How to Get Into Harvard-Westlake
Key Dates and Information
- Application deadline: January 12, 2024
- Financial aid application deadline: January 12, 2024
- Admissions tests: Test-optional
- ISEE for students applying to grades 7 & 9
- Admission interview guarantee deadline: November 15, 2023
- Admissions decision notification deadline: March 8, 2024
- Admissions decision reply deadline: March 15, 2024
Introduction
In 2022, Harvard-Westlake was the most sought-after independent school in the state of California and the third most sought-after school overall. Because of this, the admissions process is highly competitive. But don’t fret! We’ve put together this guide to help you navigate Harvard-Westlake’s entire application process.
We encourage you to use this guide in conjunction with our Admissions Assist course, which will help you prepare for the interview, learn how to craft excellent application responses, and gain a better understanding of how independent schools evaluate candidates.
Application
The admissions process for Harvard-Westlake is currently limited to incoming 7th, 9th, and 10th graders. Applications to 8th and 12th grade are rarely accepted, and applications to 11th grade are limited to new residents of Los Angeles. This guide is for 7th and 9th grade applicants as these are the most common entry points.
All applications begin with an Admissions Inquiry. Upon submission, Harvard-Westlake will send interested families a PIN code that will allow them to access the online application system.
Applicants will need to submit the following materials by January 12, 2024:
- Application for Admission and application fee:
- The Application for Admission is the first step of the online application process and should be submitted as soon as possible (by November 15, 2023 to guarantee an interview appointment).
- Application fee
- The application fee is waived if you are applying for financial aid.
- Student photo (optional but encouraged)
- The Student Questionnaire
- Due at least five days before your interview appointment.
- Writing exercise:
- In the application platform, there is a timed, 30-minute writing exercise. Students are given one opportunity to complete the writing exercise.
- Letters of recommendation:
- Current English teacher recommendation
- Current math teacher recommendation
- Administrative recommendation
- Transcripts from current year:
- The Authorization for Release of Applicant’s Record and Transcript form should be sent electronically to an official at your child’s current school.
- Admissions test scores (optional for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle):
- ISEE scores may be submitted from one test taken between August 1, 2023 and January 12, 2024.
Please visit Harvard-Westlake’s admissions page for more information about application requirements and deadlines.
Admissions Interview and School Visits
In order to guarantee an interview slot, the Application for Admission and the application fee must be submitted by November 15, 2023. This year, Harvard-Westlake is offering both in-person and virtual interviews that will take place during school hours on weekdays. The interviews will consist of a 20 minute conversation with the student and a 20 minute conversation with the parents/guardians. Applicants should complete The Student Questionnaire in the Online Application at least five days before the interview.
The interview is a great opportunity to see if Harvard-Westlake is the right school for you! Do they have programs that match your interest and passions? Is their community a place where you feel you can learn and grow? Be prepared to ask questions in your interview to help you determine if you and the school are a good match. Check out our Admissions Assist courses for interview preparation tips
Harvard-Westlake places a strong emphasis on visiting the campus. While it’s not mandatory, the school encourages families to visit so that they can get a better sense of the campus and community. For those families who are not able to visit the school in-person, Harvard-Westlake offers virtual tours. Taking a tour is a great way to demonstrate interest, and it will give you the opportunity to ask questions and come up with questions you’d like to ask during the interview.
For more information regarding campus visits and the interview, visit the Harvard-Westlake Visits and Interviews page
Admissions Tests
For the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, students have the option to submit ISEE scores. Scores are accepted from tests taken between August 1, 2023 and January 12, 2024.
Although submitting test scores is test-optional this year, we encourage students to take the ISEE at least once. If you don’t do as well as you’d hoped, then you don’t have to submit your scores. But if you do well on the test, submitting your test scores will help you stand out among a field of qualified applicants.
Check out our ISEE Prep Guide to learn more about the test.
Financial Aid Application
About 20% of Harvard-Westlake students receive financial aid in the form of grants. The grants cover everything from books to class retreats to athletic equipment. Harvard-Westlake provides a financial aid estimator to give families an idea of what they can expect to pay in tuition.
The deadline for financial aid applications is the same as the general application deadline, January 12, 2024. Applications are submitted and processed through the Clarity platform.
For the most up-to-date information regarding financial aid at Harvard-Westlake, please visit their financial aid page.
Athletics
Harvard-Westlake offers a plethora of athletic programs for their students to participate in. The athletic culture is very much an extension of the school’s mission to build community among the students. They have teams for the following sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Beach Volleyball
- Cheerleading
- Cross Country
- Equestrian
- Fencing
- Field Hockey
- Football
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming & Diving
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Water Polo
- Wrestling
For more information about Harvard-Westlake’s athletic programs, please visit their athletics home page.
Arts
Harvard-Westlake offers their students extensive opportunities that foster creativity and artistic expression. There are a variety of courses in music, dance, theater, writing, and visual arts. They provide some unique opportunities for students to demonstrate their talents, especially in the cinematic arts category. Each year, there is a student-run film festival called WESTFLIX where students from all over the state of California compete against each other and learn from a special guest in the industry.
For more information, please visit the Harvard-Westlake Arts page.
Conclusion
Preparation Resources:
- Enroll in our Admissions Assist Course
- Learn more about preparing for the ISEE
- Learn more about Harvard-Westlake
Originally published on October 28, 2021. Updated on October 3, 2023.
