1 High School Interview Question and Answer

Introduction

This question is important for assessing your resilience, problem-solving skills, and ability to learn from challenges, which are valuable traits for a high school student.

How to answer

• Begin with a clear description of the challenge you faced, whether it was academic, personal, or extracurricular.
• Explain the steps you took to address the challenge, including any strategies or resources you utilized.
• Share the outcome of your efforts and what you learned from the experience.
• Highlight any support you received from teachers, peers, or family, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
• Conclude with how this experience has influenced your approach to future challenges.

What not to say

• Providing a vague answer without specific details about the challenge.
• Blaming others for the challenge without taking personal responsibility.
• Focusing solely on the negative aspects without mentioning what you learned.
• Failing to connect the experience to your personal growth or development.

Example answer

“During my first year, I struggled with mathematics and was on the verge of failing a critical exam. I decided to reach out to my teacher for extra help and attended after-school tutoring sessions. Through consistent practice and perseverance, I managed to raise my grade significantly. This experience taught me the importance of seeking help and not being afraid to face my weaknesses, which I apply to all my subjects now.”

Introduction

This question assesses your interests outside of academics, demonstrating your ability to balance responsibilities and your commitment to personal development.

How to answer

• Identify a specific extracurricular activity that you are involved in.
• Explain why you are passionate about this activity and what it means to you.
• Discuss any leadership roles or contributions you've made within this activity.
• Share specific accomplishments or skills you've gained from this experience.
• Connect how this activity has helped you grow or shaped your future aspirations.

What not to say

• Choosing an activity just because it looks good on a resume.
• Failing to explain your passion or connection to the activity.
• Not mentioning any significant contributions or roles you played.
• Overlooking the skills or lessons learned from the experience.

Example answer

“I am passionate about the school's basketball team. Being part of the team has taught me discipline and teamwork. I served as the captain last year, where I organized practice sessions and motivated my teammates. We made it to the finals, and that experience reinforced my leadership skills and my commitment to working hard toward common goals. Basketball has shown me the value of dedication, which I plan to carry into my future studies and career.”