How to Get Into Harvard‑Westlake School – California Top-Tier Prep School Admissions Guide
- Sapneil Parikh
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Why Harvard‑Westlake Is One of California’s Elite Private Schools
Harvard‑Westlake School is a prestigious nonsectarian independent day school serving grades 7–12 in Los Angeles County with approximately 1,600 students, a student‑teacher ratio of 8:1, and small class sizes of ~16. Known for its rigorous academic excellence, including honors, AP, and optional International Baccalaureate offerings, Harvard‑Westlake consistently ranks among the top private high schools in the U.S.
Admissions Timeline & Step‑by‑Step Process
Fall Inquiries & Events
Complete the Admissions Inquiry (grades 7 & 9 key entry points).
Attend virtual or in-person information sessions and campus visits starting in September. Visiting requires pre-inquiry registration.
Interview Invitation Deadline – November 14, 2025
To guarantee an interview, submit your admission application by November 14. Interviews begin late September and run into winter.
Standardized Testing: ISEE
Required for all entry applicants (grades 7 & 9).
Only one ISEE score (taken August–mid‑January) is accepted (school code: 052135).
Test prep beyond a first attempt is discouraged.
Full Application & Financial Aid Deadline – January 16, 2026
Submit online application, student questionnaire (essays), recommendation forms (English, math, school head), transcripts, and financial aid forms by this date.
Decision Notifications – March 13, 2026
Admission decisions released via the portal by March 13; enrollment deadline March 20.
What Harvard‑Westlake Looks For
Admissions conducts a holistic evaluation, considering:
ISEE performance
Transcript history and course rigor
Student questionnaire or writing sample
Interview impressions (student and parent)
Teacher and administrative recommendations
Extracurricular achievement, personal integrity, and leadership potential
Fit with Harvard‑Westlake’s values of intellectual curiosity, community, and character
About 20% of students receive need-based aid, with an average award of $33,500 — available only if applied at admission.
Quick Application Checklist
Step | Action & Deadline |
Complete Inquiry | September (grades 7 & 9 entry points) |
Submit Application | By November 14 to ensure interview |
Take ISEE Exam | August–mid‑January; only one score accepted |
Submit Full Application | By January 16 |
Interview (2‑part) | In-person or Zoom, after application |
Receive Decision | By March 13 |
Confirm Enrollment | Before March 20 |
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