How to Apply

Fill out an inquiry form

We know it’s routine, but this is where the wheels of admission start turning. This form is the first step in getting to know Mercersburg and Mercersburg getting to know you. 

Filling out an inquiry form helps us connect you with one of our admission counselors and provide you with more information about Mercersburg.

Inquiry Form

Schedule an interview

There’s no reason to stress—we promise! This is just a conversation where an admission counselor can learn about you and where you can ask questions. 

The interview is a critical part of the admission process. It’s an opportunity for your admission counselor to have a one-on-one conversation with you to gain a better understanding of your interests and character. Following the interview, we invite your parents or any other guests to join the conversation and ask any questions.

Interviews can be scheduled by contacting the Admission Office at 717-328-6173 or admission@mercersburg.edu. Appointment times are typically available on weekdays in the morning or afternoon.

Please note: we are requiring international students to submit their TOEFL scores and the Student Biographic Profile portion of the Standard Application Online (SAO) before scheduling an interview. If the TOEFL or other language proficiency tests are unavailable to you, please contact the Admission Office at 717-328-6173 or admission@mercersburg.edu.

Complete any standardized testing

With the understanding that not all students have equal access to standardized testing, Mercersburg Academy observes a “testing flexible” policy.

Applicants for Grade 9, 10, or 11

Students applying for ninth, 10th, or 11th grade are not required to submit standardized test scores. If you do not submit test scores, we will instead require an additional recommendation from a current teacher of your choosing. We will continue to accept the SSAT, PSAT, SAT/ACT, ISEE, state tests, and others for those students who are able and choose to submit standardized test scores. (Please note that if your school provides a narrative transcript instead of traditional grades, then standardized testing will be required.)

Postgraduate Applicants

We do require standardized testing for our PG applicants; however, students are permitted to submit PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores from the previous two years if necessary.

International Students

Non-native English speakers are required to submit results from the TOEFL (at-home or in-person tests), DuoLingo, or IELTS exams. Students who have been enrolled for two or more years in schools where English is the primary mode of instruction are not required to submit language proficiency test scores.

SSAT School Code – 5026
TOEFL School Code – 0877

Submit your application

We accept applications through the Standard Application Online and Gateway to Prep Schools. Please complete and submit your materials by the January 31 deadline (January 15 for families outside the United States) to ensure full consideration of your application.

Until you submit part or all of your application, no information will be transmitted to Mercersburg Academy.

Standard Application Online Gateway to Prep Schools

The application components:

• Student application (including $50 fee for domestic students and $100 fee for students living abroad)
• Transcript(s) with current and previous two years of grades (PG applicants must provide their full high school transcript)
• Four letters of recommendation (English teacher, math teacher, guidance counselor or principal, and one additional teacher of your choice)
• Standardized test scores (see Step 3 above)

Fill out a financial aid application

If your family is interested in exploring need-based financial aid, your parents will have some paperwork to complete.

FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 31 

Any family interested in being considered for need-based financial aid must complete the Parent Financial Statement through School and Student Services. Include Mercersburg Academy’s code (5026) and a copy will be made accessible to the school. (Please note that the statement isn't available until October 1 of each year.)

School and Student Services

All new applicants for financial aid must submit to SSS their current year’s and their previous two years’ federal income tax returns, including W2s and 1040s with all schedules and attachments. For families with multiple children in tuition-charging schools, a copy of the financial aid award received at each child’s institution should be uploaded to SSS as soon as it is available to the family. The family should then notify the Admission Office that they have done so.

The deadline for all financial aid applications for prospective families is January 31. Current-year tax documents that are not available by that date should be completed and uploaded to SSS as soon as they are received.