Scholar Immersion Program Admissions

High School Placement Program

Oliver Scholars recruits, prepares, and supports exceptional seventh grade students for placement and overall success at the nation’s top high schools.

Nominations for the 2020 - 2021 admissions cycle are now open, and run from October 1, 2020 - January 9, 2021.

Eligibility

We accept applications from students in seventh grade from all New York City districts.

    Eligible seventh graders must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Identify as Black and/or Latinx
  • Have a grade point average (GPA) of 90 percent or higher in sixth grade
  • Attain a scale score of 600 or higher on the NYS Standardized ELA (English) exam, if applicable
  • Attain a scale score of 600 or higher on the NYS Standardized STM (Math) exam, if applicable
  • Demonstrate leadership potential through school involvement

Nominations

Parents, teachers, and counselors can nominate a seventh grader for Oliver Scholars. Students may also nominate themselves. (School administrators who wish to nominate more than 20 candidates may contact us at admissions@oliverscholars.org for further assistance.)

Nominated students and their families will be invited to attend one of Oliver's Admissions Information Meetings, which will take place from October through February. This is an important opportunity to learn more about the different program components, as well as the level of commitment necessary from both students and families to ensure success throughout. Attendance at an Admissions Information Meeting is required prior to applying to the program.



The Nominations for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle run from October 1, 2020 - January 9, 2020.

Eligibility

We accept applications from students in seventh grade from all New York City districts.

    Eligible seventh graders must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Identify as Black and/or Latinx
  • Have a grade point average (GPA) of 90 percent or higher in sixth grade
  • Attain a scale score of 600 or higher on the NYS Standardized ELA (English) exam, if applicable
  • Attain a scale score of 600 or higher on the NYS Standardized STM (Math) exam, if applicable
  • Demonstrate leadership potential through school involvement

Nominations

Parents, teachers, and counselors can nominate a seventh grader for Oliver Scholars. Students may also nominate themselves. (School administrators who wish to nominate more than 20 candidates may contact us at admissions@oliverscholars.org for further assistance.)

Nominated students and their families will be invited to attend one of Oliver's Admissions Information Meetings, which will take place from October through February. This is an important opportunity to learn more about the different program components, as well as the level of commitment necessary from both students and families to ensure success throughout. Attendance at an Admissions Information Meeting is required prior to applying to the program.



The Nominations for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle run from October 1, 2020 - January 9, 2020.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Am I a good fit for Oliver Scholars?
Ideal candidates excel academically, are involved in a range of extracurricular activities, understand the value of community service, and are eager to be leaders.
How do I apply to Oliver Scholars?
Parents, teachers, and counselors may nominate candidates who meet the eligibility requirements during the fall of seventh grade. Motivated students may also nominate themselves.Oliver is currently accepting nominations for the 2019-2020 admissions cycle, and the deadline has been extended through January 10, 2020. Students must be nominated before they receive an invitation to apply for admission.
What is the time commitment to be an Oliver Scholar?
Oliver Scholars are required to participate in our 14-month Scholar Immersion and Placement (SIP) program. SIP develops the academic, social, and leadership skills each Scholar needs to thrive in an independent school environment.   Our Scholar Immersion Program consists of a five-week summer program (SIP I) between seventh and eighth grades, including one week at a boarding school, weekly classes during eighth grade, and a second five-week summer program (Summer Program II), including one week at a boarding school, between eighth and ninth grades. SIPI is an intensive five-week preparatory course specifically designed to develop the academic and social skills of rising eighth-graders.   During eighth grade, students take weekend classes and attend leadership events. Students are guided through the independent-school application and interview process and are prepared to excel academically and socially in an independent school environment.   Rising ninth graders participate in (SIP 2) a second five-week summer program. The program emphasizes strong academic, social, and leadership skills that together help ensure a successful transition to life at an independent school.   Oliver Scholars must complete the entire SIP program. Successful completion of the program requires good attendance, strong academic standing, proven motivation, a strong desire to learn, as well as a positive attitude.
How much does it cost to be an Oliver Scholar?
Oliver Scholars is a free program. We rely on contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations to fund all of our programming.
Do you help with the independent school application process?

Yes! We provide one-on-one counseling for families during the placement process, and also host regular workshops to educate families on financial aid and independent school life. Equally important are the strong ties we cultivate with almost 80 partner schools, working closely with them to open the doors to opportunity for our scholars.

More information

If you have additional questions regarding the application/nomination process or want to learn how your middle school can partner with Oliver, please send us an email.

Contact Us