Starting at a new secondary school — or a boarding school — is a big step. A little daunting, too, and that's perfectly normal. Almost all of us have felt that mix of excitement and nerves before taking the plunge. Don't worry: we'll walk you through it. Along the way, three things keep coming up, and they are connected: your profile (who you are), your motivation letter (why this school) and the interview (the meeting).
Good news: because they are connected, one preparation feeds all three. We'll look at what each piece contains, then how to prepare them together, and finally we'll give you the five practical tips to remember.
(Haven't chosen a school yet? First see how to choose a boarding school.)
Why good preparation changes everything
Your success depends on several things, but the most important remains preparation. A line from Confucius puts it well:
"Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure."
Preparing well isn't just about "making a good impression". It helps you see clearly, get to know yourself, build confidence and tame the nerves. And that shows on the day of the interview.
Profile, letter, interview: the pieces of your application
These three pieces arrive at different moments of the admissions process, but they tell the same story: yours. Seeing them as a whole, rather than separately, changes everything.
Your profile: who you are
You don't need a grown-up's CV. Your profile is the big picture of your journey: your school reports, the subjects you do well in, your activities (sport, music, clubs…) and what you are genuinely passionate about. It should be clear, honest and easy to read — and show what makes you a little unique.
Read next: building a strong application dossier.
The motivation letter: why this school
This is often the most intimidating step… and yet it's mainly a great chance to introduce yourself. Explain why this particular school appeals to you, what you'd like to learn there and what motivates you. You don't need grand words: be sincere and lean on examples (a project, an activity, a subject you love).
Read next: how to write your motivation letter.
The interview: the meeting
This is usually the final step, and it happens face to face. The school wants to know you beyond your grades: who you are, what drives you, how you think. See it as a conversation, not an interrogation. Often, your parents are seen too — that's normal, and rather reassuring.
Read next: succeeding in your admissions interview.
And the entrance test? Many schools add a short test (English, maths, reasoning). Nothing insurmountable: it's a snapshot of your level at a given moment, not a trap. The best approach is simply to prepare for it calmly, in advance.
One preparation for all three
Because your profile, letter and interview are linked, keep this idea of being cross-cutting in mind from the start. The same underlying work serves everywhere.
Get to know yourself
It all begins here. Take a moment to spot your strengths, what you enjoy, and what you'd like to improve. An outside view helps a lot: your parents or teachers often see qualities you don't notice yourself.
Connect with the school
List your qualities on one side, and on the other what the school highlights (sport, sciences, the arts, team spirit…). Then connect the two: all that's left is to explain why you and this school are a good match.
Added value: what you bring
This is an idea I love to share. Added value is what you bring on top — and it always shows through an example:
"My class project on recycling taught me to work as a team and to see an idea through to the end."
A sentence like that is worth more than ten "I'm motivated". Keep it in mind: a concrete example is what sticks.
Take your time (and plan ahead)
Admissions have deadlines, sometimes up to a year in advance. With your parents, note the key dates and break the work into small steps. You'll avoid the last-minute stress — and you'll have time to review and polish.
My Student Hub's five practical tips
- Get to know yourself to start from solid ground: your strengths, your wishes, concrete examples.
- Adapt everything to the school you're aiming for: your profile, letter and answers should match what this school is looking for.
- Show your added value with examples: what you bring, proven by a true story.
- Prepare the three pieces together: the same underlying work feeds the profile, the letter and the interview.
- Plan the timeline with your parents: spot the dates, break things into small tasks, keep time to review.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I start?
By getting to know yourself better: your strengths, what you enjoy, what you want to improve. That foundation then feeds your profile, your motivation letter and your interview.
Do I need a CV to apply to a secondary school?
Not a grown-up's CV. At this stage it's more of a profile: your school reports, your activities and what you're passionate about. The point is to show clearly who you are.
How do I write a good motivation letter when I'm young?
Explain simply why this school appeals to you and what you want to learn there, with examples. Sincerity and a well-chosen example beat a ready-made formula.
How do I prepare for the interview (and the test)?
By drawing on what you've already written in your profile and letter, and preparing a few examples that are really you. Any short test (English, maths, reasoning) is a snapshot of your level, not a trap.
What is the parents' role?
To support, not to do it for you: help organise the timeline, read the letter without rewriting it, prepare the family interview together. An application is best prepared as a pair, in confidence.
In summary
Preparing your profile, motivation letter and interview together is the step that makes all the difference. These three pieces — distinct but connected — are best approached with the same hand: get to know yourself, link your qualities to what the school is looking for, show your added value through examples, and start early. The rest is consistency and a little organisation. You can do this: start early, and take the plunge. Over to you.
