Admissions Criteria

Ursuline’s admissions review committee evaluates each applicant holistically, with the goal of selecting mission-aligned students who will be successful in our rigorous college-preparatory environment. We aim to identify the strongest incoming class possible, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

There is no magic HSPT score or mold to determine what makes an Ursuline girl. Our team considers the unique gifts and talents each prospective student will bring to the UA school community.

Ursuline’s admissions review committee is trained to evaluate the application information — both academic and personal — to more fully understand who you are, how likely you are to succeed academically at UA, and the attributes you will bring to our community.

We don’t expect perfection — we value effort, authenticity, and a demonstrated willingness to learn. The application process is designed to help you reflect on who you are, where you’ve been, and where you want to go.

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Criteria for rising high-school students

• HSPT score. Applicants come from more than 70 private and public grade schools across the tri-state area, each with distinct curriculum strengths. The HSPT provides an apples-to-apples comparison for the Admissions team to evaluate each girl’s knowledge and aptitude. We recognize that some students struggle with standardized testing. *HSPT scores are not looked at in isolation and are part of your overall academic profile. The admissions review committee also reviews your HSPT score when considering you for a merit scholarship award.
• Grade school transcript. The admissions review committee will evaluate your course selection and grades earned.
• Standardized test scores. The committee will review your standardized test scores from grades 6, 7, and 8.
• Written statement. Ursuline girls are bright in many different ways. The written essay is your opportunity to help the committee get to know you. The option to choose one of three essay prompts allows you to write in your own voice and present a glimpse of who you are. Remember to be yourself, do your best, and proofread your final essay before you submit it.
   

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Criteria for transfer students

• High school transcript. The admissions team will review your course selection and the grades earned for each class, evaluating your preparedness for Ursuline’s college prep curriculum.
• Attendance and discipline records. 
• Written statement. Ursuline girls are bright in many different ways. The written essay is your opportunity to help the committee get to know you. The option to choose one of three essay prompts allows you to write in your own voice and present a glimpse of who you are. Remember to be yourself, do your best, and proofread your final essay before you submit it.
• Test scores. The committee will review your standardized test scores from seventh grade through the present.
• In-person interview.

If you would like to request a transfer to Ursuline Academy, please reach out to our Admissions team at admissions@ursulineacademy.org to discuss your request.