<p>I did an interview this morning with Peddie, and I guess it was way too early in the morning. The director of the admission committee was the one who interviewed me, and sounded very DULL if you know what I mean. He asked me “What sports would you like to play in our school?”, then I answered “When I go to Peddie, I’d like to try new sports like squash…” and I went on about squash. My heart literally stopped beating when he said “Well…We do not have a squash program in Peddie…”. I was like…“■■■■…”. Before this happened, I thought this was one of the best interviews I’ve ever done so far, but now looking back to myself, I feel extremely insecure.LOL He didn’t seem to be actually listening to me after this, so I pretty much gave up on this school…LOL I know that this will definitely hurt my application, but is this something PRETTY bad? Has anyone done the same mistake? LOL</p>
<p>Don’t worry. I did the same thing at Deerfield with sking. They don’t care. You’re just geting all worked up about it. I’m sure you will be fine. Good luck on March 10th!!!</p>
<p>Well, it shows you didn’t do your research. Not sure how much they’ll hold that against someone who’s thirteen, but it would kill you with colleges.</p>
<p>DUDE! You missed the opportunity of a lifetime!</p>
<p>When he said, “Well…We do not have a squash program in Peddie…”</p>
<p>The answer was: “Yes, and that’s why I’m going to start the program!”</p>
<p>Seriously, though, you weren’t talking about how you’re going to dazzle them with your awesome squash skills. You were talking about new experiences…with squash being an example. I understand that situation from being on both ends of the (mainly job) interview scene. And I know it’s hard to do, but trust me when I say that in this situation the interviewer understands and won’t hold that against you.</p>
<p>If you were claiming you’re a world class squash player…that would be bad because then his answer would mean that it’s all over for you and Peddie. But you’re saying you’re open to new things. By definition it implies that you’re not familiar with it. And who’d expect you to know what sports Peddie doesn’t have? Especially if you’re coming up with the names of sports that have up to now been off your radar.</p>
<p>Or let me put it another way. Would you have felt bad if the situation came up like this?..</p>
<p>YOU: “I’m interested in trying out new sports. Like squash. Do you have a squash program at Peddie?”</p>
<p>INTERVIEWER: “Well…We do not have a squash program in Peddie…”</p>
<p>Basically, if you’re guilty of anything, it was not seeking information in the form of a question. Remember, the interview is not just a time for the interviewer to get to know you. One of the things about interviewing that’s often overlooked is that it’s a great opportunity for you to get to know the school better. And just as much as you want to make sure the school learns everything important about you, the interviewer takes satisfaction in conveying information to you about the school that you didn’t know.</p>
<p>And this is not like you talking about Peddie and the wonderful weather in Massachusetts and getting the response: “Well…Peddie’s in New Jersey, not Massachusetts…” This wasn’t a “You’re so clueless!” moment. It was a “Well, here’s something about our school that you didn’t know.”</p>
<p>Of course you don’t know every little detail about the school.</p>
<p>If you’re interview went well otherwise – and if you didn’t let that moment totally derail you – I’m sure it is totally cool the way that went down.</p>
<p>I don’t see this as being bad at all. You just missed out on some style points you could have scored by 1) not being too afraid to ask questions; and/or 2) giving him the “I can start the team!” response that would earn “humor/quick thinking/shows initiative” points. If you’re hellbent on sweating over this, it would be the missed chance. I see ZERO damage to you and your application.</p>
<p>ZERO.</p>
<p>(Oooh…one more point…because, if it still bothers you, you still can recover with wit and charm about this in your Thank You note! List all the oddball sports that you’d love to start. Or if you’re not comfortable with humor, ask him what sorts of sports he’d recommend that someone who’s adventurous should try at Peddie. OH and if I were you I’d delete the DULL comment and the “I’ve given up on this school” comment from your own post.)</p>
<p>BTW…I’ll delete the above parenthetical once I see that you’ve read it.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>EDIT: Nevermind.</p>
<p>ah, sangzog im sure thats happened to everyone. sometimes it just isnt ur day iguess- everyone has those. i did too on one of my interviews (haha im not saying which one!)
is it ur first choice tho? if it isnt then oh well, at least youll know for next time 
oh btw dyer maker good post there :D</p>
<p>i didn’t have a good intervoeiw with sps on the phone. worst interview yet. wans;t BAD at all relaly… just lukewarm. my other interviewers like, gushed over me and we talked forever and this one was just like… okay, next question… next question… i did make her laugh a bit, but it was very lukewarm… hm. i don’t think i’ll get int there.</p>
<p>Don’t sweat it. During my Westover interview I took off my shoes and sat cross-legged on the couch, and I STILL got in.</p>
<p>Seriously, it’s not a big deal.</p>
<p>blair, doesn’t SPS only admit like five juniors?</p>
<p>3 boys, 3 girls… 120-125 apply… lol. ~5%</p>
<p>Wow…</p>
<p>It would be such an accomplishment if you were to be accepted. Good luck!</p>
<p>What is your first choice?</p>
<p>i dont realy have a first choice anymore…
i realy like tabor though… i would be really happy there</p>
<p>WOW 3 boys and 3 girls?? 4 of my friends here are applying as a junior in SPS too! 2 of them are twins, and they are crazy smart. It should be EXTREMELY competitive…I wish blairt good luck as well as other people who are applying to SPS LOL
BTW blairt you have some awesome things in your stat I’m jealous of you LOL :D</p>
<p>wait what do you mean? what’s great (beside the 4/0/98% ssat)? i thought everything else was a bit eh…</p>
<p>Okay… I take back what I said above… Now I’m beginning to gain my conscious LOL I now feel that I’ll definitely have chance in Peddie. I just sent my thank you note saying that I wish to be the first one to start the squash team.</p>
<p>sangzog, do you currently attend a prep school?</p>
<p>Deerfield has a skiing team…</p>
<p>Nope. I am attending public school in Vancouver, Canada. My current school is actually well-known for its academic and athletic excellence in our province, but as you see, I definitely do not feel the same way. The only thing I’ll miss from our school if I get accepted to boarding schools is our music program. Our school band and choir annually goes on a trip (international trip for one year/ banff trip for one year, and so on). I actually applied to few private day schools around here back in grade 8 and got accepted. But I really wanted to stay involved in our music program for a little more, so I waited until now. :)</p>
<p>oh wow.
i was having a phone interview with thacher today
and i was…sorta a little just tinee tiny b.s.ing it
so i went off talking in my own direction.
at the end of the interview i was about
to say how much i loved cate
then i remembered that i was doing the interview with thacher.</p>
<p>lol caught myself in time,</p>
<p>Sangzog - Peddie doesn’t have a squash program, and you’re a squash enthusiast? That’s too bad. I don’t mean to intrude, but you may be looking at the wrong MAPL league school. If you are really into squash, I would have definitely suggested either Lawrenceville or Mercersburg, both of which have excellent squash programs and facilities. However, I understand that most deadlines have passed at this point. </p>
<p>Where else did you apply?</p>