For a lot of eighth graders, getting ready for high school can feel confusing and stressful. Most people don’t really know what they’re doing at first, and the whole admissions process just feels like a lot. It’s supposed to help match students with schools that fit them, but it still ends up feeling like a big deal.
The process starts in the fall of eighth grade. Students fill out an application and pick the high schools or programs they want to try for. Schools check grades, attendance, and behavior to see how prepared a student might be.
Admissions Associate Mr. Andrew Eck ’11 talked about how early everything begins. “DeMatha’s admissions process typically starts at the beginning of eighth grade. Our Stag-for-a-Day visit calendar opens in September and the application is always due in December.” He also talked about what really matters in the application. “The most important aspect of the application for students to focus on is the essay. It helps our team get to know the applicants through their writing.” DeMatha’s admissions team doesn’t just look at numbers; they want to see effort and who you actually are.
Applying to DeMatha means doing a bunch of stuff like writing essays, taking entrance tests, and asking teachers for recommendation letters. Grades are a big deal, obviously, but schools also look at if you’re improving and putting the effort in.
Freshman David Levin talked about what it was like for him going through it. “The hardest thing about the application process for me was probably coming up with my essay and what I was going to write about.” Once he had that figured out, he says he “thought the process was pretty easy and not too complicated.”
Admissions Associate Mrs. Jessica Skaare said they don’t just look at one part of the application when deciding whether to admit a student. “A prospective student should know that we look at the whole person,” she says. “We review their recommendations, academic records, High School Placement Test scores, and read their essay. We do not focus on one area.” She also talked about how they keep supporting students once they actually get in. “Starting high school can be overwhelming for some of our students. We like to let them know we are here to help them navigate high school.”
Overall, the high school admissions process isn’t perfect , but it’s meant to help students move into high school without being completely lost. By staying organized, meeting deadlines, and using the support available, incoming freshmen can make the whole process a lot less stressful.
Applications for prospective ninth graders were due last Friday. Interested students may still apply but will be placed on a wait list for consideration, according to DeMatha’s admissions portal.
