Admission

Apply

Applying to GPS

Steps in the Process

Click on the drop-downs below for detailed information on each step of the admission process. We are here to help you at any point in the process. Email or call us at 423.634.7644.

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  • + Tour GPS

    The best way to get a feel for GPS is to see it in action! Engage in a guided and personalized tour of campus where you can see the environment for yourself and ask questions. Click here to schedule your tour today! Your daughter is welcome to join.

  • + Schedule a Parent Conversation

    Meet your admission counselor and discuss our curriculum, activities, and school community. During this one-on-one conversation, we will also spend time getting to know your family better. This can be scheduled at the same time as a campus tour, if desired, or completed via Zoom. 

    *A completed admission application is strongly recommended to schedule a Parent Conversation. 
    **This is a required step in the admission process. 

  • + Register for a Student Visit Day

    Bring your girl to campus so she can experience a day in the life of a GPS student! She will meet new friends and get to know our teachers while enjoying fun activities. 

    View dates and register here!

  • + Attend an Admission Event

    We offer a comprehensive event schedule that features both on-campus and virtual events to help you gain a better understanding of GPS and the unique way the curriculum is designed to help girls thrive. Visit our events page to view and register for upcoming events.

  • + Complete the Admission Application

    The GPS Admission Application for the 2024-25 school year is available on our parent portal, MyGPS.
    • If you are new to the GPS admission process, click here to create your MyGPS account and begin the admission application. After two business days, you will also have access to the Admission Checklist in your MyGPS portal—a tool that will help you keep up with the different steps of the application process and their deadlines.
    • If you are a current GPS family, faculty member, or past applicant, you do not need to create a new account. Simply log in with your email and password and click on your applicant's name in the upper left corner to get started. To complete the Admission Application, click on “Fill out” next to the application step on the Admission Checklist, to begin.

  • + Submit Standardized Test Scores

    All applicants must submit standardized test scores. Scores such as the CTP4/ERB, T-Caps, GA Milestones, Iowa Testing, ISEE, PreACT, PSAT, or other standardized tests are accepted. If your daughter does not have standardized test scores, she should take the SSAT. Visit SSAT.org for registration information.

    Options to take the SSAT include:
    • Prometric Test Center–Prospective students can take a computer-based version of the SSAT at any Prometric Test Center location nationwide. For more information on testing at a Prometric Test Center, click here.
    • Paper-Based SSAT – The paper-based SSAT is administered at test centers or by educational consultants. Students fill in multiple choice answers and complete a writing sample using a pencil. For more information on the paper-based SSAT, click here.
    When registering, please indicate that you would like to share your daughter’s scores with GPS—our school code is 3425.

  • + Submit Teacher Recommendation Requests

    Candidates are required to submit teacher recommendations from their current math and English teachers. This process is handled electronically through your MyGPS account.

    Forms will be available beginning November 15.

  • + Submit Transcript and School Records Request

    Candidates are required to submit school records from their current school. School records include: official transcript including current and previous grades, records of standardized testing, records of attendance, and any disciplinary records, if applicable. This process is handled electronically through your MyGPS account.

    Forms will be available beginning November 15.

  • + Complete the Financial Aid Application*

    *if applicable
    The financial aid application opens on September 1 and is due on January 15 for new families. We encourage families to begin this process as early as possible, in case questions should arise. Visit GPS.edu/FinancialAid for detailed information on the application process and required components.

Admission Application Timeline + Deadlines

Admission Timeline for 2024-25

September 1, 2023
Admission application and financial aid application open

January 15, 2024
Admission application due; Financial Aid application due for new families (if applicable)

March 2, 2024
Admission decisions announced

April 2024-August 2024
Rolling admissions where space is available

If you are interested in applying to GPS for the current school year, please contact the Admission Office at Admission@GPS.edu or 423.634.7644 to inquire about availability.

Early Decision at GPS

Apply early, hear early, celebrate early.

If you know GPS is the school for you (and we hope you do!), we are introducing an early decision option for those applying for admission for the 2024-25 school year. 

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  • + What is early decision?

    You may have heard the term “early decision” in the past in reference to college admissions. It refers to a process in which a student completes her application for admission early so that an acceptance decision will be announced sooner. Early decision acceptances are binding, which means a student who is accepted agrees to attend that school and remove themselves from the admission process at any other schools.

  • + Why is GPS adding an early decision option?

    We recognize that the admission process for independent schools is involved and time consuming, and we know you have other experiences and obligations that require your attention. For families who know GPS is their top choice for continued education, applying early decision will expedite the process and give you peace of mind for your next steps. Additionally, early decision applicants can:
    • be present and focus on the experience of their current school
    • have peace of mind
    • plan and coordinate schedules for the year ahead
    • make informed financial decisions in regards to their next educational journey
    • reduce distraction in the classroom
    • request school transcripts and teacher referrals sooner
    • compete with a smaller applicant pool 
    • celebrate acceptances early and become enmeshed in their new school community 
    • have a second chance for acceptance during the traditional timeline if their early decision admission is deferred

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  • + When is the early decision period?

    With the GPS early decision process, all steps are completed before the new year, and families will be notified of their admission decisions in January.
    • Application Opens: September 1
    • Application Due: December 15
    • Financial Aid Application Due: December 15 *if applicable
    • File Complete: January 12
    • Decision Announced: January 22
    • Decision + Deposit Due Back: January 26

  • + Who is eligible for early decision?

    Early decision at GPS is for families who know GPS is their top choice for continued education. Anyone can apply for early decision at GPS, but they should understand the decision is binding. All students who apply for early decision will be notified of their admittance status on January 22. Accepted students must sign their enrollment contract and submit their enrollment deposit by January 26.


Admission Criteria

Through the admission process, we want to consider all aspects of what makes a girl special and unique. When reviewing submitted applications, our Admission Committee evaluates all components of each girl’s career as a student and her interests outside of school. We review current school transcripts, teacher recommendations, in addition to considering her extracurricular activities, accomplishments, interests, and what we have learned about her through her admission application and our interactions with her during admission events. 

In making admission decisions, our goal is to form a class of girls with a broad range of talents, interests, personalities, and backgrounds. Space is limited and we may not be able to accept all applicants. Some students may be added to our waitlist. In other situations, students may be denied admission at that time but encouraged to apply again the following year. Each applicant is carefully considered.

Enrollment decisions will be announced on March 2, 2024 for applications submitted by January 15, 2024. 

If you need assistance at any step in this process, please contact us by emailing Admission@GPS.edu or by calling 423.634.7644.


Girls Preparatory School

PHONE (423) 634-7600    HOURS M-F 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.