GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR INTERVIEW “Interviewing can be a daunting process — sweaty palms go with the territory. In fact, nerves are a good sign. They show you care about doing well. We get it. We’re here to help you, not grill you, so take a deep breath and enjoy the conversation.” CLAUDE ANDERSON NMH Dean of Enrollment
“All boarding schools say they have close studentfaculty relationships and strong academic programs. To find a truly great match, families should also look at what sets a school apart — geography, history, size, student characteristics, and culture are all part of the picture. A school must demonstrate that it takes good students and helps them become better and smarter, giving them strong options in college and life.” HUGH SILBAUGH NMH Dean of Faculty
POINTS TO CONSIDER
Look at the learning program. While it’s
tempting to focus on a school’s college matriculation list, what you should really ask is whether a school can help students develop into their best selves. Is your child interested in mathematics? Check out the math department and connect with a faculty member. Consider the course offerings: Are there AP and honors courses? Does the school offer advanced and elective courses or interdisciplinary courses? Look for signs that a school focuses on the process of learning, not just on the outcomes.
As a family, do your homework. Check on teachers’ credentials. Talk to the admission office about how the school hires teachers: Look for depth of knowledge, passion for a subject, and a love of working with adolescents. Ask students at the school to characterize the faculty and to share stories about students and faculty living and learning together.
“Get the big picture. Ask the hard questions, and press for honest answers.” NICOLE HAGER NMH Dean of Students
Ask about the advising system. The quality of a school’s advising system can make or break the experience of a boarding student. An advisor typically meets weekly with advisees, helps them shape their academic schedule, and understands their goals and challenges. Advisors should be closely connected with parents, apprising them of progress and acting as a liaison to the school. Talking to parents of current students can help families get an authentic picture of what to expect. nmhschool.org/advice-from-experts
Which is the
BEST
school for you?
ASK THE EXPERTS
GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR INTERVIEW “Interviewing can be a daunting process — sweaty palms go with the territory. In fact, nerves are a good sign. They show you care about doing well. We get it. We’re here to help you, not grill you, so take a deep breath and enjoy the conversation.” CLAUDE ANDERSON NMH Dean of Enrollment
“All boarding schools say they have close studentfaculty relationships and strong academic programs. To find a truly great match, families should also look at what sets a school apart — geography, history, size, student characteristics, and culture are all part of the picture. A school must demonstrate that it takes good students and helps them become better and smarter, giving them strong options in college and life.” HUGH SILBAUGH NMH Dean of Faculty
POINTS TO CONSIDER
Look at the learning program. While it’s
tempting to focus on a school’s college matriculation list, what you should really ask is whether a school can help students develop into their best selves. Is your child interested in mathematics? Check out the math department and connect with a faculty member. Consider the course offerings: Are there AP and honors courses? Does the school offer advanced and elective courses or interdisciplinary courses? Look for signs that a school focuses on the process of learning, not just on the outcomes.
As a family, do your homework. Check on teachers’ credentials. Talk to the admission office about how the school hires teachers: Look for depth of knowledge, passion for a subject, and a love of working with adolescents. Ask students at the school to characterize the faculty and to share stories about students and faculty living and learning together.
“Get the big picture. Ask the hard questions, and press for honest answers.” NICOLE HAGER NMH Dean of Students
Ask about the advising system. The quality of a school’s advising system can make or break the experience of a boarding student. An advisor typically meets weekly with advisees, helps them shape their academic schedule, and understands their goals and challenges. Advisors should be closely connected with parents, apprising them of progress and acting as a liaison to the school. Talking to parents of current students can help families get an authentic picture of what to expect. nmhschool.org/advice-from-experts
Which is the
BEST
school for you?
