The study focuses upon preparation programs of graduate students who aspire to become school principals. The design of the study is experimental with differing curriculum patterns for the principalship being the independent variable and potential placement of candidates the dependent variable. The method employed is unique inasmuch as controlled simulated interviews were utilized as a perceptual base for data collection. School officials viewing video recording of the simulated interviews indicated their perceptions of matched pair candidates seeking principal positions and who had differing curricular experiences. The method employed in the study could be adapted for similar purposes in other settings. (Author)