How to Get Into University Prep: What You Need To Know About UPrep Admissions

UPrep Overview

University Prep is a private co-educational middle and high school located in Wedgwood, Seattle, Washington. It has a total student population of 634 across grades 6 to 12. The school has an average class size of 15 with a student-teacher ratio of 9:1. These small numbers ensure that teachers are able to maintain a high-quality education while also giving each student individualized support. University Prep was founded in 1975 after teachers saw the conditions of public schools and wanted to establish a school that inspired students while still maintaining a disciplined academic environment. For almost 60 years, UPrep has stayed committed to developing each student’s potential to become an intellectually courageous, socially responsible citizen of the world.

How hard is it to get into UPrep? 

Because of its rigorous curriculum and small class sizes, UPrep’s admissions are incredibly competitive. Applicants are evaluated based on a variety of factors, which include their writing, recommendation letters, test results, transcripts, and more. To increase your chances of admission, we suggest seeking the help of private school admissions consultants like Cardinal Education. We have a comprehensive understanding of the admissions process and can help you strategize to make your child stand out from the rest of the applicants. 

The University Prep Application 

To begin the UPrep application process, an applicant must create an account on Ravenna. On the applications portal, you can submit your application requirements and also sign up for admissions events. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Submit the application.
2. Complete the parent statement.
3. Complete the student essays. 
4. Delegate teacher recommendations.
5. Submit testing results
6. Request a transcript.
7. Sign up for an admissions interview.

The University Prep Admissions 

Parent Statement

Parents or guardians of middle and upper school applicants are required to answer a parent/guardian questionnaire that is found on Ravenna. The questions need to be answered in 150 words or less and will ask you to talk about your child’s personality, achievements, and other personal characteristics. 

Admissions officers want to understand your child’s potential for success at UPrep. How you, as a parent, answer these questions is an integral part of the application process. It’s important to be honest and authentic by providing anecdotes that showcase your child’s strengths and unique qualities. For some tips on how to write a powerful parent statement from experienced educational consultants, click here.  

Student Essay

Applicants must complete a student essay available on Ravenna. The essay, formally known as the PSIS student essay, asks applicants to write an essay within a very limited word count. Students often struggle with this portion of the application as the limited word count restricts their ability to compose their thoughts well and produce well-written essays. Through Proctored Writing Sample (PWS) preparation, our admissions consultants can guide your child through a list of common essay questions through practice and training.   

To further elevate your child’s writing skills, our Program in Writing and Reading (PWR) has a team of tutors to help your child develop crucial reading and writing skills that will ultimately aid in their academic journey.  

Teacher Recommendations/Recommendation Letters

Students must submit letters of recommendation letters from their current teacher in either math or science and English or history. A letter is also required from an administrator this may be from the principal, director, or the registrar. The forms to be forwarded to them are available on Ravenna and will be submitted directly to the admissions committee.  

Admissions officers will look at these letters for thorough insight into your child’s character, personality, and academic aptitude. Recommenders see your child on a near-daily basis and can make professional unbiased opinions on your child’s potential for academic success. This is why it’s crucial your family builds strong relationships with your child’s current teachers in order to secure strong recommendation letters to support your other application materials.    

Standardized Tests

University Prep requires applicants to submit their most recent scores to standardized testing. The school accepts either the ISEE or the SSAT. To ensure timely processing of your child’s application, ensure that test scores are submitted in January of the year that you are applying to University Prep. Not confident in your child’s ability to ace either of these tests? We have a comprehensive test prep program with academic coaches ready to guide your child through the most challenging questions out there.   

Transcript

Applicants are required to submit their records from the previous school year and all available records for the current school year. The Request for Records form may be found on Ravenna and will be forwarded to the student’s current school. Your child’s current school will then directly submit the records directly to UPrep.  

Admissions officers will study your child’s transcript to determine their readiness to handle the rigorous academic environment at UPrep. However, what if your child’s grades do not reflect their passion for learning? We suggest private school admissions consulting. We have a team of tutors who can work with your child through online or in-person tutoring for a variety of courses to boost their GPA. But grades aren’t everything, so as part of a holistic strategy, we also provide academic coaching to teach your child executive functioning skills to prepare them not just for school but for life beyond it. 

University Prep Alumni

1. Sam Cho – an American politician currently serving as the commissioner of the Port of Seattle. 
2. Justin Kan – an American entrepreneur who co-founded the live video platform Twitch. 
3. Katherine Reynolds – an American former professional soccer player in the NSWL. 
4. Emi Meyer – an American Jazz pianist and singer-songwriter. 
5. Jackson Ragen – an American professional soccer player currently playing as a defender in the MLS.  

Student Life at University Prep

UPrep understands that while classes and homework may take up a large portion of a student’s day, they want to cultivate student life in a way that is both experiential and fun. A large portion of UPrep students participate in sports and with class ending at 2:55, there’s ample time to participate in clubs, affinity groups, and leadership opportunities. Students also have the initiative to pursue their own passions at UPrep. Recently, the Student Organized Consent Conference in Seattle (SOCCS) was held. A youth-led conference, students from a variety of schools converged for the event which featured a survivors panel, 40+ workshops, and a keynote by a New York Times bestselling author Chanel Miller. 

University Prep Academics

The academic program at UPrep challenges students in an inclusive environment that develops their confidence. The campus is designed for both students and educators alike to share in a journey of education self-discovery. Students push their boundaries, thinking critically about the world around them and how they can apply what they’ve learned to create positive change. Students also have a catalog of over 100 courses to choose from to broaden their perspective. Classes include Forensics, Medievalism, and a wide range of offerings from Global Online Academy’s catalog.  

University Prep Athletics

The UPrep athletics program offers a variety of sports across three different seasons. Students are encouraged to participate and be members of the team no matter their skill level. Athletes are pushed to develop their skills and a sportsmanship-like mentality fitting of a Puma. The no-cut policy inspires students to pursue their passions, with over 70% of UPrep students participating in one of the numerous teams. The school offers cross country, soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball, track & field, ultimate frisbee, and tennis.    

University Prep Arts

University Prep offers a wide range of art disciplines for students to pursue. The school offers dance, drama, music, visual arts, and publications. Through the classes offered, students can delve deeper into their artistic passions and develop their skills. Furthermore, the Fine Arts department offers courses known as Intensives for students with strong backgrounds. With each winter and spring, students have an opportunity to showcase their work through the Visual Arts Showcase held on campus.       

Activities at University Prep

To develop students’ passions, there are a range of groups available. UPrep hopes to connect students with peers of the same interests and cultivate new interests in its students. With upwards of 40 clubs at any given time, students can meet with their clubmates daily during the one-hour Community Time. Clubs are moderated by a faculty member to ensure that students have a safe space to explore their curiosity. Examples of some clubs include the Opera Club, VEX Robotics Club, the Creative Arts Society, Debate Club, Boba Tea Club, and so much more. Students who wish to explore the great unknown may want to look into Global and Outdoor Education which takes students all across the United States and the globe to engage with communities and expand their perspectives.