In a STEM School Interview, your response to “Why do you want to attend this school?” should emphasize your enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, while showcasing your understanding of the school’s distinctive STEM programs. Use this 5-step template to create a persuasive and thoughtful answer.
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How to Answer “Why Do You Want to Attend This School?” – STEM school interview
Step 1: Open with Specific Knowledge and Enthusiasm
Begin by referencing the school’s distinctive STEM programs or facilities that captured your interest.
Example:
“What really draws me to ABC School is your integrated approach to STEM education, particularly the Engineering Design Program where students work with 3D printers and CNC machines to solve real-world problems. When I learned about last year’s project where students designed and built prosthetic hands for children, I knew this was exactly the kind of hands-on learning environment I’m looking for.”
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Step 2: Connect Academic Programs to Your Goals
Focus on specific STEM courses and opportunities that align with your interests and future aspirations.
Example:
“The opportunity to take both AP Computer Science and Advanced Artificial Intelligence in junior year is incredibly exciting to me. I’ve been teaching myself Python through online courses, and I’m eager to apply these skills in your AI lab where students develop machine learning models for local businesses. This kind of early exposure to real-world applications would be invaluable for my goal of studying computer science in college.”
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Step 3: Highlight STEM-Related Extracurricular Alignment
Discuss specific STEM clubs, competitions, or research opportunities that interest you.
Examples:
“I’m also particularly drawn to your school’s Advanced STEM Exploration Program, where students partner with local industry professionals to tackle real-world challenges. For instance, I read about a recent project where students developed innovative solutions for urban water conservation. Having worked on a personal project analyzing water filtration systems in underserved areas, I’m eager to collaborate with peers and mentors to create impactful solutions. The opportunity to present findings at national STEM expos and contribute to meaningful change makes this program especially exciting for me.”
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Step 4: Address School Culture and Values
Show how you connect with the school’s approach to STEM education and collaborative learning environment.
Example:
“What really resonates with me is how your school emphasizes interdisciplinary problem-solving. The fact that science classes collaborate with the art department for data visualization projects shows a creative approach to STEM that matches my belief that innovation happens at the intersection of different fields.”
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Step 5: Close with a Personal Story and Forward-Looking Statement
Share a specific STEM-related experience and connect it to your future at the school.
Example:
“During the school’s STEM fair, I was impressed by a group presenting their research on sustainable energy solutions for the campus. Their project combined environmental science, physics, and data analysis – exactly the kind of multidisciplinary approach I hope to pursue. I can see myself collaborating with like-minded peers on similar projects that make a real impact.”
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STEM Interview Success Tips
Before the Interview
- Research specific STEM programs, equipment, and facilities
- Review recent student projects and achievements in STEM competitions
- Familiarize yourself with any special STEM curricula or teaching methods
- Prepare to discuss your own STEM projects or experiences
Highlight Your STEM Experience
- Personal projects (e.g., coding, electronics, science experiments)
- Relevant coursework or online learning
- STEM competition participation
- Science fair projects
- Coding or maker space experience
What to Specifically Highlight
- Advanced courses available (AP, IB, or school-specific advanced STEM courses)
- Special facilities (labs, maker spaces, computer labs)
- Technology integration in learning
- Research opportunities
- Industry partnerships or university collaborations
- STEM-focused clubs and teams
What to Avoid
- Don’t focus solely on the school’s advanced equipment without discussing how you’d use it
- Avoid discussing STEM rankings without connecting them to specific opportunities
- Don’t undervalue non-STEM subjects – show you appreciate a well-rounded education
- Avoid technical jargon unless you can explain it clearly
Remember: While highlighting your STEM interests is important, also show that you’re a well-rounded student who can contribute to the school community in multiple ways. Balance your technical interests with other aspects of your personality and interests.
Follow-up Questions to Prepare For
- What STEM projects have you worked on independently?
- How do you approach problem-solving in science and mathematics?
- What areas of STEM interest you most and why?
- How do you plan to contribute to our STEM community?
- What role do you see technology playing in your future career?
Example Answer 1: “Why Do You Want to Attend This School?” – STEM school interview
Step 1: Opening with Specific Knowledge and Enthusiasm
Example:
“I was immediately drawn to Jefferson STEM Academy after learning about your innovative Quantum Computing Initiative. During the school tour, seeing students working with quantum simulation software in partnership with IBM’s Q Network really excited me. This level of cutting-edge technology exposure, combined with your school’s track record of sending graduates to top engineering programs, convinced me that Jefferson would provide the advanced STEM education I’m seeking.”
Step 2: Connecting Academic Programs to Goals
Example:
“The accelerated mathematics pathway, particularly the opportunity to take Multivariable Calculus and Number Theory by junior year, perfectly aligns with my academic goals. I’m currently exploring abstract mathematics through online courses, and the chance to dive deep into advanced topics while still in high school would give me a strong foundation for my aspiration to study theoretical physics in college. Additionally, your unique Quantum Physics elective would allow me to bridge my interests in advanced mathematics and modern physics.”
