like “When will I hear back?” It shows maturity and confidence.
Finally, remember this: interviews are conversations, not interrogations. They already see your potential on paper — this is your chance to show your character, curiosity, and commitment.
These are great rules of thumb for any interview — school, college, internships, or jobs. The more you practice now, the more confident you’ll be later.
Tracy Sas
Tech Operations Product Owner
5
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Tracy’s Answer
Norbert, you have some great questions about being confident and having stories ready.
To stay calm and confident, think about things you really enjoy like sports, video games, or cooking. How do you feel when you talk about these with friends? Do you get excited and forget about being nervous? For example, when I watch an amazing football game, I get excited to share why it was so good. This excitement makes me forget about being nervous. When you're being interviewed for a magnet high school, remind yourself of things you've done well or really enjoy doing. This will help calm your nerves and make you feel more confident.
To create a story, think about something in school or life that was great or challenging. What made it that way? What did you do to handle it? How did it change you? These stories show your ability to think critically and overcome challenges. Also, talk about team successes and how you helped others or how they helped you.
Good luck!
To stay calm and confident, think about things you really enjoy like sports, video games, or cooking. How do you feel when you talk about these with friends? Do you get excited and forget about being nervous? For example, when I watch an amazing football game, I get excited to share why it was so good. This excitement makes me forget about being nervous. When you're being interviewed for a magnet high school, remind yourself of things you've done well or really enjoy doing. This will help calm your nerves and make you feel more confident.
To create a story, think about something in school or life that was great or challenging. What made it that way? What did you do to handle it? How did it change you? These stories show your ability to think critically and overcome challenges. Also, talk about team successes and how you helped others or how they helped you.
Good luck!
Yoav Traeger
Bid Manager
95
Answers
Kiryat Ono, Tel Aviv District
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
It is completely normal to feel those pre-interview jitters, but the fact that you're already asking these questions shows you have the drive to succeed in the program. When it comes to the interview, the best thing you can do is think of it as a conversation where you're sharing your story rather than just taking a test. To stay calm, try to remember that the interviewers aren't looking for a perfect person, they're looking for someone who's curious and passionate about learning. You can prepare by picking out three or four specific moments from middle school where you overcame a challenge or worked really hard on a project, because these stories are much more memorable than just giving a one-sentence answer. When they ask why you want to attend their school, try to mention something specific about their curriculum or a club they offer that truly excites you, as that shows you've done your homework. If you get stuck on a question, it's totally okay to take a breath and say that's a great question, let me think about that for a second, which actually makes you look thoughtful and mature. Just be your authentic self and let your natural interest in the school shine through, and you'll do great. You've already accomplished so much just by getting to this stage, and you've got every reason to be proud of yourself. Good luck.