The Application

 

 

• When should I apply? 
  The main points of entry to Milken Community High School are in grades 7 and 9.  Positions in grade 12 are not available unless there are extenuating circumstances such as family relocation.  In all other grades spaces are available based on attrition.  Therefore, openings are not always available in all grade levels.
   
• What are the first steps of the application process? 
  The first step in applying to Milken is to return the completed Parent and Student Applications with the application fee of $150 to the Office of Admission. The Office of Admission will then schedule an interview and private campus tour for applicants and their parents. Families will be notified of the interview date and time via mail and are asked to confirm that date and time with the Office of Admission upon receipt.
   
• When are applications due? 
  Prospective applicants and their parents are advised to submit their applications as soon as possible. The application deadline is Monday, December 17, 2012. This is not a postmark deadline, but the date that all applications must be received by the Office of Admission.
   
• May I turn in the application early? 
  Yes. We encourage students and families to return their applications prior to the deadline of December 17, 2012, so that we can schedule the required interview as early as possible.
   
• What happens if an application is late? 
  Although we consider late applications, most spaces will be filled by students who apply before the deadline of December 17, 2012. Applicants who submit their applications after the deadline will only be considered if there is space available in the grade to which they are applying.
   

Admission Process

• What are Milken’s admission criteria? 
  Consideration for admission is based upon the application for admission, student application, the interview, transcripts, teacher and administrator recommendations, ISEE scores and ERB scores (where applicable). Students should deliver the authorization for release of transcripts as well as teacher and administrator recommendation forms to the appropriate individuals at their school as early as possible. Transcripts and recommendations are mailed to Milken by your child’s school and are due by January 22, 2013.
   
• Milken is our first choice. Do we have to apply to another school? 
  Since admission is never guaranteed, we recommend that your child apply to more than one school. However, we do encourage you to let us know that Milken is your family’s first choice.
   
• How many students will be applying for admission to Milken? 
  Since some grade levels have fewer openings than others, the competition for admission varies at each level. At our two major points of entry,grades 7 and 9, we have approximately 2-3 applicants for each available space. Typical grade size is 100 students in the middle school and 150 students in the upper school. We do not accept applications to grade 12 except under very special circumstances such as family relocation.
   
• What kind of student does Milken seek to admit? 
  Milken seeks to admit bright, motivated, creative, and involved students who, along with their families, are committed to the values of our school's mission and who have the ability to contribute to the school community throughout their time here.
   
• What happens at the interview? 
  Interviews allow both the applicant and their parents to meet one-on-one with a member of the admission team. This is an opportunity for the admission representative to learn more about your child’s interests, talents, and skills as well as an opportunity for you to learn more about our school and have your questions answered.  We encourage your child to bring any writing samples, works of art or items that will help us to get a sense of who he or she is.  Each interview is followed by a tour of our campus given by one of our parent docents. Please allot a total of 60 – 90 minutes for your visit to Milken.
   
• When may I visit Milken? 
   

  Visit this page to schedule a visit  

• How can I learn about financial aid? 
  Milken Community High School is committed to providing financial aid to families who qualify. Financial need however, is not a factor in determining admission decisions. All financial aid is held in the strictest confidence and is "need blind". For more information or questions about applying for financial aid, please contact Linda Riff, Assistant Head of School for Finance and Operations at 310.440.3500. Details on the process can also be found in our admissions information packet. 

Admission Decision

• When will we be notified of our admission decision? 
  Admission decisions for upper school applicants (grades 9-11) will be mailed on March 8, 2013. Decisions for middle school applicants (grades 7 & 8) will be mailed on March 23, 2012. upper school responses and enrollment contracts are due on March 19, 2013. Middle school responses and enrollment contracts are due on March 25, 2013.
   
• How large is the wait-pool and how does it work? 
  The size of the wait pool varies from year to year. Our wait pool is non-prioritized and a decision to fill a space with a student from the wait pool may not necessarily be made on a first-come, first-served basis. We make every effort to notify candidates placed in our wait pool of space availability by the end of April. However, there is no guarantee that a space will become available.
   
• Do siblings receive priority in the admissions process? 
  While admission is not guaranteed for any applicant, we welcome applications from siblings of current Milken students and alumni. Milken strives to create a relationship of continuity and tradition with our families and every effort is made to keep siblings together when the applicant is qualified. In reviewing sibling applicants, the admission committee also considers how involved the family has been in our school community.  Parent involvement is encouraged at Milken and parents are expected to contribute their time and resources to the extent that they are able.
   
• Is admission to the upper school guaranteed once a child is enrolled in middle school? 
  Yes. If a current middle school student’s academic and behavioral record is acceptable, he/she will be offered a contract to enroll in the upper school.
   
• Can I re-apply if my child was not admitted? 
  Yes. We welcome applications from students who have previously applied to Milken but who were not admitted. The office of admission wishes to have the most current and up-to-date information on applicants and therefore applications from the previous year cannot be automatically reactivated.  Any student who was not previously offered admission, but who wishes to be considered for the following academic year must submit a new application.
   

Standardized Testing

• How much weight does the Admission Committee give to standardized tests? 
  Test scores are one aspect of a student’s file. These scores are used to illuminate a child’s academic record and provide a standardized measure of evaluation for the admission committee.

• Can a student take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) more than once? 
  No. Only under very special circumstances, such as sudden illness, would a request for an additional sitting be considered. Milken does not accept more than one set of test scores per year.
   
• Do you recommend test preparation courses? 
  There has been much debate over the value of test preparation courses. We believe that test preparation is a personal decision that you should come to in conjunction with your child. While some feel this type of course may reduce anxiety, it can also lead to increased pressure by making the test appear like the one all-important factor in the admission process. 
   

About Milken

• How does Milken accommodate students with exceptional abilities? 
  We offer an incredibly broad and rich curriculum that accommodates the varied interests and talents of our students. Our academic and non-academic programs enhance our students’ intellectual, creative and spiritual growth. We currently offer 20 Advanced Placement courses ranging from every academic discipline to the applied and performing arts.  Extra-curricular activities abound here as well, offering students a varied spectrum of opportunities through our athletic programs, drama productions and student clubs and organizations.
   
• How many students attend Milken? 
  Approximately 750 students attend Milken. There are approximately 200 students in the middle school (grades 7 and 8) and 550 students (grades 9 – 12) in the upper school.
   
• How does Milken assist its students with college placement? 
  Our three college counselors begin to guide our students and their parents through the college application process in grade 10. College counseling occurs more frequently as students progress to grade 12.  Our college counselors strive to direct students to schools that will meet their needs. Each year, Milken students are accepted to a multitude of colleges and universities.

• Does Milken accept foreign students? 
  Milken does issue the I-20 form for foreign student study. It is strongly recommended that students enroll in our upper school with the intention to complete their secondary education at Milken through Grade 12. We do not offer a program in English as a Second Language (ESL), so all students need to be completely fluent in English for reading, speaking and composition. In addition, Milken is unable to arrange housing for foreign students.
   
• What is the student to teacher ratio? 
  Our student to teacher ratio is 7:1. The average class size in the middle school is 17 and the average class size in the upper school ranges from 17 - 20.
   
• Is there a uniform or dress code? 
  Milken does not require its students to wear a uniform; however, specific dress standards are enforced. The dress standards are sent home at the beginning of each school year. Students are expected to be appropriately and neatly attired according to the established guidelines.
   

Admission Events

Important Dates

Signature Programs