ASK THE EXPERTS
GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR INTERVIEW “Interviewing can be a daunting process — sweaty palms go with the territory. In fact, nerves are a good sign. They show you care about doing well. We get it. We’re here to help you, not grill you, so take a deep breath and enjoy the conversation.” CLAUDE ANDERSON NMH Dean of Enrollment
“All boarding schools say they have close studentfaculty relationships and strong academic programs. To find a truly great match, families should also look at what sets a school apart — geography, history, size, student characteristics, and culture are all part of the picture. A school must demonstrate that it takes good students and helps them become better and smarter, giving them strong options in college and life.” HUGH SILBAUGH NMH Dean of Faculty
POINTS TO CONSIDER
Look at the learning program. While it’s
tempting to focus on a school’s college matriculation list, what you should really ask is whether a school can help students develop into their best selves. Is your child interested in mathematics? Check out the math department and connect with a faculty member. Consider the course offerings: Are there AP and honors courses? Does the school offer advanced and elective courses or interdisciplinary courses? Look for signs that a school focuses on the process of learning, not just on the outcomes.
As a family, do your homework. Check on teachers’ credentials. Talk to the admission office about how the school hires teachers: Look for depth of knowledge, passion for a subject, and a love of working with adolescents. Ask students at the school to characterize the faculty and to share stories about students and faculty living and learning together.
“Get the big picture. Ask the hard questions, and press for honest answers.” NICOLE HAGER NMH Dean of Students
Ask about the advising system. The quality of a school’s advising system can make or break the experience of a boarding student. An advisor typically meets weekly with advisees, helps them shape their academic schedule, and understands their goals and challenges. Advisors should be closely connected with parents, apprising them of progress and acting as a liaison to the school. Talking to parents of current students can help families get an authentic picture of what to expect. nmhschool.org/advice-from-experts
Which is the
BEST
school for you?
ASK THE EXPERTS
Making New Friends
Northfield Mount Hermon is eager to offer support as you research boarding
schools — whether you end up choosing NMH or not. Our admission officers and deans can help you find the best match for you and your unique academic abilities, talents, and interests.
QUESTIONS TO ASK What goes on beyond the What time do you wake up? classroom? A school’s academic Your schedule can dramatically
strength is the most important thing to consider, but in reality, you’ll spend more time outside the classroom than in it. The moments in your dorm, at the dining hall, on the athletic fields, or in the arts center help define boarding school life and help you develop as a human being. When you visit, make sure you like the feel of the spaces beyond the classroom. Are students smiling? Do they seem engaged? Are they interacting in a positive way with one another and with adults?
affect how you experience school. Some schools have highly structured schedules and requirements. Some offer flexibility, allowing students to make more choices about playing sports and other activities. When you visit a school, ask your tour guide how they spend their day. What time do they wake up? How much homework do they have? Do they have enough time to hang out with friends?
“Attending boarding school can be exciting and rewarding. There will be challenging courses to take, activities and clubs to join, and new friends from all across the globe for you to meet. But you may be wondering: Will I find others who share my interests? Will I understand their culture and will they understand mine? How do I get started on this journey?” METTA DAEL ’93 NMH Admission Counselor
Seek advice from student tour guides. Student guides
are not only great sources of information, they could also be your future friends. Ask them real questions, not just about facts and figures you can find on school websites. What do they like most about their lives at school? What would they change? Ask about their experiences making friends — the positives as well as the challenges.
Attend class visit days and open houses. It’s useful
to connect with faculty members about programs that interest you and it’s important to talk to students, too. Eat a meal in the dining hall. Attend a sporting event or a performance. See people in action and in their element. Do they seem happy and enthusiastic?
Stay connected after your visit. Many schools
provide opportunities for you to talk to students online, particularly after you have been admitted. Keep up the dialogue you started on campus. Ask the questions that come up after your visit. What is orientation like? Is it easy to join clubs and teams right away? What are the dorms like? You may also be able to chat online with other prospective students like you.
Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Of course you want to
make a good impression, but don’t show off with over-the-top questions. Regular, everyday conversations about shared interests are the best way to make new friends. And try hard to swallow your shyness. Put yourself out there!
Let us help you find your best school fit. Call the NMH Admission Office at 413-498-3227.
Top 10 Interview Tips 1 2 3
Schedule visits at nonpeak times, usually early in the admission season. Admission officers will have more time to focus on your needs and will likely remember more about you. Send any special information about yourself to the school at least a week ahead of your interview. This gives your admission officer a positive impression of you before you meet. If there’s any not-so-great information, offer it during the visit. If you’ve learned something from your less-than-stellar experience, say so. Hiding information won’t make you feel good.
