What are the most asked interview questions in Phillips Andover or Exeter?
Thank you!
As I recall it was what did you like most about the tour? What books do you like to read, recent books read. Why Andover, Exeter? What subjects in school do you like the most?
Daughter says they both asked her to describe her homeschooling, what she does with free time, and why she wants to apply their schools.
How would your friends describe you? How would your siblings describe you? What did you do in the summer? Have you experienced any setback or hardship? How did you deal with it?
HI! I know I’m really late to this, but as a student at PA I think I can help you understand the interview process. First off, the interviewer wants to determine if and why you want to attend Andover. If you are a boarding student, he or she will ask about the challenges you may face being away from home (time management, homesickness, etc.) Then, they will ask you about your school, friends, and family! Some of my questions were: How has your current school defined you? Do you think your friends have influenced you in any major way? etc… Good Luck!! =D>
When I interviewed at both, they both asked me my favorite book (read outside of school) and why
It has been over 4 years so I don’t have and exact recollection of the interview questions, however I remember that none of the questions were anything that would catch me off guard. Even if this doesn’t reach OP, I think it is valuable for anyone interviewing at one of these schools. During the interview, I did not once feel like I was being “interviewed” It felt like more of a conversation. My interviewer told my parents after they interview how she was impressed that I was able to carry on a conversation. The advice here: Get used to talking to strangers, and remember that this is not an interrogation. It is a conversation
Books, look at each school’s summer reading list to get ideas. Books that talks about interesting contemporary events and ideas. Khaled Hosseini all three books, Jeannette Walla (The Glass Castle, Half Broke Horses), etc.
Most questions are pretty straightforward - What’s your favorite subject? What do you do outside of school? Describe your family… etc. At Andover I recall being asked about my proudest moment. At Exeter I was asked how my teachers and peers would describe me, and later if I were to have a year to pursue any educational opportunity what it would be and why. I also have a friends who interviewed at Exeter with questions like: “Do they talk about Ferguson at your school?/What is your opinion?” “Have you ever cheated?/Is cheating wrong?” and even “What would your tombstone say?” They also might ask you to list other schools you’re applying to. It’s a pretty awkward part of the convo, but just be honest.
In general, don’t be afraid to talk a LOT. I was always scared that I was rambling, but you should take control over the conversation even though the interviewer is asking the questions. At my Andover interview, the officer hardly spoke, later telling my parents that he expected me to take the reins.
Also be prepared with your own questions - you’ll be asked if you have any at the end of the interview, so have at least 2 or 3 ready.
Thank you so much! I am about to schedule my interview for Andover!
What’s your favorite subject and why and what do you like to do outside school? Groton: Do you play a sport? How would your friends describe you? What’s important to you? (Deerfield). What was your biggest challenge and how did you handle it ? (Choate). Describe your family (Choate, Deerfield, all of them).
Groton: what stuck out? What is it about the school that strikes you?
Thank you @redbluegoldgreen @andoveraccepted @Anonymousia @MAandMEmom @MABlue @scareddwarf for tons of informations!! It was incredibly helpful:))
I’m about to schedule the tour and interview for Andover.
Good luck!!! I’ll be starting at PA this year, so if you have any other questions about the application/school feel free to PM me
PA asked me pretty standard questions (mentioned above), but PEA asked me that plus some such as what has been your biggest success/failure to date and what have you done that you’re proudest of.
All of the schools my son applied to were very similar as it pertains to the interview: i.e very straightforward, no “trick” questions, pretty casual. Generally they want full and thoughtful answers not just yes, no or just a few words. The questions were, as noted here by others, fairly straightforward: favorite subject, recent book, extracurriculars, why do you want to come here, why BS etc?
For my exeter interview, they asked general questions, family, interests, background… One question really stuck out though, the interviewer specifically asked if I was applying/considering Andover… Guess the rivalry does run deep 
Books! Look at the summer reading lists and read them.