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Exam High School FAQs
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The Application Process
What is an examination high school?
An examination high school is a selective admission high school program, with rigorous college preparation, career preparation, competitive athletics programs, and inspiring arts programs.
Students are required to take an examination and submit an online application for admission consideration. The district offers five (5) exam high schools.
What is the Application Process?
- Submit an application
- Take the Exam
- Receive notification decision
- Petition (8th grade applicants only)
- Enroll
Who may apply?
Eighth-grade students attending public and non-public schools, including homeschool, are eligible to apply for 9th grade. Current high school students may also apply for limited openings in grades 9-12.
How do I get started with the application?
Go to detroitk12.org/ehsto review all application rules and requirements, then click on the link to apply. There are three applications. You will need to select the application that best suits your situation.Who should complete the application?
A parent or guardian should complete the application and electronically sign it unless they give written permission for someone else to sign it. The student will be required to write the essay. We recommend that the student draft the essay, save it to a file or portable drive so the parent/guardian may upload it to the application.
I’m applying for more than one student; can I submit both applications under the same Submittable account?
If you have more than one student applying to examination high schools, you can submit each student’s application under the same Submittable account. You may not submit more than one application per student.
May I pick up a paper copy of the application?
The application must be completed online. There is no paper application.Whose email should I use to create my application account?
The email associated with the Submittable account will be used for all communications regarding the application, the exam, and enrollment. Please be sure the email address meets the following criteria:- Belongs to, or is easily accessible by, the applicant’s parent/guardian
- Is an account that is frequently checked
- Is not a school-issued student email account
I do not have a home computer. How can I apply?
The application is mobile-friendly, so you can apply with any internet-enabled device like a smartphone or tablet. Click here to get step-by-step instructions on how to submit an application on a smartphone. We also encourage you to schedule an appointment with our trained support team.Click here to schedule an application assistance appointment. For a list of upcoming webinars and appointment dates, click here.
Is there a limit on how many schools I may apply for?
Students entering 9th grade may apply for up to five (5) examination high schools and will be asked to rank their choices. Students who are transferring from one high school to another may select up to three (3) schools. We recommend keeping your options open and selecting all schools that are reasonable options for you.
How will I be notified?
Admissions decisions will be sent to the email address affiliated with the Submittable account. Applicants may also log into their Submittable account after the notification deadline and review their messages.I only received an admission decision for one school. Will I receive an admission decision for the other exam schools?
Admission is granted to the highest-ranked school for which the student’s application score qualified them. The highest-scoring students get their first-choice school until seats are exhausted, for example.
Is transportation provided?
Students may use their district ID card to ride DDOT buses.
My student was dismissed from an examination high school. What is the process for returning to the school?
Students who were dismissed for academics, attendance, or behavior from an examination high school may return after two semesters at another school. Students who were dismissed are required to apply and take the exam again.
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Application Requirements
What are the examination high school application requirements?
Every applicant must submit an online application and take the High School Placement Test. The application requires a student-authored essay, transcript (or report card or other document showing the cumulative grade point average), and (3) references who may be contacted on behalf of the applicant.What should I include in my Admission Essay?
Applicants should answer the four guiding questions and make a persuasive argument regarding their admission to their school(s) of choice. Be as detailed and specific as you can within the 750-word limit.I’m interested in more than one school, what school should I write my Admission Essay about?
Applicants should write their admission essay about their top-choice school.How do I submit my Admission Essay?
Applicants may draft their Admission Essay in a program like Microsoft Word or Google Docs and copy/paste it into the application form. You may also type the essay directly into the application.
Who may I use as a reference?
Applicants may use anyone other than an immediate family member as a reference (e.g. mentor, teacher, principal, coach, pastor, etc.)The recommendation contacts submitted in the application say they have not received anything. What should I do?
The recommenders will only be contacted if needed on behalf of the applicant.What document should I supply to show my GPA?
Applicants are required to submit a report card or transcript that clearly shows their Cumulative Grade Point Average. The transcript may be requested from the student’s school using one of the available Transcript Request forms available on our website.Current High School applicants must submit a transcript. If an incoming 9th-grade applicant cannot provide a transcript, we will accept year-end report cards from the two (2) most recent consecutive school years: 2022-23 and 2023-24. If the report cards do not show the student’s Cumulative Grade Point Average, the admissions team will reconstruct a cumulative GPA using only core academic subjects: Math, ELA, Social Studies, and Science.
