Mercy High School Burlingame Admissions for Asian American Families
What Asian American Families Should Know Before Applying to This Burlingame, CA All-Girls’ School
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About the School
Mercy High School Burlingame and Asian American Applicants
Mercy High School Burlingame is a private, all-girls’ Catholic college-preparatory school sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, founded in 1931 and housed in the historic Kohl Mansion in Burlingame. According to the school’s own reporting, 18% of Mercy students identify as Asian, part of a genuinely diverse community. Mercy is currently led by Head of School Natalie Cirigliano Brosnan and serves 365 students in Grades 9–12, with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio and 42 AP and Honors courses, reflecting a distinctive educational philosophy. Mercy holds accreditation from WASC and WCEA.
Fast Facts
Location
2750 Adeline Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010 (Kohl Mansion)
Type
Private, Catholic, All-Girls’ Day School (Sisters of Mercy)
Grades
9–12
Total Enrollment
365 students
Student Diversity
18% Asian, 18% Latino, among other backgrounds
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
Academics at a Glance
AP & Honors Courses
42 total, including 19 distinct AP courses
Average SAT Score
1250
Graduation Rate
100%
Athletics
24 teams across 14 sports
Athletics & Beyond the Classroom
Mercy fields 24 teams across 14 sports, part of a broader extracurricular program, and participates in a distinctive Tri-School Program, sharing select classes with nearby Junipero Serra High School.
For a full walkthrough of Mercy’s admissions process and student life, see our Mercy High School Burlingame Profile.
Admissions Timeline
Early Bird Application & AMES Deadline
November 27, 2026
HSPT On-Campus Test Date
December 5, 2026
Final Application Deadline
January 15, 2027
Decisions Released
Week of March 11–12, 2027
See our guide to private school open houses and tours for how to make the most of an Open House or Shadow Day.
Why Mercy’s HSPT-Only Testing Policy Matters for Preparation
Families should note that Mercy requires the HSPT specifically, with no SSAT or ISEE alternative offered. This differs from many other Bay Area private schools, so families should confirm which exam their target schools require and prepare accordingly.
Top Tips for Applying
- Register for the HSPT early; Mercy hosts an on-campus test date, or applicants may test at any school offering it.
- Complete your required Shadow Day well before the application deadline.
- Decide early whether a family interview or a self-recorded video best represents your daughter.
Best Practices for Families
- Attend the Open House or a Shadow Day to experience the Kohl Mansion campus firsthand.
- Submit transcripts via Mercy’s fillable PDF Transcript Form directly through your daughter’s current school.
- If applying for financial assistance, note that its deadline falls before the transcripts deadline.
What the Application Involves
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01Testing Policy
The HSPT is required for all applicants. No SSAT or ISEE alternative is available.
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02Recommendations
Two recommendations are required: a Mathematics Placement Form from a current math teacher and a Confidential Recommendation Form from a current teacher, administrator, or counselor. An optional Confidential Clergy Recommendation Form may also be submitted.
How Cardinal Education Helps Asian Americans to Mercy Burlingame
Cardinal Education’s private school admissions consulting helps Asian American families prepare for the HSPT, choose the right recommenders, and decide which interview format best represents their daughter. For the full picture of Mercy’s academics, admissions process, and requirements, see our main Mercy High School Burlingame Admissions Consulting page.
Families evaluating Mercy may also find our results useful context.
“Mercy Burlingame wasn’t originally at the top of our list, but the more we learned about it (and visited), the more it felt right for our daughter. The team was very hands-on, and the HSPT prep was especially helpful. We couldn’t be happier with how things turned out.”— Parent from Mercy
Frequently Asked Questions
How diverse is Mercy High School Burlingame’s student body?
Does Mercy High School Burlingame require the HSPT?
Does Mercy require a family interview?
What is the Tri-School Program at Mercy?
Is a Shadow Day required to apply to Mercy?
Considering Mercy for Your Family?
Our consultants build a preparation plan around your family’s specific priorities.