4 5 6
See if the school feels right for you. Remember that both you and the interviewer are looking for a good fit.
7
Show your interest in learning — you’re applying to a college-
8
Plan to talk about something at the school that excites you. Show your enthusiasm during the interview.
Stand up and smile, give a firm handshake, and look your
interviewer in the eye when greeting him or her. The interview is a two-way street; meet the admission person halfway and you’ll get great results. prep school after all! What educational challenges are you most excited about?
Show yourself. Charismatic people may have a slight advantage in an interview because their personalities are readily visible. Reserved, thoughtful, analytical people often take more time to reveal themselves. Jump out of that box for the interview; take a risk.
9 10
Thank the interviewer. You get bonus points if you show appreciation, especially if you do so before your mother or father nudges you. If you spend time with a student host, be friendly yet respectful. Most admission offices get feedback from students, and it may influence the decision.
Making New Friends
Northfield Mount Hermon is eager to offer support as you research boarding
schools — whether you end up choosing NMH or not. Our admission officers and deans can help you find the best match for you and your unique academic abilities, talents, and interests.
QUESTIONS TO ASK What goes on beyond the What time do you wake up? classroom? A school’s academic Your schedule can dramatically
strength is the most important thing to consider, but in reality, you’ll spend more time outside the classroom than in it. The moments in your dorm, at the dining hall, on the athletic fields, or in the arts center help define boarding school life and help you develop as a human being. When you visit, make sure you like the feel of the spaces beyond the classroom. Are students smiling? Do they seem engaged? Are they interacting in a positive way with one another and with adults?
affect how you experience school. Some schools have highly structured schedules and requirements. Some offer flexibility, allowing students to make more choices about playing sports and other activities. When you visit a school, ask your tour guide how they spend their day. What time do they wake up? How much homework do they have? Do they have enough time to hang out with friends?
“Attending boarding school can be exciting and rewarding. There will be challenging courses to take, activities and clubs to join, and new friends from all across the globe for you to meet. But you may be wondering: Will I find others who share my interests? Will I understand their culture and will they understand mine? How do I get started on this journey?” METTA DAEL ’93 NMH Admission Counselor
Seek advice from student tour guides. Student guides
are not only great sources of information, they could also be your future friends. Ask them real questions, not just about facts and figures you can find on school websites. What do they like most about their lives at school? What would they change? Ask about their experiences making friends — the positives as well as the challenges.
Attend class visit days and open houses. It’s useful
to connect with faculty members about programs that interest you and it’s important to talk to students, too. Eat a meal in the dining hall. Attend a sporting event or a performance. See people in action and in their element. Do they seem happy and enthusiastic?
Stay connected after your visit. Many schools
provide opportunities for you to talk to students online, particularly after you have been admitted. Keep up the dialogue you started on campus. Ask the questions that come up after your visit. What is orientation like? Is it easy to join clubs and teams right away? What are the dorms like? You may also be able to chat online with other prospective students like you.
Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Of course you want to
make a good impression, but don’t show off with over-the-top questions. Regular, everyday conversations about shared interests are the best way to make new friends. And try hard to swallow your shyness. Put yourself out there!
Let us help you find your best school fit. Call the NMH Admission Office at 413-498-3227.
Top 10 Interview Tips 1 2 3
Schedule visits at nonpeak times, usually early in the admission season. Admission officers will have more time to focus on your needs and will likely remember more about you. Send any special information about yourself to the school at least a week ahead of your interview. This gives your admission officer a positive impression of you before you meet. If there’s any not-so-great information, offer it during the visit. If you’ve learned something from your less-than-stellar experience, say so. Hiding information won’t make you feel good.
4 5 6
See if the school feels right for you. Remember that both you and the interviewer are looking for a good fit.
7
Show your interest in learning — you’re applying to a college-
8
Plan to talk about something at the school that excites you. Show your enthusiasm during the interview.
Stand up and smile, give a firm handshake, and look your
interviewer in the eye when greeting him or her. The interview is a two-way street; meet the admission person halfway and you’ll get great results. prep school after all! What educational challenges are you most excited about?
