9th Grade Admissions

Current Detroit Public Schools Community District 8th grade students will receive 10 additional points on their application for the round in which they apply. Enrollment status is verified with PowerSchool records. 

Students who apply to The School at Marygrove will receive priority if they live within the school’s catchment area.

The Primary Catchment Area
This is 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.
Students who reside in this area and apply to the School at Marygrove will receive 10 bonus points on their Marygrove application. 

The Secondary Catchment Area
This is is 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. 
Students who reside in this area and apply to the School at Marygrove will receive 5 bonus points on their Marygrove application. 

 

Applicants who who submit their cumulative GPA or complete and accurate report cards that allow us to calculate a GPA will receive 5 additional GPA points on their application.
This includes:

• Current DPSCD 8th grade students who have been continuously enrolled in DPSCD or who transferred to DPSCD and provided in their application any additional information required to calculate a middle school GPA.
• Students attending Opt-In partner schools who have been continuously enrolled or who provided in their application any additional information required to calculate a middle school GPA. 
• Non-DPSCD students who provide a document showing their GPA or complete report cards.

If we need to open the application to request additional information, the applicant is no longer eligible for GPA points.

GPA	Points
4.0	30
3.9	29
3.8	28
3.7	27
3.6	26
3.5	25
3.4	24
3.3	23
3.2	22
3.1	21
3.0	20
2.9	19
2.8	18
2.7	17
2.6	16
2.5	15
2.4	14
2.3	13
2.2	12
2.1	11
2.0	10
1.9	9
1.8	8
1.7	7
1.6	6
1.5 or less	5

 

• We recommend drafting the essay using a program like Microsoft Word, Google Docs or similar and saving it onto a flash drive or your hard drive until you're ready to submit it. When you're finalizing your essay, you can copy and paste it into the application form. You may also type the essay directly into the application.
• Measure your essay while drafting to ensure you do not exceed the 750-word limit.
• Read and re-read your essay, then have someone proofread it for you. Be sure it is grammatically correct and written in a formal tone.
• Be sure to answer the guiding questions. 
• Don't be shy. Talk about your accomplishments and talents.
   

   

The applicant's grade point average (GPA) is a critical part of the application. It is worth up to 35% of the total score. 

The GPA itself is worth a maximum of 30 points, with an additional 5 points for applications that contain a clearly visible cumulative GPA or multiple report cards that may be used to calculate a cumulative GPA. Both must be submitted by the deadline. Documents submitted after the deadline will not receive the bonus 5 points. Applications that are updated after the deadline will not be eligible for the bonus points.  

Submission Requirements

Applicants who currently attend an Out of District school will be required to submit a Cumulative Grade Point Average. 

The submission uploaded to the application must clearly show the student's name, student's grade level, school name and address, and all courses with the grades earned. Cut off or partial documents will not be accepted. The document must include the student's 6th and 7th grades earned. The student may submit the most recently received 8th grade report card. 

A transcript that clearly shows your Cumulative Grade Point Average
OR  
Year-end report cards from the 2 most recent consecutive school years: 2023-24 and 2024-25.

Note: If the report cards or transcript do not show your Cumulative Grade Point Average, one will be calculated for you using the report cards submitted. The GPA calculation will be based on Math, ELA, Science, and Social Studies grades only. Partially complete report cards or transcripts will earn a commensurate proportion of the available GPA points if the report cards have a cumulative GPA. The documents submitted in the application should clearly show the student's name, school, and grade level.

Acceptable Documents

• Transcript
• End-of-term report cards
• Screenshot of the historical grades that clearly shows the student's name, student's grade level, school name and address, and all courses with the grades earned
• Homeschool transcript 

Unacceptable Documents

• Documents that do not clearly include the student's name, grade level, grades earned, school year and name of the school
• Progress Report
• Grades from 3 years or longer
• Blurry or cut-off documents

Applicants' grade point average (GPA) is a critical part of the application. It is worth up to 35% of the total score. The GPA itself is worth a maximum of 30 points, with an additional 5 points for applications that contain a clearly visible cumulative GPA or multiple report cards that may be used to calculate a cumulative GPA. 

Current 8th grade students enrolled in DPSCD who have attended continuously for 6th and 7th grade will automatically receive the 5 GPA bonus points.

