How to Get into a Competitive High School
Similar to admissions at best colleges, getting into a top competitive high school can be difficult. You should have super academic grades, excellent test scores, proof of focus and interest in a special subject, and maturity and intellect shown through interviews and personal essays.
Build your academic profile early
The pathway to attending a competitive high school starts with strong performance in middle school. To get into competitive high schools, students always want to take the strictest subjects at your middle school.
Selective high schools use a number of standardized tests in admissions decisions, including the SSAT, the High School Placement Test, and the Independent School Entrance Exam. For example, students looking to attend one of the nine specialized high schools in New York City must score highly on the Specialized High School Admissions Test.
Prepare heavily for high school interviews
Grades and test scores are key, but equally important to the admissions process is how students present themselves during interviews, which are often required, especially at private schools. Unlike college admissions, students typically tour a school and interview before applying.
One way students can stand out in essay writing and interviews is to thoroughly research the school. This helps students tailor their essay and interview responses to show their knowledge of the school, and it’s also an important piece of judging the school itself.
| A．But it’s not enough |
| B．Perform well on standardized tests |
| C．So students should first prepare for it |
| D．Be fit for the school’s culture and mission |
| E．Conduct thorough research on high schools |
| F．It is also necessary to do plenty of research and planning |
| G．Students are typically good at every part of their performance |
