Interviews are rarely about “perfect answers.” They're about proving you're thoughtful, self-aware, and a strong fit. Prep is just building a set of stories and a structure so you can speak naturally under pressure.
The 3-part answer framework
- Claim: your point in one sentence (what you did / what you believe).
- Evidence: a short story with specifics (what happened, your choices, the result).
- Meaning: what it shows about you (values, growth, direction).
Build a “story bank” (do this once)
- 1 leadership story
- 1 challenge / setback story
- 1 intellectual curiosity story
- 1 teamwork / community story
- 1 “why this school” story (programs, culture, opportunities)
Practice without sounding scripted
- Practice in bullet points, not memorized paragraphs.
- Record yourself once — fix pacing and filler words.
- Answer the same question in 30s, then 90s (control your length).
Last-minute checklist
- Know 2–3 specific reasons you're excited about the school.
- Prepare 2 smart questions (not answered on the website).
- Review your application so your details are consistent.