Securing a scholarship to a private school for your child is an incredible achievement that can unlock academic opportunities. However, receiving an offer typically depends on excelling in both the scholarship tests and the interviews. While tests evaluate a student’s academic abilities, interviews focus on their personal qualities, character, and potential contributions to the school community. Adequate preparation for both elements is key to standing out as a well-rounded and deserving candidate. In this blog, we will reveal some of the expected questions in scholarships interviews, some of the techniques to help your child prepare for both the test and the interview and most importantly, your first step into this significant journey.
The first step in preparing for the scholarship test is understanding the format. Different schools may use varying tests, which can assess areas like mathematics, reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, abstract reasoning, and writing. Familiarising yourself with these topics is essential. Practise sample papers under timed conditions to simulate the actual test and identify areas that require improvement. This approach helps you focus your child’s efforts where needed, improving both their confidence and performance.
Developing a structured study plan is crucial. Set clear, manageable goals for each study session, focus on one subject or skill at a time. Regular practice will help you track their progress and ensure they stay on course. Consistency is key, so make sure they dedicate time weekly to test preparation. Additionally, help them schedule regular breaks to rest and recharge; a well-rested mind is more likely to retain information and stay sharp over the long haul.
Scholarship interviews play a crucial role in the process.
The significance of these interviews lies in their ability to assess not just academic excellence but also personal qualities such as resilience, motivation, and leadership potential. Schools seek individuals who will contribute positively to their community; thus, the interview becomes a vital component in identifying candidates who align with the school’s values and ethos. Preparation for scholarship interview helps students gain invaluable experience in articulating their thoughts and ambitions under pressure – a skill that will benefit them throughout their academic journey and beyond.
The interview is a golden opportunity for students to showcase who they are beyond academics. When preparing for a scholarship interview, it’s essential to anticipate the types of questions that may arise.
Research the school thoroughly – understand its mission, values, and extracurricular activities. Help your child tailor their responses to demonstrate why they want to be part of the school’s community.
One common area of focus is student motivations. Interviewers often seek to understand what drives students academically and personally. Expect questions like:
These questions allow you to showcase your passion and commitment.
Moreover, be prepared to discuss your academic achievements in detail. Expect questions like:
These types of questions provide an opportunity for you to emphasise your resilience and dedication.
Here are some tips on verbal and non-verbal communication techniques:
• Maintain eye contact when answering the question and when listening,
• Always use good posture during the interview,
• Speak clearly and with meaning,
• Mirror your interviewer’s volume of speaking,
• Speak with enthusiasm.
Ensure that your child knows how to communicate their thoughts confidently but also listen carefully to the interviewers’ questions. Developing these skills will help them project calmness and assurance during the interview, which can leave a lasting positive impression.
Interviews can be intimidating for some children. Simply telling them “don’t be scared!” won’t help. Instead, you can ease their fear by preparing them for the experience.
One of the best and fun techniques is to practice roleplay with your child.
You can alternate between these two scenarios:
Scenario 1: Your child acts as the interviewer while you take on the role of the interviewee.
Scenario 2: Switch roles, with you as the interviewer and your child as the interviewee.
Before you start:
• You both need to agree on 8-10 questions and have a time limit of 30 min for each interview.
• Agree on the marking criteria. In other words, what to look for in each answer (confidence, posture, body language, clarity, integrity…etc) for each criteria the interviewer can give a mark out of 5.
Another technique might be for your child to practice in front of a mirror. Some students like to video record themselves answering the question and then you can review it and mark it against the marking criteria together.
Preparing for both the scholarship test and interview requires a balance between academic readiness and personal reflection. By understanding the test format, practicing regularly, developing strong communication skills, and managing stress effectively, your child should be well-equipped to present himself/herself as a confident and capable candidate. Ultimately, success comes from a combination of preparation, authenticity, and confidence.
To reach any destination, it’s essential to understand your starting point. Assess your child’s academic performance and recognise their potential first.
A Scholarship Benchmark assessment will give you clarity into your child’s current strengths and uncover any weaknesses they may have. It covers the 4 components of scholarship tests and is our entry assessment into our Scholarship Preparation Course. Book Now!
This assessment will give you the clarity you need to make the right decision.
