Harvard-Westlake interviews applicants to grades 7 and 9. The school's admissions site says those interviews are scheduled on weekdays during school hours, in person or on Zoom, and that submitting the application form by November 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT means an invitation to interview. The school does not publish the interview's format or questions, so this guide sticks to what it does say and to how a family can prepare sensibly.
It is written for parents of grade 7 and grade 9 applicants for fall 2027 entry. It also covers campus visits and the optional events the school offers, because the interview day and the visit options overlap.
What the school says about the interview
From the How to Apply page, for the 2026-27 cycle:
- Interviews for 7th and 9th grade applicants are scheduled on weekdays during school hours, either in person or via Zoom.
- The school asks families to make every effort to accept their appointed interview time.
- It says it cannot promise an interview if you decline your interview offer or reschedule.
- The Student Questionnaire responses are due at least two days before the interview.
- Applicant families interviewing in person receive a personal tour of the Middle School campus, led by a current student ambassador, on the day of the interview.
- For grade 9 applicants, the school describes that personal Middle School tour as separate from the group Upper School tours.
The pages we reviewed describe interviews only for grade 7 and grade 9 applicants. They do not describe an interview for other grades, so check the school's admissions site if you are applying to grade 8 or grade 10.
Who is interviewed and when the invitation comes
The school's important-dates box states the rule precisely: submit the application form by November 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT to be sure of an invitation to interview, and that applies to 7th and 9th grade applicants only. The full application, including the financial aid application if you are applying for aid, is due January 15, 2027, and decisions are released March 12, 2027 at 5:00 p.m. PT.
The school does not publish an interview calendar on the pages we reviewed. If you submit before November 13, plan to be flexible, because the school assigns the appointment and asks you to accept it. See the Harvard-Westlake admissions timeline for every date in one place.
What is not published
On the pages we reviewed, the school does not say:
- How long the interview lasts
- Who conducts it
- What questions are asked
- Whether a parent is in the room
- How the interview is weighed against the rest of the file
Do not rely on a forum post or a third-party site for those details. If the format matters to your family, the Admission Office lists a phone number (310-288-3200) and an email address (admission@hw.com) on the FAQ page.
How to prepare without over-preparing
The school's FAQ says it seeks kind, curious, and engaged students, and the Student Questionnaire is described as a way to help the school learn about the student and their interests. The interview is part of the same picture. Reasonable preparation is about helping your child be comfortable talking about themselves, not about producing rehearsed answers.
- Finish the questionnaire first. It is due at least two days before the interview, and it is useful practice in putting your child's interests into words. See the questionnaire and writing guide.
- Talk about real interests. Ask your child what they are working on, reading, building, or playing, and let them explain why. Specifics are easier to talk about than general claims.
- Practice a conversation, not a script. A few relaxed conversations with an adult who is not a parent help a child get used to explaining their thinking out loud.
- Test the technology. If the interview is on Zoom, check the link, camera, microphone, and a quiet room ahead of time.
- Plan the day. For an in-person interview, allow time for the campus tour that comes with it, and keep the appointment you are given.
Campus visits and events
The school separates events that require an application or inquiry from those that do not. According to the Visit page, as of October 23, 2026:
- Admission Information Sessions are for parents and guardians of students applying for fall 2027 entry, with brief remarks from administrators and students followed by a Q&A. Sessions on November 5, November 18, and December 1, 2026 were listed as full with a waitlist, and sessions on December 14, 2026 and January 7, 2027 had registration open. Registration closes two business days before each session.
- Middle School campus tours for prospective parents and guardians of grade 7 and 9 applicants run from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. PT on listed dates through December 16, 2026. They are for parents and guardians only, and open to families who inquired or applied.
- Upper School campus tours for families who have applied to grades 9, 10, or 11 run from 9:15 to 10 a.m. PT on November 11, November 19, December 7, 2026, and January 12, 2027. The school says tours are optional and participation has no bearing on the admission process.
- Athletics and performing arts events are open to prospective families.
The school's wording on tours and events is that they are optional resources. The pages say tour participation has no bearing on the admission process for the Upper School tours. Dates and availability change, so confirm on the school's Visit page before you plan around any of them.
Common mistakes
- Rescheduling. The school says it cannot promise an interview if you decline or reschedule.
- Submitting after November 13 and expecting a promise of an interview slot. The invitation rule is tied to that date.
- Skipping the questionnaire deadline. It is due at least two days before the interview.
- Assuming a campus tour is graded. The school presents tours and events as optional.
- Over-coaching. A child who recites prepared answers has less room to show curiosity.
Frequently asked questions
Does Harvard-Westlake have an interview?
Yes, for 7th and 9th grade applicants. The school says interviews are scheduled on weekdays during school hours, either in person or via Zoom.
How do we get an invitation to interview at Harvard-Westlake?
The school's How to Apply page says to submit the application form by November 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT to be sure of an invitation to interview, for 7th and 9th grade applicants only.
Can we reschedule the interview?
The school asks families to make every effort to accept the appointed time and says it cannot promise an interview if you decline your offer or reschedule.
When is the Student Questionnaire due?
The school asks you to submit your questionnaire responses at least two days before your interview.
Do campus tours or information sessions affect admission?
For the Upper School tours, the school says participation has no bearing on the admission process, and it describes tours and events generally as optional. See the application guide for how the parts of the file fit together.
Next step
For help turning interview preparation into a practical routine for your child, see the programs page. The free diagnostic and the planner resources are also there.
Sources
HarvardWestlakePrep by EduAvenues is an independent service, not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Harvard-Westlake School.