The selective entry exam is a crucial milestone for many students, and students often prepare for months leading up to it. The majority of students attain a place in one of the four schools by just the exam alone. However, a number of students who were close to selection but didn’t quite make the cut are invited back to attend a selective entry interview with the principal. This is not an offer of a place! Based on their performance at the interview, these students are shortlisted and may then receive an offer. These offers form the principal’s discretion category.
To ensure a spot in these schools, it is crucial that students understand what is required of them in these interview stages, and the best people who can help with that are their parents and guardians; so here’s what you can do!
What is the big mistake we need to avoid in the selective entry interview?
The majority of parents and students make the error of showing off their academic achievements in these interviews – however, this is the exact opposite of what the panel is looking for! They want to see what students can bring to the school other than knowledge. They already know how you will cope academically – by the time of the interview, you’ve already taken the exam.
What should we highlight in the interview?
It’s much better to focus on your extracurriculars such as sports, leadership or volunteering. Trends show that the overwhelming majority of successful interview applicants do one or more extracurriculars outside of school. Parents should keep this in mind whilst helping their child prepare for the exam.
Further, the panel is looking for students who are passionate about their learning, rather than being forced to study. It is crucial that students understand why they are truly there, and how the selective school can benefit their educational journey and their post-school lives. It is only when students acknowledge their true intent that they succeed in persuading the panel to accept them.
The mistakes that help you
Although counter-intuitive, it is extremely important that students can talk about their mistakes and weaknesses well. Parents can help by discussing this with their children, and continually holding reflection sessions so students understand how to look back on their learning. Schools like to see this as it shows improvement over time, as well as also showing that students understand their future steps in their learning.
Overall, it is vital that students recognise the need to prepare for not only the selective exam but also the interview by engaging in reflection, self-motivation, and extra curricular activities. Even if you do well enough on the exams that the interview portion isn’t needed, this self-reflection will stand you in good stead. It not only creates a more well rounded student, but also a better candidate for selective entry high schools.
Our High Impact Learning Process includes teaching you how to tell your personal story fluently and effectively in interview environments. If you’d like to chat to our exam experts about how best to approach this portion of the selective entry process, why not take our free diagnostic and book in a free feedback session?
