Preparing Successful Applicants
An academic record is evaluated strictly in terms of course selection and achievement — that is, what a student did with what was available in the school attended. The typical distribution of high school courses across disciplines for most admitted students is:
- Four years of English (especially composition and literature)
- Four years of mathematics
- Three or more years of natural and physical sciences, with a lab
- Three or more years of social sciences (particularly advanced courses in history)
- Three or more years of a foreign language
51³Ô¹ÏÍø encourages elective coursework in the arts and strongly advises students to pursue honors and advanced-level courses in major areas of interest.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø values the student with interests that reflect a curiosity and commitment as well as sympathy and excitement for the spirit of intellectual pursuits. Well-developed special interests, talents, and skills of all kinds can be a significant part of an admission application.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø is committed to attracting people who represent a wide range of intellectual perspectives as well as diverse economic, racial, religious, and geographic backgrounds.
All admission credentials, from the traditional secondary school record and standardized testing to letters of reference that cite intellectual and creative promise, are important. Personal character and qualities that both reflect and determine the productive use of a student’s talent are also important to the admission decision.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø partners with the Common Application, Coalition on Scoir, and QuestBridge. We utilize Naviance/EDocs, Parchment, and are happy to receive official communication from your school email address. Additionally, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø partners with to allow counselors to follow applicants from their school through 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's application process.
Admission and Financial Aid Policy Updates
Submission of SAT and ACT scores will be optional for all applicants entering through fall 2027.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø has extended the test-optional pilot program making submission of SAT and ACT scores optional for all 51³Ô¹ÏÍø applicants through the 2026-2027 application season.
More about the test optional policy
The 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Commitment
For eligible domestic students, this comprehensive financial aid initiative will: eliminate tuition, significantly reduce student debt, and adjust tuition based on the family's income levels.