Show yourself. Charismatic people may have a slight advantage in an interview because their personalities are readily visible. Reserved, thoughtful, analytical people often take more time to reveal themselves. Jump out of that box for the interview; take a risk.
9 10
Thank the interviewer. You get bonus points if you show appreciation, especially if you do so before your mother or father nudges you. If you spend time with a student host, be friendly yet respectful. Most admission offices get feedback from students, and it may influence the decision.
Making New Friends
Northfield Mount Hermon is eager to offer support as you research boarding
schools — whether you end up choosing NMH or not. Our admission officers and deans can help you find the best match for you and your unique academic abilities, talents, and interests.
QUESTIONS TO ASK What goes on beyond the What time do you wake up? classroom? A school’s academic Your schedule can dramatically
strength is the most important thing to consider, but in reality, you’ll spend more time outside the classroom than in it. The moments in your dorm, at the dining hall, on the athletic fields, or in the arts center help define boarding school life and help you develop as a human being. When you visit, make sure you like the feel of the spaces beyond the classroom. Are students smiling? Do they seem engaged? Are they interacting in a positive way with one another and with adults?
affect how you experience school. Some schools have highly structured schedules and requirements. Some offer flexibility, allowing students to make more choices about playing sports and other activities. When you visit a school, ask your tour guide how they spend their day. What time do they wake up? How much homework do they have? Do they have enough time to hang out with friends?
“Attending boarding school can be exciting and rewarding. There will be challenging courses to take, activities and clubs to join, and new friends from all across the globe for you to meet. But you may be wondering: Will I find others who share my interests? Will I understand their culture and will they understand mine? How do I get started on this journey?” METTA DAEL ’93 NMH Admission Counselor
Seek advice from student tour guides. Student guides
are not only great sources of information, they could also be your future friends. Ask them real questions, not just about facts and figures you can find on school websites. What do they like most about their lives at school? What would they change? Ask about their experiences making friends — the positives as well as the challenges.
Attend class visit days and open houses. It’s useful
to connect with faculty members about programs that interest you and it’s important to talk to students, too. Eat a meal in the dining hall. Attend a sporting event or a performance. See people in action and in their element. Do they seem happy and enthusiastic?
Stay connected after your visit. Many schools
provide opportunities for you to talk to students online, particularly after you have been admitted. Keep up the dialogue you started on campus. Ask the questions that come up after your visit. What is orientation like? Is it easy to join clubs and teams right away? What are the dorms like? You may also be able to chat online with other prospective students like you.
Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Of course you want to
make a good impression, but don’t show off with over-the-top questions. Regular, everyday conversations about shared interests are the best way to make new friends. And try hard to swallow your shyness. Put yourself out there!
Let us help you find your best school fit. Call the NMH Admission Office at 413-498-3227.
Top 10 Interview Tips 1 2 3
Schedule visits at nonpeak times, usually early in the admission season. Admission officers will have more time to focus on your needs and will likely remember more about you. Send any special information about yourself to the school at least a week ahead of your interview. This gives your admission officer a positive impression of you before you meet. If there’s any not-so-great information, offer it during the visit. If you’ve learned something from your less-than-stellar experience, say so. Hiding information won’t make you feel good.
4 5 6
See if the school feels right for you. Remember that both you and the interviewer are looking for a good fit.
7
Show your interest in learning — you’re applying to a college-
8
Plan to talk about something at the school that excites you. Show your enthusiasm during the interview.
Stand up and smile, give a firm handshake, and look your
interviewer in the eye when greeting him or her. The interview is a two-way street; meet the admission person halfway and you’ll get great results. prep school after all! What educational challenges are you most excited about?
Show yourself. Charismatic people may have a slight advantage in an interview because their personalities are readily visible. Reserved, thoughtful, analytical people often take more time to reveal themselves. Jump out of that box for the interview; take a risk.
9 10
Thank the interviewer. You get bonus points if you show appreciation, especially if you do so before your mother or father nudges you. If you spend time with a student host, be friendly yet respectful. Most admission offices get feedback from students, and it may influence the decision.