Application Preparation
Prepare for the pieces Harker reads
The file mixes an ISEE or SSAT score, a student essay, three teacher recommendations, a parent video and an interview and activity session.
Checked against Harker's published admissions pages on November 5, 2026.
Testing
Testing.
- Testing policy
- Harker accepts scores from the ISEE or SSAT. Every application is read first without looking at test scores, and Harker welcomes a range of scores.
- Timing
- Take the exam after August 1, 2026 and have scores submitted by the January 5, 2027 deadline. Harker considers only the first set of scores submitted.
- School codes
- Harker school codes: ISEE 054148 and SSAT 3711 for Upper School applicants.
- How scores are used
- Harker says results are only one part of an application, that very high scores do not guarantee admission, and that its readers review applications first without seeing scores.
- Harker's view of test prep
- Harker strongly discourages enrolling in a test prep program or spending excessive time preparing for the entrance exam, and suggests becoming familiar with the exam through its own website and sample practice test.
- 01
Choose the ISEE or the SSAT, not both, since Harker considers only the first set of scores you submit.
- 02
Register early, so there is time to reschedule if your student is ill.
- 03
Take one timed practice test, learn the format, and then stop. Harker says more preparation does not help.
Essays
The essay, video and recommendations.
- Student contribution
- For Grade 9, the student contribution includes an essay, a list of activities and interests, an interview and an activity session.
- Parent video
- A parent or guardian contributes through an asynchronous virtual video interview on Kira Talent.
- Teacher recommendations
- Harker requires recommendation forms from the current English teacher, math teacher and principal or counselor. These are the only three it accepts.
- School records
- Records must come directly from the school through Ravenna: a first-semester or trimester grade report from 2026-27 and full-year transcripts from 2025-26.
- 01
Let your student draft the essay and the activities list in their own words, since Harker reads for the authentic student.
- 02
Watch Ravenna for the video instructions, and answer as the person who has known your child the longest.
- 03
Ask the English teacher, math teacher and principal or counselor early. These are the only three Harker accepts.
Interview
An interview and an activity session.
- Student interview and activity session
- For Grade 9, the student contribution includes an essay, a list of activities and interests, an interview and an activity session.
- Parent video
- A parent or guardian contributes through an asynchronous virtual video interview on Kira Talent.
- Student campus visit
- Upper School students can attend one class and have lunch with a current ninth grader from September to November. Campus tours run during lunch from September to December.
- Event registration
- Registration in Ravenna is required for all admission events, and attending more than one will not affect how an application is evaluated.
- 01
Have two or three stories ready about something your student cares about and why.
- 02
Practice explaining an interest out loud, without notes.
- 03
Attend one event in the fall, and bring real questions about daily life at the school.
Preparation plan
A plan that works backward from the deadline.
Adjust the pace to your student's schedule. The order matters more than the exact days.
First
Create a Ravenna account
Every family uses Ravenna to apply, register for events and track progress. Registration opens September 1.
Fall
Attend at least one event
Harker recommends one event and says attending more will not affect how the application is evaluated.
By late fall
Ask for teacher recommendations
Harker requires the current English teacher, math teacher and principal or counselor.
Before the deadline
Take the ISEE or SSAT
Sit the exam after August 1, 2026, and send scores to Harker. Only the first set counts.
By January 5
Finish every piece
Submit the essay, activities list, parent video, records and any financial aid documents.
March
Decision and deposit
Decisions arrive March 12, and the contract and deposit are due March 19.