The Choate Interview: How to Prepare and Make a Great Impression

Your child has meticulously maintained their grades, prepared for the SSAT, and started drafting their application essays. Now, it’s time for the part of the process that brings the paper application to life: the Choate interview. For many students, this is the most intimidating step—a face-to-face conversation that feels like a high-stakes test.

But it doesn't have to be.

The interview is not an interrogation; it is a conversation. It's Choate’s best opportunity to get to know the person behind the grades and test scores, and it’s your child’s best chance to discover if the school is truly the right fit for them. With the right preparation, the interview can be transformed from a source of anxiety into a moment to shine.

What Choate is Really Looking For in the Interview

The admissions officer already has the transcript and test scores. The interview is designed to uncover the qualities that a paper application cannot fully convey. Choate is looking for:

• Authentic Personality: They want to meet a real teenager, not a perfectly rehearsed robot. What makes your child unique? What are their quirks, their passions, their genuine ways of seeing the world?

• Intellectual Curiosity: Are they excited by ideas? Can they talk about a class, a book, or a project that genuinely sparked their interest? The best applicants are those who love to learn, both in and out of the classroom.

• Genuine Engagement: What truly animates your child? When they talk about their involvement in a sport, a musical instrument, a coding project, or a volunteer activity, does their enthusiasm show? Choate wants to see evidence of passion and commitment.

• Character and Community Fit: The interviewer is constantly asking themselves: "Can I see this student thriving in our dorms, contributing to class discussions, and being a kind, positive member of our community?" Maturity, self-awareness, and respect are paramount.

The Preparation Playbook: 4 Steps to a Confident Interview

Confidence in the Choate interview comes from preparation, not scripting. Here is a four-step plan to help your child feel ready.

Step 1: Do Your Choate Homework The most common and least impressive answer to "Why Choate?" is a generic one. Your child must be specific. Go beyond the homepage. Have them read about the signature programs, look up specific clubs that align with their interests, and learn about a unique Choate tradition. Being able to say, "I'm excited about the Science Research Program because I'm passionate about biology research," is far more powerful than, "Choate has great science."

Step 2: Practice Self-Reflection The core of the interview is about the student. Encourage your child to think deeply about these kinds of questions—not to memorize answers, but to have thoughtful responses ready:

• What academic subject excites you the most, and why?

• Tell me about a time you faced a significant challenge (academic or personal). What did you learn from it?

• What do you do for fun?

• What three words would your friends use to describe you?

• What do you hope to contribute to the Choate community?

Step 3: Prepare Your Questions The interview is a two-way street. Your child must ask questions. This demonstrates genuine interest and intellectual curiosity. Help them prepare a few thoughtful questions that can't be easily answered by the website.

• Weak Question: "What sports do you offer?"

• Strong Question: "I read about the JFK Program in Public Service. What kind of guest speakers have visited campus recently as part of that program?"

Step 4: Practice, Don't Memorize Conduct mock interviews at home or with a trusted teacher. The goal is to get your child comfortable talking about themselves and their experiences in a conversational way. Record the session so they can see their body language and notice if they are using filler words. The aim is for a natural, engaging conversation, not a stilted performance.

On the Day: Making a Great Impression

• Be Punctual and Dress Appropriately: Whether in-person or virtual, be on time. Smart casual attire (like a collared shirt, blouse, or sweater) is a safe bet.

• Listen Actively: Encourage your child to listen carefully to the entire question before formulating an answer.

• Show, Don't Tell: Instead of saying, "I'm a good leader," they should tell a brief story about a time they led a group project or a team. Stories are memorable and provide concrete evidence.

• Be Enthusiastic: A positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm go a long way. Smiling and making good eye contact are essential.

• Say Thank You: A sincere thank you at the end of the conversation is crucial. Follow up with a brief, polite thank-you email to the interviewer within 24 hours.

A Note for Parents

The parent portion of the interview is a separate conversation. It's your chance to ask questions and to share your perspective on your child. During your child's interview, your role is simply to be a supportive presence. This is their moment to connect with the admissions officer and share their story.

Your Partner in Preparation

A great Choate interview is a blend of thoughtful preparation and authentic self-expression. It’s a skill that can be coached and refined. At EduAvenues, we specialize in interview preparation that helps students identify their core narrative and articulate it with confidence and poise, ensuring they make the best possible impression.