Admissions Overview
Understand the complete Harvard-Westlake application
Build one coordinated plan for testing, essays, recommendations, transcripts, and the interview.
Checked against Harvard-Westlake's published admissions pages on October 6, 2026.
The application
What the Harvard-Westlake application asks for.
Each part is read together, so plan the work as one application rather than a test with paperwork attached.
- Entry grades
- The main entry points are grades 7 and 9.
- Application
- The admission application asks for the applicant's personal information, with an optional photo and name pronunciation.
- Platform
- For the 2026-27 cycle, families complete the admission application online at hw.com/apply.
- Essays
- Applicants complete a Student Questionnaire of short-answer questions about themselves and their interests.
- Recommendations
- Recommendations come from the applicant's current English teacher, current math teacher, and a current administrator.
- Interview
- Interviews for 7th and 9th grade applicants are held on weekdays during school hours, either in person or via Zoom.
SSAT and ISEE practice
Admissions test practice.
Practice is shared across our private school sites.