Questions to Ask Your Interviewer

8.3 Questions to Ask Your Interviewer

The "Do You Have Any Questions?" Trap

At the end of every interview, the admissions officer will lean back and ask, "So, do you have any questions for me?"

Most students shrug and say, "No, I think you covered everything."

This is a failed interview.

In elite admissions, curiosity is a key indicator of intelligence. Saying you have no questions suggests you haven't thought deeply about the school or, worse, that you don't care.

This moment is not just about getting information; it is your final opportunity to demonstrate that you are an engaged, thoughtful candidate who has done their homework.

1. The "Google Rule"

The golden rule of asking questions is simple: If you can find the answer on the school's website in 30 seconds, do not ask it.

Bad Questions (The "Googleable" List):

• "Does your school have a swim team?" (Check the athletics page).

• "How many AP classes do you offer?" (Check the curriculum guide).

• "What time does school start?" (Check the handbook).

Asking these questions tells the interviewer: "I did not research your school before walking in here."

2. Strategy A: The "Deep Dive" Question

The best questions connect a specific program at the school to a specific interest of the student. This shows you have researched the school and envisioned yourself there.

Formula: "I saw on your website that you have [Program X]. I'm really interested in [Interest Y]. Can you tell me more about how [Specific Aspect Z] works?"

Examples:

• For the Artist: "I read about your Senior Art Showcase. I love painting large-scale oils. Do students usually work on those projects during class time, or is that mostly independent study?"

• For the Scientist: "I saw you have a marine biology field trip. Is that open to freshmen, or do I have to wait until I take the AP Biology course?"

Why this works: It proves you read the website, but it asks for "insider" information that isn't written down.

3. Strategy B: The "Culture" Question

Admissions officers love talking about the "vibe" of their school. These questions allow the interviewer to tell a positive story, which leaves them feeling good about the conversation.

Examples:

• "What is the one tradition that every student looks forward to the most?"

• "I'm coming from a smaller school. What do you think is the biggest adjustment for new students joining in 9th grade?"

• "If you could describe the typical student here in three words, what would they be?"

Why this works: It shows social intelligence. It signals that the student cares about fitting in and contributing to the community, not just getting grades.

4. Strategy C: The "Personal" Question

People love talking about themselves. If the interview feels stiff, this is a great way to warm it up.

Examples:

• "I know you've worked here for a few years. What is your favorite thing about the school community?"

• "What's your favorite event on campus to attend?"

Why this works: It builds a human connection. If the interviewer smiles and shares a fond memory, they will subconsciously associate that positive feeling with your child.

5. The "Closer"

If the student panics and forgets everything, teach them this one "Safe" question that works at every single school:

"What is something about this school that you think makes it different from all the other schools in the area?"

It gives the admissions officer a chance to deliver their "sales pitch," and it usually leads to a very positive end to the meeting.

Summary: The Final Impression

The student should have 3 questions prepared mentally. They will likely only get to ask one or two, but having backups prevents the awkward silence if the interviewer accidentally answers the first one during the chat.

The Goal: Leave the room with the interviewer thinking, "That kid really wants to be here," not just "That kid wants to go to a private school."