All submitted documents must show the student’s name, grade level, and school.
Can I upload a screenshot of historical grades from my school’s SIS (PowerSchool, MiStar, etc.)?
Yes, incoming 9th-grade applicants can upload a screenshot of their historical grades from their school’s Student Information System (SIS). Be sure the screenshot includes the student’s name, school name, and grade level.Are current DPSCD students required to submit transcripts?
Current District students are not required to submit transcripts if they attended a DPSCD school for the past two complete academic years. District students will be required to enter their DPSCD Student ID.How do I obtain a transcript?
Please contact your school's main office or see your guidance counselor to request a transcript or end-of-year report cards from the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years.If your student’s previous or current school requires a request form when obtaining your transcript or report cards, you may download one of the Admission Transcript Forms below and provide it to the school.
8th Grade Transcript Request Form
Transcript Request Form – High School Transfers
I attend a private school and am not sure if I have a cumulative grade point average, or what it might be.
Please contact your school's main office or see your guidance counselor to request a transcript.
May I take a picture of my transcript and upload it?
Yes, you can take a picture of your transcript or report card(s) and upload it as long as it is legible and the document is not cut off. After you have uploaded it, check to make sure the cumulative GPA, student name, school name, and grade level are clearly visible. We recommend that you use one of the following apps to scan your documents, as they are more reliably clear. These apps are available for Apple and Android mobile phones.- Adobe Scan App
- Microsoft Office Lens App
My student is homeschooled, what should I submit as a transcript?
Students who are home-schooled should reference the following information to create a transcript. Please contact the Office of Enrollment for additional questions at exam.schools@detroitk12.org or (313) 873-6345.Michigan Department of Education- Right to Homeschool Information
What documents can I use to present my GPA?
The following documents can be used to present your GPA:
- Transcript
- Year-end report card
- SIS screenshot of the historical grades
- Homeschool transcript
Note: Current High School applicants may only submit a transcript.
My student attends a private school. Does he/she have an Individualized Education Plan?
No, however, the equivalent is a Non-Public Service Plan. Please request a copy from your child’s school.What are the Marygrove catchment areas?
- The Primary Catchment Area: a one-mile radius from the campus, bounded by 7 Mile to the north, Parkside St to the east, Fenkell St to the south and Appoline St to the west.
- The Secondary Catchment Area: a two-mile radius from the campus, bounded by 8 Mile to the north, Schoolcraft St to the south, and Marlowe St to the west.
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High School Transfer Process
I currently attend an examination high school, can I request a transfer to another exam high school?
Students who attended an examination high school for at least one (1) full year will qualify to submit a transfer between exam high schools application.
I previously attended an examination school, what is the process for re-entry? Students who previously attended an exam high school and left the school in good standing, not academically dismissed, or in jeopardy of being academically dismissed may apply for re-entry to an examination high school. Students should complete the Examination High School Application for Current High School Students 2024.
Can I apply to transfer as a mid-year transfer?
Students in grades 9th – 12th can apply to transfer as a mid-year transfer.
When do mid-year transfer start?
Accepted mid-year transfers will start school in January 2025.
What document should I supply to show my GPA?
Current High School students are required to upload a school transcript from the 2022-23 and 2023-24 that clearly shows the student’s name, grade level, school name, school address, and all courses and grades earned. Cut-off or partial documents will not be accepted.
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Taking the Exam
Does everyone have to take the exam?
The exam is required for all new examination high school students. An exception may be granted for students seeking re-entry to an exam high school they previously attended if they left in good standing, ie., they were not dismissed for academic or other reasons and the school has available seats at the grade level sought. Students who took the exam during the 2023-24 Admission cycle and were accepted to their first-choice school but did not attend are still required to submit an application.
Are students required to take the exam in-person?
Applicants are required to take the exam in-person.
What subjects are on the exam?
Reading (Comprehensive & Vocabulary), Mathematics, Language, Science.
How can I prepare for the exam? Do you offer any practice tests or study guides?
Click here to access the High School Placement Test Resources List. We do not offer study guides.
My student’s first language is not English, will he/she be eligible for test accommodations?
