Learning at Brandeis
Middle School Academics
High School Counseling
Step 3. Apply (September-January)
The application process for independent and faith-based schools typically includes the following:
• Demographic information – Name, address, phone number, etc.
• Short answer questions – An example of a typical question might be “If you could meet any person from history, real or fictional, who would it be and why?” Most schools will ask why their particular school is a fit for your child. This is one of the most important questions on the application. The school wants to know that you understand who they are and that you are excited about that school’s program.
• Personal Statement – an essay, completed by the student, on a specific topic requested by the school. The personal statement is a chance for your child to show the admission committees at the high schools more about who they are or their interests. Think of the personal statement as a chance for your child to speak directly to people wondering what makes them excited, motivated, or proud. This is a chance for the admission committees to hear the student’s voices. We are happy to review this essay, though we cannot provide heavy editing.
• Parent/Guardian Essay – In an essay, parents/guardians are asked to write a “letter of recommendation” for their child. We recommend that you think of very short vignettes that illustrate your child’s joys and strengths.
• Teacher recommendations – Teacher recommendations are part of the application that involves Brandeis teachers. Schools use them as a way to find out what kind of learner your child is, how they contribute in the classroom, and ways in which they differentiate themselves from other students. Schools request three recommendations: the 8th grade English teacher, the 8th grade Math teacher, and the placement counselor. You will submit requests for the recommendations through Ravenna or through the
school’s website. We do not recommend additional recommendations except in very special circumstances. Please check with your placement counselor.
• Transcripts – most schools request transcripts of grades for seventh grade and the first trimester of eighth grade. The Brandeis high school team will manage the transcript process.
• Interview – the student and parents are responsible for arranging interviews. Brandeis provides some coaching and practice on how to interview as part of the 8th-grade advisory program.
• Free writing sample - Many of the schools now ask for a free writing sample, where students will produce a short essay on an assigned prompt within a 30-minute period.
• Portfolio work- Many of the schools request a graded writing sample and or a creative project that best represents your child’s abilities. The application process for San Francisco public schools varies depending on the school.
- For public non-charter schools such as Balboa, Lincoln, Lowell, or Mission High School, there is a single San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) application that must be completed.
- Lowell HS: Additionally, You must sign your child for the Lowell test (in early December), and request from Brandeis your child's transcripts. Lowell is the only SFUSD school that requires test, and transcripts only. The Lowell decision is based on a points system.
- School of the Arts (SOTA) requires that the SFUSD application be completed, and also has its own applications that must be completed. SOTA requires an audition or portfolio as part of the application process. If you think your family will be interested in SOTA, you should begin to think about the required portfolio/audition and consult with your child’s counselor before summer begins. It is challenging to put together a portfolio or audition piece while also managing the regular admission process in the fall.
- Public charter schools such as Gateway and Leadership conduct a lottery to select students, so parents must submit a separate application to participate in the lottery.
