Independent HS interview clothes

momof3sons
Tue, 05 Dec 2006 20:15:16 +0000

OK, we ate dinner a little later than usual tonight so I am late with the response of my two 14 year old sons who have had the experience of interviewing for admission to independent day schools. Over dinner I presented the scenario to them and these were some of the comments I got as to whether the OP’s son should wear shorts for the interview. “Just, no.” “Bad first impression.” “If you walk in wearing shorts it says ‘I’m doing an ordinary everyday thing.’” Another thing they said, translated into “momspeak” was “once you’re in, then be the iconoclast. Then you can wear shorts and flip flops. No one will care.”

If it is important to your son to switch schools, he has to trust you on this one. He’s right that the interviewer shouldn’t care how he’s dressed, but on some level the interviewer will take note. Something my sons have grown up doing is auditioning for piano competitions and All County brass competitions. They always wear a jacket, tie and slacks to the auditions. Never jeans. They are certainly in the minority doing this but they are now old enough to fully agree that this “dress code” conveys a seriousness of purpose. They are looking for any edge they can get by conveying that they take the audition seriously. Even they roll their eyes when they see how some kids are dressed. Good luck with your persuasion.

Go with the blue checked shirt with the khakis. Shirt tucked in, with a belt if he has one.