Students who are multilingual learners or newcomers must upload their most recent WIDA scores or provide additional information as part of the application. If the student is identified as needing accommodations, they will be given the applicable accommodations identified.
Will there be an opportunity to retake the exam?No. Students will not be allowed to retake the exam within the same admissions cycle, 2024-25. However, they may participate in the petition process if they did not get a satisfactory placement.
How do I sign up to take the exam?
Out of District 8th grade and high school students will be required to select a test date in the online Submittable application. Current district 8th-grade students will take the exam during the school day. You may contact your school to learn of the specific day of your student’s test.
What should I do if I miss the exam?
Students who missed their test date or need to request an alternate testing date should take this survey. Only students with an application on file may be rescheduled for testing. Requests must be received within 72 hours of the missed test date. We will make every effort to accommodate your request.
Will I have access to my exam score?
Yes. Exam score percentiles will be sent via Submittable for students who meet the first-round and second-round deadlines. Scores will be sent separately from the acceptance/decline letter. Exam scores will not be sent to anyone who takes the exam in any additional rounds.
When is the final test administration date for Fall 2025 admission?
The final test administration will be on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The application deadline to apply to take this test will be 11:59 p.m. Friday May 2, 2024
TAKING THE EXAM – DPSCD STUDENTSMy child is an 8th grader in DPSCD. How does he/she get to take the test?
Eighth graders who attend a District school will take the exam high school admissions test at school during the school day. The test will be administered in November 2024. Tests will be administered during the school day. If you have any questions, please contact your school for more information.
What if my 8th grader is absent the day their District school offered the exam high school admissions test? What should I do?Each school should have make-up opportunities. Please contact your school for more information.
When will testing be offered for current District high school students?
Testing will be available for District 9th, 10th- and 11th-grade students in November and December for fall 2024 admission. Parents will be able to choose the date that best works for their schedule during the application process.If my student currently attends a DPSCD high school. Do they need to register for an exam date?
Yes, they will need to complete an application and register for an exam date. The application must be received in order to finalize a test reservation. They may take the test in November and December for fall 2024 admission.
TAKING THE ADMISSIONS EXAM – OUT-OF-DISTRICT STUDENTS
When will I be notified of the time I need to arrive for my exam?
Students will be notified via the email address used to create the Submittable account three (3) days prior to their selected exam date.
When will testing be offered for students who attend non-DPSCD schools?
Students who do not currently attend DPSCD schools may take the test in November and December for fall 2024 admission. To be eligible to take the test in November, an application must be received by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date. Parents and/or students will be able to choose the date that best works for their schedule during the application process.
My student has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), will he/she receive accommodations during the exam?
Student IEPs are reviewed before the exam is administered. Students who require accommodations will receive them. Not all students who have IEPs are eligible for accommodations.
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Managing Your Account
Whose name should be on the Submittable account?
The application should be submitted using the student’s name. Ideally, the parent’s email address should be used, or any other email address that is easily accessible by the parent.
How do I log into my Submittable account?
To sign in with an existing account:
- Start on this page.
- Enter your email address and password. If you do not remember your password, click the “Forgot?” button.
- Click on “Submissions” in the upper left-hand corner of the screen.
I cannot find my submissions in my account. Where did they go?
If you are unable to find your submissions, you may have more than one Submittable account. Try logging in with another email address if you have one. If that does not work, contact Submittable’s tech support by clicking on the black/white question mark in the right-hand corner.
How do I check the status of my application?
You can check the status of your submissions by signing into your Submittable account.
- Click on the blue circle with your initials at the top right of the page.
- Select Submissions.
- Under the tab All Submissions, you will see the status of your application
How can I communicate with the Office of Enrollment regarding my application?
Before submitting your application, you may email exam.schools@detroitk12.org. After your application has been submitted, use the messaging feature in Submittable to contact the Office of Enrollment regarding your application.
What does my submission status mean?
Your submission status will change as the Admissions team moves it through the review process. Please see the status descriptions below:
In-progress: Your submission has been received and is being reviewed.
Declined: You were not admitted to any school for which you applied.
Accepted: You were accepted to one of the schools to which you applied. Acceptance is granted for only one school.
Withdrawn: Your submission has been withdrawn from consideration.
How do I make a change to an application I already submitted?
- Go to your Submissions list and locate your submission (application).
