How to Get Into Marlborough School: The Best Guide to Getting In

A Leading Independent Girls’ School in Los Angeles

Welcome to Marlborough School’s answer to the question, “Where do smart, ambitious young women go to rule the world?”

Founded in 1889, Marlborough is the oldest independent girls’ school west of the Mississippi. But don’t let the age fool you; this place is as forward-thinking as they come. Nestled in the heart of Hancock Park, Marlborough blends academic intensity with a culture that empowers students to lead, innovate, and absolutely crush their future goals.

Top Reasons to Choose Marlborough School for Your Child

Marlborough School offers a distinctive educational experience designed to empower young women. Marlborough provides a superior academic foundation, blending traditional disciplines with innovative programs. The school offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses (over 20), and emphasizes intellectual inquiry across all subjects.

With a low student-teacher ratio and over 80% of faculty members having more than ten years of teaching experience (and nearly 90% with advanced degrees), students benefit from dedicated and expert instruction.

In a setting free from gender bias, girls are encouraged to use their strong voices, take risks, and develop leadership abilities. Students report feeling respected, taken seriously, and empowered to explore all subjects without inhibition.

Beyond academics, Marlborough is committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals. The school emphasizes character, community engagement, and a deep sense of purpose.

How hard is it to get into Marlborough School?

Getting into Marlborough isn’t a walk in the park, because really, it’s competitive (and for good reason). The school is looking for students who will thrive in its challenging academics and contribute to a community that values character as much as achievement.

What does Marlborough love to see?

• • Brains and curiosity (because learning should be your jam)
• • A love of exploring ideas across every subject
• • Passion beyond the classroom—sports, arts, service, you name it
• • Character and kindness (big points for being a good human)
• • Glowing teacher recs that show who you are in action
• • An authentic interview where you show your true self
• • Personal essays that sound like you, not a robot

Bring that mix of heart, drive, and curiosity, and you’ll fit right in.

Given the competitiveness of the process, families may benefit from working with private school admissions consultants who understand the ins and outs of the Marlborough School admissions process. Consultants can provide valuable guidance in presenting a compelling application and ensuring prospective students stand out in a highly selective pool of candidates.

Marlborough School Admissions Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Applicants

Marlborough keeps things simple with its own online admissions portal. Still need help? We’ll guide you through the process. Keep scrolling!

Step 1: Submit an Online Inquiry

Visit marlborough.org/admissions and locate the “Inquire Today” link. Submitting an inquiry form is the crucial first step to join their database and receive login credentials for the application portal.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application and Parent Statement

Log in to the provided application portal. Complete the initial application form and the required parent statement, which should reflect your family’s values, goals, and why Marlborough is a good fit for your daughter. An application fee or fee waiver is typically required at this stage.

Step 3: Step 3: Submit Recommendation Forms & Official Transcript

Delegate recommendation forms (e.g., from current English and Math teachers, and a school administrator) directly through the portal. You will also submit your child’s official school records (transcripts) as part of the application.

Step 4: Complete the Character Skills Snapshot

As part of Marlborough’s holistic admissions process, all applicants are required to complete the Character Skills Snapshot. This innovative online tool, created by the Education Management Association (EMA), provides a non-cognitive view into a student’s life, helping the admissions committee understand qualities like integrity, curiosity, and resilience. Information on how to complete this will be provided after the initial application.

Step 5: Academic Assessment (On-Campus)

Students participate in an on-campus academic assessment at Marlborough to evaluate readiness in core subjects. It is important to note that standardized tests (ISEE or SSAT) are optional but recommended if you believe they strengthen your application.

Step 6: Attend a Campus Tour and Family Conversation

Prospective students and their families will be invited to experience a campus tour and participate in a family interview (often referred to as a “conversation”). This crucial step allows both the family and the school to assess mutual fit and alignment with Marlborough’s mission and values.

Step 7: Await Decision and Finalize Enrollment

Admissions decisions are typically released in mid-March. If your daughter is accepted, families must submit their enrollment contract promptly by the specified deadline to secure her spot at Marlborough School.

For the most current application deadlines, detailed requirements, and any updates to the admissions process, always refer directly to the Marlborough School Admissions page.

