Secondary School Admissions Criteria
	The more you know about how admissions committees review a student’s application, the better your application is likely to be. Despite the great differences among schools, they all look to the same criteria in an effort to create a well-rounded class. Following is a list of the most salient features schools examine. Please note that the academic record and recommendations are decidedly the most important factor.   Academic Record Quality and range of course Consistency of performance Improvement of performance Recommendations All require one from both the current English and Math teachers; some allow a third recommendation of your choice. Extracurricular Activities Degree of involvement on campus Summer activities Testing Profile   Quality of Applications The Essay(s) Other Demonstrated academic or scholarly achievement Member of minority group/foreign student Child of alumnus/alumna Sibling of past or current student Athlete/Musician/Performer Outstanding social contribution Unusual background “The Gamble” (while some aspects of the candidate are lacking, the Admissions Office takes a calculated risk based upon something “special” about the candidate.) For a printable version of this document, please click here.