Coursework & Grades
Following are the kinds of courses you need to take while in high school and the number of years you need to take them. You should work to consistently make strong grades in these courses.
English: 4 years required
Math: 3 or 3.5 years required, 4 years recommended
Social sciences: 2 years required, 4 years recommended
Lab sciences: 2 years required, 4 years recommended
Language other than English: 2 years required, 4 years recommended
Flexible academic units: 2 years required, 4+ years recommended
Extracurriculars
When we review your application, we want to know what’s important to you. The quality of your involvement outside the classroom is much more important than quantity. Take part in the activities you're passionate about and enjoy. We take notice when you demonstrate leadership skills and show long-term commitment to the things you love.
Test Scores
We accept either the ACT or SAT I (both the pre-March 2016 test and its redesign), and we don’t prefer one over the other. Your scores will be used in our decision-making process, as well as for course placement and academic advising. They may also be a factor when it comes to scholarship and aid decisions. For last year's middle 50% score range, view our class profile. Don’t stress if you don’t perform as well as you’d like—this isn’t the only factor we review!
application fee
When you submit the application, you'll pay a nonrefundable fee by credit card or check. If you're a domestic student who qualifies for a fee waiver, your guidance counselor must submit our fee waiver form.
Domestic:$50
International:$75
international
In addition to following the standard admission steps as a freshman or transfer applicant, you should be aware of the following requirements.
Academic Credentials
To be considered for admission, you must complete a program of study that qualifies you for admission to selective universities in your own country.
Required Documents by Country
We require certain documents depending on where you're from. Transfer applicants need to send these to us when they apply. Freshmen should wait until after they're admitted.
People’s Republic of China (excluding Hong Kong)
Senior high school transcript
Junior high school transcript
A-Level certificate (if taken)
O-Level/GCSE/IGCSE certificates (if taken)
English proficiency
You need to demonstrate a command of the English language. If your first language isn’t English or you’re attending high school in a non-English-speaking country, we recommend you submit a TOEFL (code 1836) or IELTS score from a test you’ve taken within the past 2 years.