Marlborough School Admission Requirements

Crafting a Compelling Parent Statement for Your Marlborough School Application

Parents or guardians of applicants are required to answer a parent/guardian questionnaire. You will be asked to talk about your child and share information about their personality, achievements, and other personal information.

Tips for Writing a Strong and Effective Marlborough School Parent Statement

The parent statement is an integral part of the application process as it will help admissions officers better understand your child’s background and potential to become successful at Marlborough School. It will also demonstrate your family’s commitment to your child’s education. When choosing what to write about, remember that you have to be honest and authentic. Focus on your child’s strengths and unique characteristics, and provide anecdotes to support your statements. For some tips on how to write a powerful parent statement from experienced educational consultants, click here. 

Securing Powerful Teacher Recommendations for Marlborough School

Applicants must submit recommendation letters from current math and English teachers and the principal or counselor. The forms can be found on the application portal and must be submitted online via the same platform.

How to get strong recommendation letters for Marlborough School

Teacher recommendations are crucial for admission since they give a more thorough evaluation of your child’s character, personality, and academic aptitude. Because they deal with your child on a daily basis and can confirm your child’s academic success, they can make professional and unbiased observations. Building strong relationships with teachers is crucial if you want them to be able to provide strong recommendations that support other application materials when the time comes for them to do so.

Marlborough School Application Transcript: Submission Guidelines 

Applicants must submit transcripts from both the previous academic year and the first semester of the current one. Once submitted, the school will handle the process directly.

How to Improve Grades for the Marlborough School Application 

The transcript will demonstrate your child’s readiness to handle Marlborough School’s rigorous curriculum. But what if your child’s grades aren’t all that outstanding? Start private school admissions consulting early! Our tutors and academic coaches will work with your child to improve grades and achieve scores that meet the requirements. We provide online or in-person tutoring for a variety of courses as well as diagnostic testing. However, because we are aware that boosting GPA won’t guarantee success, we provide academic coaching that teaches executive function skills as a more holistic strategy.

Writing a Standout Personal Statement for Marlborough School

There are questions that an applicant has to answer within a limited character count. The questions delve into your child’s personality, skills, and interests, as well as their expectations of Marlborough School. The questions might seem simple and easy to answer, but admissions officers are looking at certain characteristics and values in your child that will determine if they are a good fit at Marlborough School. 

How to Create a Winning Marlborough School Personal Statement

Our private school admissions consultants can guide your child and give advice on how to best answer the questions truthfully. Our years of experience working with families applying to Marlborough School have allowed us to understand what they are looking for in applicants. From your child’s personal circumstances, we can identify what traits and characteristics will interest the admissions team and be considered for admission. Here are some useful tips on how to write a compelling personal statement.

Marlborough School Character Skills Snapshot

The Character Skills Snapshot is a quick way for Marlborough to see what makes you shine beyond grades. In about 25 minutes, it measures traits like curiosity, resilience, teamwork, and self-control (basically, the good stuff that shows who you are).

No need to stress—it’s not a test you “study” for. Think of it as a personality snapshot, not an exam. Our admissions consultants can walk you through what to expect and share a few practice exercises so you feel confident going in. Simple, quick, and a great way to show off the qualities that make you, well, you.

Want to know more about the character skills snapshot? Here’s our full guide!

Preparing for Your Marlborough School Admissions Interview: Tips and Advice

A student interview is required for the Marlborough School admissions. This conversation is your chance to show you rbest qualities, and when we say qualities, we mean the ones that align with the school values. Say, curiosity, confidence, and character (the three C’s that Marlborough values in future students).

Expect a mix of personal and academic questions, like what subjects excite you most or how you contribute to your current school community. They want to see how you think, how you communicate, and how you might thrive in an environment filled with ambitious, like-minded young women.

And parents, don’t get too comfortable, because your presence may be requested for part of the process. This isn’t a pop quiz, though. It’s a dialogue that helps the school understand if Marlborough is the right fit for your family and vice versa.

