Harvard-Westlake School review by Harvard University student.
Harvard-Westlake School has an excellent student-teacher ratio; resulting in lots of opportunities for private instruction and specialized help. The school is run much like a college, with certain teachers teaching classes on certain days; allowing for student to customize their schedules. There really are no weaknesses in the academics of the school -- with resources ranging from multiple computer labs spread throughout the school, to the state of the art science labs, to the enormous library system. The students are a good mix of cutthroat competitors and kids who are there for the "Harvard-Westlake experience" -- which encourages all students to be well rounded in the arts, sciences and athletics. The work load varies greatly on the classes one chooses to participate in, with AP English and language classes producing the most work.
Students are assigned a college counselor the first day they arrive on campus. Students are.... Get the real inside story on college counseling at Harvard-Westlake School as experienced by former pupil and Harvard University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on college counseling
They have contacts at most of the major universities and feel perfectly comfortable picking up the phone and advocating for a student to get accepted somewhere they feel is a good fit for that student. However, these counselors are certainly not magic bullets. They cannot guarantee that a student will get into an Ivy League university...
For those wishing to move on to Oxford or Cambridge, the provision is second-to-none. In the months running up to application and interview, every subject faculty offers classes (often run by former Oxbridge tutors) exploring further areas of their subject as well as offering advice on personal statements, interview technique and more...
The bulk of the graduating class of students has been together since the 7th grade..... Get in-depth insights and personal advice on admissions to Harvard-Westlake School by former pupil and Harvard University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on admissions
For the interview, dress conservatively. Try to be very clean and put together. Also, I was a tour guide for two years and at the end of every tour, we were asked to evaluate the candidate so if you think the tour is not apart of the process, you are very wrong. Ask questions and be interested. Also, tip for the parents: the kids speak on the tour. Do not ask their questions for them...
Most younger siblings have an easy time in the admissions process. I can only think of one case of a younger sibling not being admitted. About half of the students who entered with me had come from public schools. The remainder came from private K-6 schools, or had transferred from other New York private schools The Elizabeth Morrow School and St. Bernard were two of the larger feeder schools...
The quality of life at Harvard-Westlake is one of the best things about the school in my opinion. The facilities are some of the best I have ever seen, and are used to their full potential. The cafeteria is very good, with the option of getting pre-made food or ordering something from their grille. It is open all throughout the day (7:30-5), allowing students to get a meal or snack at any point through the day. The school attempts to have as much diversity as possible in the school, and does this with limited success. However, the majority of students.... Get the real inside story on quality of school life and extracurricular offerings at Harvard-Westlake School as experienced by former pupil and Harvard University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review