Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We encourage applicants to submit their materials when they feel ready and able to present their strongest application. Taking the time to reflect and prepare thoughtful responses is often more valuable than applying early. As a corollary to our rolling admissions process, decisions are made and released on an ongoing basis.

After submission, applications are reviewed by the admissions team. Some applicants may be contacted for additional information or invited to a brief conversation. Once decisions are finalized, applicants are notified.

Upon being accepted, a volunteer is added to an email list and volunteer-wide Discord server. When there are relevant opportunities, they are announced in these places. Therefore, volunteers can select to dedicate anywhere between one to upwards of 500 hours each year. Opportunities are available for volunteers to assume greater responsibilities as their tenure progresses, including internships and fellowships that are exclusively reserved for volunteer emeriti or alumni.

We do not calculate an exact figure.

Our admissions process has never been about filling a fixed number of seats or competing for a percentage acceptance rate. Our process centers around determining whether the program is a good mutual fit—both for the applicant and for the learning community. We work actively to identify these students from the hundreds of applicants each year.

We review applications holistically, including your interests, experiences, responses to application questions, and demonstrated commitment to learning. There is no single “ideal” profile, and we particularly value diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Thoughtful responses, genuine enthusiasm, and evidence of some form of initiative—both inside and outside the classroom—provide indicators of how a student might contribute to the learning environment.

Yes. Applicants are generally encouraged to maintain a minimum unweighted Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.25 on a 4.00 scale or the equivalent. Grades help us understand an applicant’s academic readiness, particularly in relation to the rigor of the program.

That said, GPA is only one part of our holistic review process. While strong grades are helpful, they are not the sole determinant of admission. Consistent engagement, demonstrated growth, and a clear commitment to learning can help offset a GPA that may be slightly below the guideline. If you are close to the 3.25 threshold and believe your application reflects your readiness and potential, we still encourage you to apply.

No, standardized tests are not considered in admission. We realize that many underclassmen students may not have taken the SAT or ACT at that point in their academic careers. We further acknowledge that standardized testing has historically tracked family wealth, educational privilege and access, rather than intellectual ability or potential.