The Harvard-Westlake Admissions Guide
Get your child into Harvard-Westlake.
Harvard-Westlake is the most academically competitive private school in Los Angeles and among the most selective in the country. Cardinal Education knows exactly what it takes to get in, at every entry point.
We Help Your Child Stand Out in Every Way That Matters.
Nearly 20 Years of Admissions Expertise
Trusted by Families Across 15+ Countries
Specialists in Elite Boarding School Admissions
Founded by a Stanford-Educated Expert
ABOUT HARVARD-WESTLAKE
The Most Competitive Private School in Los Angeles
Harvard-Westlake draws applicants from across Los Angeles and beyond — from Bel Air and Brentwood to Pasadena and the Valley. Families relocating from New York, San Francisco, and internationally target it specifically for its college placement record.
The school is academically rigorous, but the admissions process isn’t just about grades. HW looks for students who will contribute to a demanding, intellectually alive community, in the classroom, on the field, and in the arts. A strong applicant has a clear identity, not just a strong transcript.
Middle school is the most accessible entry point and the one we recommend families plan for earliest. Upper school transfers are possible but require a stronger, more carefully constructed case.
~1,600
Total enrollment
Across two campuses — Middle School in Holmby Hills, Upper School in Studio City
#1
Most college acceptances to Harvard, Yale & Princeton
Consistently leads California in Ivy League placements
7th–9th
Middle school entry grades
The earlier you apply, the wider the window — and the stronger the position
10th–12th
Upper school entry grades
Highly selective; requires a compelling case for why the student is transferring
ENTRY POINTS
Two doors in.
Different strategies for
each.
Whether your child is applying to the middle school or angling for an upper school spot, the approach, and what HW is evaluating, is meaningfully different. We tailor our strategy accordingly.
Middle School — Grades 7–9
The earlier entry, the stronger the foundation
Middle school admission is the most common and most competitive entry point. HW is evaluating readiness, potential, and fit, not just current achievement. We help students present all three clearly.
ISEE preparation and score strategy
Personal essay and student interview coaching
Parent statement and interview preparation
School visit strategy and campus tour prep
Application timeline and sequencing
Upper School — Grades 10–12
A compelling transfer case, built from the ground up
Upper school entry is rare and highly selective. HW needs a clear answer to one question: why now, and why this student? We build that narrative carefully and honestly.
Transfer narrative and positioning strategy
Essay coaching for the “why now” question
Transcript and academic record framing
Teacher and counselor recommendation guidance
Interview preparation for high-stakes conversations
WHY CARDINAL EDUCATION
We know what Harvard-Westlake is actually looking for.
HW receives far more qualified applicants than it can admit. What separates the students who get in isn’t just achievement — it’s how clearly their identity, intellectual curiosity, and fit with the community come through.
HW-specific positioning
Essay & interview coaching
LA school landscape expertise
Out-of-state & international support
Family Testimonials
Families trust Cardinal Education when the stakes are highest.
“Cardinal Education helped me understand how to tell my story with confidence. I felt more prepared for every essay and interview.”
Ready to Begin?
Give your child the advantage to get in.
Schedule a consultation with Cardinal Education and learn how our Harvard-Westlake admissions experts can help your child put their best foot forward.