Students who have not continuously attended during 6th and 7th grades will be required to upload academic records for any period they were not enrolled in a DPSCD school. Applications may receive the 5 GPA bonus points if complete records are provided by the application deadline.

Each applicant must provide three references who may be contacted on behalf of the applicant. Applicants may use anyone other than an immediate family member as a reference (e.g. mentor, teacher, principal, coach, etc.) Parents/guardians and close relatives are prohibited from serving as references. A reference letter is not required. The following information must be provided as part of the application: 

• Name 
• Phone 
• Email address 
• Relationship to the applicant 

Students who have Individualized Education Plans (IEP), 504 Plan, or Non-Public Service Plans (for applicants who currently attend a private school) must upload their IEP, 504 Plan, or Non-Public Service Plan as part of their application. Please be sure to submit the complete document. Students whose IEPs/504/NPSPs identify accommodations will be given the appropriate accommodations identified.

Submission Requirements

• The document must be submitted in PDF format.
• The complete IEP, 504 Plan, or Non-Public Service Plan must be uploaded to the application. Partial documents will not be accepted.
• Please do not upload screenshots or photos of documents. 
• IEPs must have a district representative's signature 
• Clearly show the student's name, student's grade level, school name, and address

Some students may also be eligible for accommodations. WIDA test results and other information will be requested in the application to determine eligibility.

Make a 15-minute or 30-minute appointment to receive one-on-one assistance with your application. Trained support team members will be available via phone or Microsoft Teams video conference. Sessions are offered Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays through May 1, 2026.

2026 Support Schedule
Tuesdays	5 – 7 p.m.
Thursdays	9 – 11 a.m.
Fridays	5 – 7 p.m.

Make an Appointment

Make a 30-minute appointment to receive one-on-one assistance in a safe environment. Participants will have access to a computer and printer/scanner so they can complete the application on-site. Two guests per party, please, capacity will be limited. Make an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.

Location	Date & Time
East English Village Preparatory Academy 5020 Cadieux Detroit, MI 48224	Saturday, April 11 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

 

 

Join us for informational webinars that will provide an overview of all schools, the application process, and how to apply. All schools will participate, and there will be an opportunity for questions and answers. The webinars will be hosted on Teams. 

9th Grade Webinars

In this webinar, you'll learn what makes each school unique as well as how to apply for admission. This session is designed to meet the needs of current 8th-grade students who are applying for admission to 9th grade for Fall 2025.

Date/Time: Thursday, October 24; 5 p.m.

Link to Join

Current High School Students Webinar

In this webinar, you'll learn what makes each school unique as well as how to apply for admission. This session is designed to meet the needs of current high school students, including those who are new and returning to an exam high school they previously attended. 

Date/Time: Tuesday, November 5; 5 p.m.

Link to Join
 

The A-B-C's of Submitting Academic Records

Submission of academic records is an important part of the application process for exam high schools. This session is geared toward families whose students do not currently attend DPSCD schools. They will get an overview of the acceptable forms of academic records.

Date/Time: Monday, October 23; 5 p.m.

Link to Join

Each examination high school will host an open house. Learn about their programs, offerings, and why they may be a great fit for your student.

School	Date & Time
Southeastern High School 3030 Fairview St. Detroit, MI 48214	Wednesday, November 6 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Renaissance High School 6565 W. Outer Drive Detroit, MI 48235	Wednesday, November 6 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Senior High School 3200 E. Lafayette Detroit, MI 48207	Thursday, November 7 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
The School at Marygrove 8425 W. McNichols Detroit, MI 48221	Wednesday, November 13 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Cass Technical High School 2501 Second Ave. Detroit, MI 48201	Thursday, November 14 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

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? 

1. Submit an application 
2. Take the Exam 
3. Receive notification decision 
4. Petition (8th grade applicants only)
5. Enroll 

Who may apply?

Eighth-grade students attending public and non-public schools, including homeschool, are eligible to apply for 9^th 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:  

1. Belongs to, or is easily accessible by, the applicant’s parent/guardian  
2. Is an account that is frequently checked  
3. 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. Here are 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.

Schedule an application assistance appointment. Here is a list of upcoming webinars and appointment dates.  

Is there a limit on how many schools I may apply for?  

Students entering 9^th 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.

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  

Transcript Template 

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 9^th – 12^th 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.

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? 

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 8^th 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 STUDENTS
 

My 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.  

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.