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Step 3: Highlighting STEM-Related Extracurricular Alignment
Example:
“I’m particularly excited about your school’s Science Research Program, where students collaborate with professors from State University on original research projects. As someone who has been conducting independent research on water quality analysis using spectroscopy, I would love to expand my research skills through this program. The fact that your students regularly present at the International Science and Engineering Fair and have published in peer-reviewed journals shows the high level of scientific achievement possible here.”
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Step 4: Addressing School Culture and Values
Example:
“What truly sets Jefferson apart is your commitment to ethical technology development. Your required course in ‘Ethics in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science’ demonstrates that you’re not just teaching students how to build technology, but also how to consider its impact on society. This approach resonates deeply with my belief that tomorrow’s scientists and engineers need to be both technically skilled and socially responsible.”
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Step 5: Personal Story and Forward-Looking Statement
Example:
“Last month, I attended your school’s Climate Action Hackathon, where I saw a team developing an AI-powered app to optimize local public transportation routes. Their project perfectly embodied what attracts me to Jefferson – the combination of advanced technical skills, real-world problem-solving, and positive social impact. I can envision myself collaborating with classmates here on similar projects that use technology to address pressing global challenges.”
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Example Answer 2: “Why Do You Want to Attend This School?” – Biomedical and healthcare technology-Focused
Step 1: Opening with Specific Knowledge and Enthusiasm
Example:
“What drew me to Riverside Tech Academy was discovering your Biomedical Engineering Innovation Lab. When I learned about your students developing microfluidic devices for rapid disease detection in collaboration with the City Medical Center, I was captivated. The fact that high school students are working with professional-grade lab equipment and contributing to real medical research perfectly matches my aspirations in biomedical science.”
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Step 2: Connecting Academic Programs to Goals
Example:
“Your specialized biotechnology curriculum, especially the Advanced Molecular Biology and Biostatistics courses in sophomore year, aligns perfectly with my interests. I’ve been experimenting with CRISPR techniques through summer programs, and the opportunity to continue this work in your state-of-the-art gene editing lab would be invaluable for my goal of pursuing bioengineering in college. The unique intersection of computer science and biology in your Computational Genomics elective is exactly the kind of interdisciplinary learning I’m seeking.”
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Step 3: Highlighting STEM-Related Extracurricular Alignment
Example:
“The Synthetic Biology Club, which won last year’s iGEM Competition with their project on biodegradable plastics, particularly excites me. Having led my current school’s Biology Olympiad team, I’m eager to contribute to your school’s strong tradition in synthetic biology competitions. Additionally, your partnership with the National Institutes of Health for summer research internships would provide incredible exposure to professional research environments.”
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Step 4: Addressing School Culture and Values
Example:
“What really stands out about Riverside is your emphasis on using STEM to address global health challenges. Your school’s initiative where students develop low-cost medical devices for underserved communities shows a commitment to humanitarian innovation. This aligns perfectly with my belief that scientific advancement should serve society’s needs, not just advance technology for its own sake.”
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Step 5: Personal Story and Forward-Looking Statement
Example:
“During your recent Medical Innovation Showcase, I was inspired by a team that developed a smartphone-based diagnostic tool for detecting early signs of retinal disease. Their project combined mobile technology, machine learning, and healthcare accessibility – exactly the kind of impactful work I hope to pursue. I can see myself collaborating with fellow students here on projects that bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical healthcare solutions.”
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Example Answer 3: “Why Do You Want to Attend This School?” – Aerospace Engineering and robotics Focused
Step 1: Opening with Specific Knowledge and Enthusiasm
Example:
“I was immediately captivated by Pioneer Academy’s Aerospace and Robotics Center. When I discovered that your students designed and launched their own high-altitude weather balloon carrying student-built environmental sensors last year, I knew this was the kind of hands-on engineering environment I was looking for. The fact that your robotics lab features industrial-grade manufacturing equipment and a full flight simulator demonstrates your commitment to providing real-world engineering experience.”
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Step 2: Connecting Academic Programs to Goals
Example:
“Your specialized aerospace engineering track, particularly the Aircraft Design and Space Systems courses available to juniors, perfectly aligns with my interests. I’ve been building and programming drones through local maker spaces, and the chance to advance these skills in your Advanced Propulsion Systems class would be invaluable for my goal of studying aerospace engineering in college. The integration of machine learning in your Autonomous Systems course is exactly the kind of cutting-edge curriculum I’m seeking.”
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Step 3: Highlighting STEM-Related Extracurricular Alignment
Example:
“I’m particularly excited about your Experimental Aircraft Design Team, which won the NASA High School Flight Challenge with their electric VTOL prototype. Having led my current school’s drone racing team, I’m eager to contribute to Pioneer’s aeronautics programs. The partnership with SpaceX for your Rocketry Club, where students design and test liquid-fuel rockets, offers exactly the kind of advanced engineering experience I dream about.”