Mastering Your Marlborough School Admissions Interview: What to Expect and How to Shine

Your child will be assessed and evaluated based on how they conduct themselves on those occasions. With nearly 20 years of experience in the industry and helping numerous families get into Marlborough School, we know what they are looking for. With informed interview preparation, our admissions consultants will introduce your child to common interview questions and teach them how to answer them truthfully while adhering to their values. 

Visiting Marlborough School: Campus Tours, Open Houses, & Virtual Events

Thinking about Marlborough? Seeing it for yourself is the best way to know if it feels like the right fit. The school offers plenty of opportunities to explore its campus, meet the people who make it special, and get a sense of its vibrant academic and community life.

Marlborough School Campus Tours

Nothing compares to strolling through Marlborough’s halls and soaking up the atmosphere in person. Campus tours give families an up-close look at classrooms, athletic spaces, and arts studios. Guided by warm, knowledgeable student ambassadors or admissions staff, these tours offer stories and insights that bring the Marlborough experience to life. 

Marlborough School Open Houses

If you want the big picture all at once, an Open House is your go-to event. These gatherings showcase Marlborough’s programs across academics, arts, and athletics. You’ll meet faculty, chat with students, and hear directly from school leaders about what makes Marlborough exceptional. Open Houses are your chance to experience the culture in real time, so come with questions and curiosity.

Marlborough School Virtual Events

Not in Los Angeles? No problem. Marlborough brings the campus to your screen with virtual events that include live presentations, Q&A sessions, and virtual tours. They’re designed for busy families and those applying from afar who still want the full Marlborough experience. The goal is simple: making sure every family can discover what makes this school shine, no matter where they are.

To check upcoming dates or schedule your visit, head to the school’s admissions page.

What is Student Life Like at Marlborough School?

Student life at Marlborough is undoubtedly fun. In this all-girls environment, students find their voices and build the best friendships through shared experiences (think brainstorming in class, relaxing in sunny courtyards, or joining in on favorite traditions). The atmosphere encourages curiosity and confidence, so feeling supported comes naturally.

The fun continues after class with more than 50 student-led clubs (Model UN, robotics, cultural affinity groups, and more). Spirit Week brings out school pride, Senior Ditch Day is a rite of passage, and “Secret Pals” keeps things exciting. Add in leadership roles and service projects, and students have endless ways to grow and make an impact. At Marlborough, student life isn’t an extra—it’s central to the experience.

Marlborough School Curriculum: College Preparatory Academics

Marlborough’s curriculum is not just for college prep, because the way the curriculum is set up is unique. 

Yes, it sets them up to lead in any field they choose. From the moment students arrive, they’re immersed in a challenging academic program that emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity. Core subjects in humanities, math, and science form a strong foundation, while electives and advanced courses allow students to explore their passions in depth.

STEM innovation and the arts hold equal weight here, giving students the chance to tackle robotics, dive into computer science, or create in state-of-the-art studios. Signature programs in leadership, entrepreneurship, and global studies also ensure that learning goes beyond textbooks and into the real world.

In short, Marlborough delivers an education that’s as personalized as it is powerful, shaping confident graduates who thrive at top universities and beyond!

What Sports does Marlborough School offer?

Athletics at Marlborough is all about building confidence, teamwork, and lifelong healthy habits. With a variety of sports offered across all three seasons, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned athlete or trying a new activity for the first time. Here’s a look at the sports Marlborough students can enjoy:

What kinds of Arts and Music Programs are at Marlborough School?

Creativity takes center stage at Marlborough. The school’s arts and music programs give students countless ways to explore their talents—whether it’s through painting, performing, or composing. With professional-grade facilities and passionate faculty, Marlborough nurtures both beginners and aspiring artists who dream big.

What Clubs and Organizations Can Students Join at Marlborough School?

Student life at Marlborough thrives on involvement, and with over 50 clubs and organizations, there’s something for every interest and passion. Whether you’re a future diplomat, budding coder, or art enthusiast, Marlborough offers plenty of opportunities to lead, create, and connect.

No matter what sparks a student’s curiosity—policy debates, cultural conversations, coding challenges, or artistic expression—Marlborough has a club for it. At Marlborough, organizations are the perfect place where you can build leadership skills, form friendships, and create a community where every student feels empowered to explore new passions. 

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