What Leading High Schools Look For

Choosing a high school is an exciting milestone, but for many Baltimore families, it can also feel a little overwhelming. With some of the region's leading independent schools attracting large numbers of applicants each year, it's natural to wonder what admissions teams look for in potential students. Whether your child currently attends a public, private, or parochial school, understanding what admissions teams value can help families navigate the process with greater confidence.

What do Baltimore's top high schools look for in applicants?

While strong grades and test scores matter, many top Baltimore high schools take a holistic view of each applicant, seeking students who will thrive academically, contribute to the school community, and demonstrate enthusiasm for the specific school. Regardless of the school attended during the elementary and middle school years, admissions counselors look for involvement in extracurricular activities, well-rounded interests (academic, artistic, athletic), and leadership potential. Interviews and teacher recommendations help them get to know students on a personal level, looking for qualities such as integrity, kindness, responsibility, and respect for others.

How competitive is private high school admission in Baltimore?

Private School Review reports that the average acceptance rate for private high schools in Maryland is 77%, with some Baltimore private high school admissions rates in the range of 25% to 50%. Private high schools typically enroll their largest group of new students in ninth grade, when younger students naturally transition from public, parochial, and independent K–8 schools. Although there are many applicants, private high schools expect increased enrollment at the high school level and see this as an opportunity to build their community and strengthen their culture.

What academic foundation do leading Baltimore high schools expect?

Baltimore's top private high schools look for students who have built a solid academic foundation and are ready to take on the challenges of a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum. Strong applicants typically earn consistently high grades in core subjects such as English, math, and science. Schools review transcripts, teacher recommendations, and often standardized test scores to gain a fuller picture of a student's academic abilities. Just as important, they look for signs of strong study habits, personal responsibility, and a genuine interest in learning. Teachers often play a key role in helping admissions committees understand whether a student is prepared for the demands of high school. While every school has its own priorities, schools value engaged students who think critically, communicate effectively, and demonstrate increasing independence.

How do private high schools evaluate character and critical thinking?

An emphasis on character and critical thinking is a hallmark of an independent school at any grade level. When reviewing an applicant, a high school admissions counselor may consider a potential student’s prior academic environment and how it may have contributed to character development and the ability to think beyond simple facts. Counselors will also give weight to interviews, personal essays, writing samples, and letters of recommendation — looking for examples of personal responsibility, consideration for others, and perseverance.

1 / 3

How important is the K–8 school that a student attends?

The K-8 school a student attended can provide helpful context, but ultimately, admissions teams evaluate the student, not the school. At the same time, they are familiar with many local public, private, and parochial schools and often understand the academic expectations associated with each. Admissions teams will typically know a school’s level of commitment to focusing on each child’s needs, particularly during that stage of development. Ultimately, admissions committees want to know whether a student is academically prepared, socially mature, and likely to contribute positively to the school community. Students from a wide range of educational backgrounds are admitted to top Baltimore independent schools every year.

What do admissions officers look for in student interviews?

Most Baltimore private high schools include an interview as part of their high school admissions criteria to assess a student's maturity, character, interests, and potential fit within the school community. Strong candidates answer questions thoughtfully, ask follow-up questions of their own, and participate in a natural discussion rather than delivering rehearsed responses. Admissions teams also look for students who can clearly articulate why they are interested in a particular school. For example, by mentioning specific programs, classes, or opportunities that appeal to them. Interviews also provide an opportunity for students to display their personality. Admissions officers often remember applicants who speak enthusiastically about a favorite subject, project, activity, or challenge they've tackled.

How do high schools weigh extracurricular involvement and recommendations?

Extracurricular activities and teacher recommendations play an important role in the Baltimore private high school application process because they help schools understand who a student is beyond their grades and test scores.

High schools seek students who will contribute to the school's life experience, both inside and outside the classroom. Participation in sports, visual and performing arts, clubs, community service, and other activities can demonstrate valuable qualities — like commitment, leadership, teamwork, and creativity. At the same time, admissions committees will also consider depth versus breadth. A student who has shown sustained interest and growth in a few activities may stand out more than one who participates in a long list with little meaningful involvement.

Teacher recommendations are equally important because they provide insight into a student's character, work ethic, and classroom contributions. Strong recommendations can help admissions committees understand how a student approaches challenges, interacts with peers, and helps to shape a learning community.

How can a student stand out beyond grades and test scores?

One of the best ways for students to stand out beyond grades and test scores is to show admissions committees who they are as a person. High schools want to understand what makes each applicant unique. Through writing essays and participating in interviews, students can share meaningful experiences that demonstrate qualities such as leadership, resilience, integrity, and intellectual curiosity. Authenticity stands out. Students who tell their own story and share what matters most to them can leave a strong impression.

When should families begin preparing for high school applications?

While it's never too early to start researching top Baltimore high schools, most families become serious about the process between August and October of the year before enrollment. Starting early gives families time to attend events, complete application requirements, and make informed decisions. Sample timeframes to keep in mind include:

Seventh Grade (Spring): At Calvert, parents have individual meetings with Upper School Placement Coordinator Kathy Liotta.
Seventh Grade (Spring): Seventh Graders attend an overnight leadership journey as preparation for their Eighth Grade year and accompanying high school applications.
September to November: Attend Calvert’s High School Night, open houses, tours, shadow days, and interviews
October to November: Complete applications
October to December: Request transcripts and teacher recommendations
October to January: Testing and assessments
November to January: Submit applications
February: Receive admission decisions

Requirements vary, so families should carefully review each school's instructions and deadlines.

How does Calvert prepare its students for the high school application process?

At Calvert School, we understand that the transition to high school is a significant one in our students’ lives. To ensure student success in the application process and beyond, all Eighth Grade families work closely with Upper School Placement Coordinator Kathy Liotta beginning in Seventh Grade.

Together, they identify potential schools for each child, discuss testing and other requirements, and work through the application process. Calvert also hosts a High School Night each fall that invites alumni and representatives from more than 20 high schools to speak with Eighth Graders as they weigh their options and discover which schools will best support their strengths, interests, and goals.