- Click the name of the submission to open it up
- You will see an Edit link in the upper-right corner of the Details page (between “Download” and “Withdraw”).
- Click the Edit link to submit your request to edit your application. Your request will be sent to the Office of Enrollment. The request will be reviewed 24 to 48 hours after submission.
Changes must be made before the application deadline.
How can I invite people to collaborate with me on a submission?
- Click on “invite collaborators”.
- A Dialog box will appear, please enter the email address of your collaborators, and click “invite”.
- The collaborator will receive an email, letting them know you’ve invited them to collaborate on a draft submission using Submittable. They should click on “Get Started”
How can I change the email address on my Submittable account?
You can change the email address associated with your Submittable account at any time by following these steps:
- Click on the blue circle with your initials at the top right of the page.
- Select Settings.
- On the left side of the page, under User Profile select Update Profile Info
- Scroll down until you see the text box for your email address.
You may also add or change your physical mailing address in the Profile Settings area by using the boxes provided for this information. - When finished, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Update Your Profile. This will save your account information.
Source: Submittable
For more help, please visit the Submittable Help page
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Acceptance or Denial: What's Next?
How are admissions decisions made?
All students' application scores are ranked from highest to lowest. Students with the highest scores are admitted to their first choice of schools until all of the available seats are filled, then students are admitted to their second-choice schools until all available seats are filled, etc. Application scores are comprised of the test score and the points awarded for each component of the application (see application rubric) and are dependent on students' examination school selections and available seats in student's selected schools. Students who are not admitted through the ranking process my petition for admission.
Can I be accepted to a school other than one I selected in my top 3?
Yes. If you do not qualify for any of your top three choices, you will be placed in any school for which you indicated an interest, if you qualify for that school.
I attend DPSCD and took the test, but I have not received an email.
You may not have received an email because you did not submit an online application on Submittable or there was a typo in the email address associated with your Submittable account. If you are unsure, please check your Submittable account.
How will I be notified?
Ninth grade applicant will receive notice of acceptance or denial of their application to exam high on January 24, 2025 at 6 p.m. Current High School applicants will receive notice of acceptance or denial of their application an exam high school on January 10, 2025 at 6 p.m. Notifications will be sent to the email address submitted with the application. Applicants may also log into their Submittable account.
Will I receive a letter in the mail?
No, notifications will be sent to the email address submitted with the application. Applicants may also log into their Submittable account.
I was accepted to my top choice school! What's next?
Please review the documents sent with your acceptance carefully. Information on your next steps is included.
Applicants who were accepted to any o the five Examination High Schools are required to submit all enrollment forms by April 25, 2025. All enrollment forms must be submitted in-person to the school. Students who were admitted, but do not turn in their completed enrollment packet by April 25 will forfeit their seat for Fall.
Am I enrolled if I get an acceptance letter?
No, accepted students will need to formally enroll by submitting a completed enrollment packet. Please check your Submittable account for more information on how to submit your completed enrollment packet. Here's what you need to bring with you to enroll:
- Completed Enrollment Form
- Parent/ Guardian Photo ID
- Proof of Address
- Child's Birth Certificate
- Immunization Record
- Transcript/ Report Card
If I am unhappy with the result, what are my options?
Students have the option to participate in the petition process to request a reconsideration of their school assignments or denial of admission to the exam high school of their choice.
When are petition applications due?
The deadline to submit a petition for Round 1 is February 13, 2025.
I selected only one school on my application, but did not get in. Can I get into another school now?
Students may petition to get into another school, however, seats my be limited. We encourage students to keep all their options open when they apply.
What is the petition process?
The petition window for students denied admission will begin on January 31 for applicants. Students who choose to participate in the petition process will be required to submit the following items for review.
- Student-authored essay indicating why they should be accepted.
- Three letters of recommendation OR two references and a supporting artifact
- Additional details with specific instructions will be sent to applicants.
Who will make the final decision on my petition?
The school to which you have petitioned make the final admission decision.
What is the deadline to petition?
The petition window closes on February 13, 2025.
When will I be notified of the final decision regarding my petition?
Notification will be given to students by 6 p.m. on April 4, 2025.
I missed the first-round petition window, can I still petition for admission?
Yes. Students who did not submit a petition during the first round will be allowed to submit a petition during the second-round window.