11+ or 13+ Entrance exams are an opportunity to impress – show schools what you are made of.
Even if you’re not an all-rounder academically, many independent and private schools are interested in you as a person, whether you’d fit in and what you could contribute to the school.
So, when offered an interview, it is your chance to shine, to make a brilliant impression and show who you really are.
Although a lot of 11+ tuition we do helps sharpen exam skills to enable young people to compete, we are often asked to teach interview skills too.
Here’s a round up of advice from our entrance exam experts!
Make a Memorable First Impression
A few pointers which go a long way on first meeting:
- Dress smartly – and make sure your hair is combed/brushed. No bed hair!
- When introduced, look the person in the eye, smile and offer a firm handshake.
- Sit upright in your chair rather than slouching.
- If they ask ‘how are you,’ answer, say thank you and then return the question. Manners cost nothing…
- If you fidget normally, cross your legs and cup a hand into the other. There’s nothing worse than swinging your legs or fiddling in an interview.
- If you sometimes get nervous, don’t worry. Take some deep breaths outside to help you relax.
As well as these ideas, remember that you will be with teachers who always look for the good in people. They’ll be on your side, not trying to trip you up.
What 11+ Interview Questions Can You Expect?
The school will simply want to find out something about you.
Remember: they realise that you are worth more than an English or Maths grade, and so will be looking for young people who offer more than simply academic skills.
Typical questions might be:
- Tell us about yourself and your family… Throw in a funny anecdote about your dog or cat. That shows personality and confidence.
- What are your favourite and least favourite subjects and why? Top tip: if you say something negative, immediately follow up with a positive.
- Tell us about a wonderful book you’ve read recently/what’s the best book you’ve ever read and why?
- What do you enjoy doing outside of lessons?
- What ambitions do you have?
- Why would you like to be a student at our school?
- Tell us about an achievement that you proud of?
- What would be a perfect day for you?
- If you could give £X to charity, what would you choose and why?
- What questions do you have about our school?
Sometimes, ‘quick-thinking-on-the-spot’ questions are asked just to test how you handle an unexpected question:
- Imagine we can’t see this picture. Describe it to us.
- Logic/developing an argument: Is it better to be clever or kind?
- A mental Maths question
Ultimately, your prospective school will want to know if you’d be a great addition to a sports team, that you’re a budding actor, or that you are a talented artist.
And that you’re simply a nice, interesting and kind young person who’s driven to do well.
Prepare For the 11+ Today and Get Ahead
For details on how our 121 Home Tutors can help you excel at your 11+ interview or exams, contact our tutor team right here.
Not only are we the go-to tuition experts across Manchester and Cheshire, we can tutor your child wherever they are.
*Image courtesy of TES.
Tags: 11 plus exams, 11+ interview, 11+ questions types, entrance exam experts