I’m currently 13, turning 14 in October, I’m Korean, and my parents combined make it to the 3 - 5% of the average salary.
Stats: 3.8 GPA, 6th Grade Congressional App Challenge Winner, Passed multiple CM’s for piano, 50+ Hours of community service, a leader of a club, mentored students for over 20+ hours, Good relationships with teachers for recommendations, Participant for NJHS.
Also, I’m signing up for Science Olympiad and I’m also signing up for multiple tournaments for both golf and tennis as I’ve has many years of experience with both sports. I’m also signing up for the 8th CM for piano. I am yet to take the ISEE. Are there any tips, advice, and help for a better chance of getting in? Any way to make my application better? And if anyone has been accepted, rejected, or waitlisted from Harvard Westlake, please tell me your experience.
I’m pretty sure I’m the only person in my school applying for HW. Also, I meant 3 - 5% as in they make enough money to be in the top 3 - 5% of the world’s average salary. (Around 700K - 900k) per year, I’m also paying in full. I’ll be taking the ISEE around in December.
I am applying too, I have 3.97 GPA. Taking ISEE in Jan, my ECs are okay. Some experience in Cross country and play guitar. Part of Science Olympiad in my current school. I am an Indian kid and my parents salary range is same as yours so not applying for financial aid.
Based on things I read online, it doesn’t seem like I stand much of a chance. I have applied to Poly and Flintridge Prep too. What about you?
Hi! I had just taken the ISEE yesterday. The ISEE is pretty easy, especially the math parts. Just a tip, answer the questions ASAP. They will give you around 30 minutes for 45 questions-ish which is less than a minute for each question. Also, as for me, I don’t want to say that I wouldn’t have a chance as to doubt myself, but deep inside, I really do feel a little hope fading . Cross country and guitar is definitely great for your application as they have programs that would help with that. I’ve also talked to several students from the school and there is definitely two sides of opinions. Around half of the students would answer as the school being amazing for college prep with the teachers being super supportive with the education being great. While the other half of the students would answer as the education is way too harsh with the school being extremely competitive. They say that most people of the school wouldn’t give a single look at you as your basically competing against the top of the race to suceed. But, that’s just their experiences, me and you could have completely different perspectives (if we get accepted of course). But, don’t be stressed out or doubt yourself, I’m sure if you work hard enough for the rest of the months, you’ll be able to get in, don’t doubt yourself. Also, if it makes you feel better, around based on your statistics and the people I’ve talked to, they’d say you’d definitely be a top competitor in the accepting process. I’m not going to lie though, I am a little demotivated in trying to get in as I’ve realized the extreme competitive environment of the school. Feel free to ask more questions if you need! Although, I’m not a current student, I have some information if you’d like to ask.
For anyone considering HW, I would suggest that you and your family carefully consider the school’s mission statement (particularly the four pillars), and keep it in mind in your application and the interviews.
Harvard-Westlake strives to be a diverse and inclusive community united by the joyful pursuit of educational excellence , living and learning with integrity , and purpose beyond ourselves.
The school can be challenging academically, and for some students it is too much. On the other hand, the school is not simply looking for academic grinders, but rather for those who those who actually find the pursuit of educational excellence to be “joyful” experience, and those who want to be part of a learning community that cares about others. But if academics isn’t among your passions, you won’t be happy there. If it is, then you might find it to be a supportive place with like-minded people.
Thanks for the kind words Ben. I am trying not to think about it too much. Don’t want to feel too disappointed in case I don’t get in.
Thanks for the tip on the Maths section. Its the vocabulary that kicking my butt. Going to study over the break to atleast manage a decent score.
It is good that you are doing a lot of research on whether the kids actually like it there. I didn’t do that. Maybe because I also didn’t think I might get in. The competition doesn’t scare me, but that is because I focus more on my own thing that competing with other kids. So long as I have some good friends, I will be happy.
. Cross country and guitar is definitely great for your application as they have programs that would help with that. I’ve also talked to several students from the school and there is definitely two sides of opinions. Around half of the students would answer as the school being amazing for college prep with the teachers being super supportive with the education being great. While the other half of the students would answer as the education is way too harsh with the school being extremely competitive. They say that most people of the school wouldn’t give a single look at you as your basically competing against the top of the race to suceed. But, that’s just their experiences, me and you could have completely different perspectives (if we get accepted of course). But, don’t be stressed out or doubt yourself, I’m sure if you work hard enough for the rest of the months, you’ll be able to get in, don’t doubt yourself. Also, if it makes you feel better, around based on your statistics and the people I’ve talked to, they’d say you’d definitely be a top competitor in the accepting process. I’m not going to lie though, I am a little demotivated in trying to get in as I’ve realized the extreme competitive environment of the school. Feel free to ask more questions if you need! Although, I’m not a current student, I have some information if you’d like to ask.