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Step 4: Addressing School Culture and Values
Example:
“What truly impresses me about Pioneer is your focus on sustainable aviation technology. Your school’s initiative where students develop electric aircraft components and explore alternative aerospace fuels shows a commitment to environmentally conscious innovation. This perfectly matches my belief that the future of aviation must prioritize environmental sustainability alongside technological advancement.”
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Step 5: Personal Story and Forward-Looking Statement
Example:
“When I attended your recent Innovation Expo, I was inspired by a team that developed an autonomous drone system for forest fire detection and monitoring. Their project combined robotics, environmental science, and artificial intelligence to address a critical real-world challenge – exactly the kind of meaningful engineering work I hope to pursue. I can envision myself collaborating with classmates here on projects that push the boundaries of aerospace technology while contributing to environmental protection.”
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Example Answer 4: “Why Do You Want to Attend This School?” – Artificial intelligence and Machine learning Focused
Step 1: Opening with Specific Knowledge and Enthusiasm
Example:
“What immediately attracted me to Innovation Tech Academy was your cutting-edge AI Research Center. When I learned about your students developing a machine learning model that helps local hospitals predict patient readmission risks, I knew this was the forward-thinking environment I was looking for. Your dedicated GPU computing cluster and partnership with DeepMind for student projects demonstrates your commitment to providing real-world AI development experience.”
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Step 2: Connecting Academic Programs to Goals
Example:
“Your specialized AI curriculum, particularly the Natural Language Processing and Computer Vision courses available to juniors, perfectly aligns with my interests. I’ve been developing small machine learning models using TensorFlow, and the opportunity to expand these skills in your Advanced Deep Learning Lab would be invaluable for my goal of studying artificial intelligence in college. The unique intersection of AI and ethics in your ‘Responsible AI Development’ course is exactly the kind of comprehensive education I’m seeking.”
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Step 3: Highlighting STEM-Related Extracurricular Alignment
Example:
“I’m particularly excited about your AI Solutions Team, which won the International AI Youth Challenge with their project on early wildfire detection using computer vision. Having created a simple chatbot for my school’s website, I’m eager to work on more advanced AI projects. The partnership with Google’s AI Research team, where students get mentored on real-world machine learning projects, offers exactly the kind of advanced experience I dream about.”
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Step 4: Addressing School Culture and Values
Example:
“What truly sets Innovation Tech apart is your focus on AI for social good. Your initiative where students develop machine learning solutions for local non-profits, like the recent project creating computer vision systems to help visually impaired people navigate public spaces, shows a commitment to humanitarian applications of AI. This perfectly matches my belief that artificial intelligence should be developed to benefit society.”
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Step 5: Personal Story and Forward-Looking Statement
Example:
“During your recent AI Innovation Showcase, I was inspired by a team that developed an AI system for optimizing food bank distributions using predictive analytics. Their project combined machine learning, logistics, and social impact – exactly the kind of meaningful AI development I hope to pursue. I can envision myself collaborating with classmates here on projects that push the boundaries of AI while making a positive difference in our community.”
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Top STEM High Schools
1. High Technology High School (HTHS)
- Location: Lincroft, New Jersey
- Website: High Technology High School
- Overview: HTHS is a pre-engineering career academy that emphasizes the interconnections among mathematics, science, technology, and the humanities. Located on the campus of Brookdale Community College, it offers students a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare them for post-secondary success as problem-solvers and innovators. HTHS
- Achievements: Recognized twice as a NJ Star School, three times as a National Blue Ribbon School, and ranked as the number one STEM school in the country. The U.S. Department of Education has described HTHS as a “benchmark school.” HTHS
- Enrollment: Approximately 285 students.
2. BASIS Peoria
- Location: Peoria, Arizona
- Website: BASIS Peoria
- Overview: BASIS Peoria is a tuition-free public charter school serving grades 5–12. It offers an accelerated curriculum, a robust student support system, and a variety of enriching extracurriculars, empowering students to achieve at globally competitive levels. Enrollbasis
- Achievements: Consistently ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report, with BASIS Peoria being ranked as the #1 high school in the U.S. Enrollbasis
- Enrollment: Approximately 974 students. Niche
3. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST)
- Location: Alexandria, Virginia
- Website: TJHSST
- Overview: Established in 1985, TJHSST is a partnership among businesses and schools created to improve education in science, mathematics, and technology. It offers a comprehensive program focusing on these fields, aiming to foster a culture of innovation and critical thinking. TJHSST
- Achievements: Ranked #1 in National Rankings by U.S. News & World Report, with a 100% graduation rate and a STEM index of 99.3. US News
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,967 students.