Applying to High School

High School Application Process

Choosing a high school is one of the big decisions that we make in our academic careers.  Whether you plan to attend a public, charter, independent or parochial school the application process can often be complex.  To help you navigate this process we put together a growing list of frequently used links to a variety of resources, created timelines and tips for quick referencing, and post information about scheduled high school fairs, workshops, open house dates and important deadlines. 

It is never too early to begin preparing for and thinking about your High School options.  6th and 7th graders can attend High School Fairs and start researching different schools.  Also, make the schools want you by keeping a high GPA, access tutorial help and participate in extra curricular activities that interest you.  Some examples may include joining a Club at your school, running for a position on the Student Council, participating in a sport, dance troop or music group, and volunteering at a local community organization. Remember to update your contact information at Update Contact Info, so that we can keep you informed about upcoming high school information events and workshops.

Helpful links for San Francisco Unified School District Admissions timeline and information:
- San Francisco Unified School District
- Calfee School Guide

Helpful links for Charter High Schools :
- City Arts and Technology High School
- Metropolitan High School
- Leadership High School
- Gateway High School

High School Admissions Checklist:
The following is an Admissions Checklist for Independent Schools.  If you are interested in applying to a specific school go to their website for more detailed information. 

September 2007

• Request an application packet. It is recommended that you request your packet on the school’s website.  Call the Admissions Office if you have a problem accessing the admissions information on the website.
• When you receive your Admissions Packet mail the Open House postcard immediately as dates fill up very quickly.  If you do not receive a postcard, call the Admissions Office. 
• Calendar all important application process deadlines (Application due dates, testing dates, open house and tour dates). Refer to the Admissions Procedures and Requirements matrix to see which events you are required to attend as part of your school’s application process.
• Call School Admissions Office to inquire about an Interview, School Visit and/or a Open House.  You must schedule an appointment for a school visit and an interview.  These visits are not required a all schools, but we strongly encourage you to participate in a School Visit.  Refer to the matrix for your school’s requirements.
• Register for the SSAT or ISEE (the test required for admission to the school that you are applying to).  Refer to the matrix for your school’s requirements for admission.  Note:  January is the last accepted test date.  You must take the SSAT or ISEE Test no later then January.

  Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT)
  Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE)
  
  Test scores must be sent directly from SSAT and ISEE to the  school(s) that you are applying.  Place the school code (school that you are applying to) as a "score recipient" on the test registration form.  You should be able to find the school code in the admissions packet of the school application, on the school’s website, or by calling the school’s admissions office. See note about fee waivers at the end of the checklist in the "Tips and Tricks" Call the school’s Admissions Office to request a Flexible Tuition Application, information and deadlines.

October 2007

• Request an application packet if you have not already done so.
• Get information about School Visit and Interview if you have not already done so.  (Refer to the matrix for school’s requirements for admission)
• Request Flexible Tuition Application if you have not already done so.
• Register for the SSAT or ISEE if you have not already done so.  (See detailed explanation and testing dates above in the month of September)
• Open House dates fill fast!  Complete the Open House postcard in your Application Packet or contact the Admissions Office to sign up.
• ISEE Test if required.  Required for East bay and Peninsula schools.
• SSAT Test Date:  October 13, 2007

November 2007

• Ask current teachers to complete recommendation forms or letter.  Please include an addressed, stamped envelope as teachers are required to mail the letter directly to the school to which you are applying.
• Request official transcripts from your middle school.
  
• Note:  If you are applying to more that one high school, complete the "Transcript Release Form" for each school that you are applying to, and make sure that each "Transcript Release Form" has a parent/guardian signature. 
• Open House
• School Visit
• Part 1 Application: Parents/Guardians complete Part 1 of the application and submit to Admissions Office.
• Request Flexible Tuition Application if you have not already done so.
• ISEE Test if required.  Required for East bay and Peninsula schools.
• SSAT Test Date:  November 10, 2007

December 2007

• December 3, Courtesy Deadline Part 1 - Parent/Guardian Application
• Note – See Application Fee Waiver information at the end of the checklist in “Tips and Tricks.”
• Note - Be sure to plan ahead for the financial aid application deadlines and start preparing the forms.
• Flexible Tuition Applications:  If you have requested an application it should arrive early December. 
• Complete the Parent/Guardian Financial Statement (PFS) and send to Pittsburgh as soon as possible.  Student Interviews are scheduled upon receipt by admissions office.
• Note – See Application Fee Waiver information at the end of the checklist in “Tips and Tricks.”
• Request Flexible Tuition Application if you have not already done so.
• ISEE Test if required.  Required for East bay and Peninsula schools.
• SSAT Test Date:  December 8, 2007

January 2008

• January 10, Final Deadline:  All Application Materials are Due: Part I Parent/Guardian Application and Part II Student Application (Recommendation forms, official transcripts, test scores)
• January 10, Deadline: For Parent Financial Statement (PFS) due at the School Scholarship Services in Pittsburgh, PA.
• Note – Attend Financial Aid Workshops if offered by the school that you are applying to. 
  (ie:  Lick-Wilmerding High School is offering a Financial Aid Workshop on January 7th at 7 pm. No RSVP necessary)
• Plan to prepare your taxes for Financial Aid Application deadlines.
• Open House
• Student Interview Days.
• Final ISEE Test if required.  Required for East bay and Peninsula schools.
• Final SSAT Test Date:  January 12, 2008

February 2008

• Deadline:  Call Admissions Office and check deadlines for Flexible Tuition Application. Most schools have a February due date (Required forms:  2007 Tax Returns and 4506 Form.)

March 2008

• March 10th - Admissions Decision Letters mailed to families.
• Financial Aid grants are mailed to families.
• March 17th by Noon – Financial Aid Reply Deadline. Financial aid/flexible tuition enrollment contracts due.
• March 19th by Noon - Enrollment Contracts are due at the school that you have been accepted.

TIPS & TRICK: Here are some tips to help you stay organized throughout the process: 

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  The Admissions Counselors at the school(s) to which you are applying are there to help you.
• Connect with a Mentor or adult at your school who will help you through the application process.  Possibly a school counselor.
• Be organized - Calendar all important application process deadlines (application due dates, testing dates, open house and shadow dates, and financial aid application deadlines).
• Register for appropriate tests (SSAT, ISEE, HSPT) as early as possible.  If you want to take your test in November or December, call to reserve a space in September or October.
• Application Fee Waivers – It is possible to get the Application Fee waived.  Call the Admissions Office at the school that you are applying and ask about how to apply for a Fee Waiver.  Be prepared to answer questions regarding your financial status.  You may be asked to pay a small fee.
• Test fee waivers -To apply for a fee waiver contact the Admission Office at a school to which you are applying at least four weeks before your chosen test.  You must obtain your fee waiver before registering for the test. If you mail your registration, please enclose the original Fee Waiver Coupon.
• Shadowing and attending an Open House at the schools that you are applying can be very helpful.  Call the admissions office and make those appointments!
• The school websites have helpful information.
• The Aim High website to connect you to resources that will support you through this process.  Check the website for helpful links or contact Michelle Burns, Student Center Director, at mburns@aimhigh.org or (415) 551-2320.