FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is required for admission to Mercy? What does the Admissions Team consider when evaluating applications? Mercy’s application for admission can be found online at mercyhighschool.com. The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is required for admission to Mercy. You can register to take the test at your home school (if offered) or in December at Mercy by visiting mercyhighschool.com/hspt. We also consider grades and standardized tests from 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, as well as teacher recommendations. A Visiting Day to Mercy (which includes a brief interview) is required for all applicants. The Admissions Team considers all materials submitted when evaluating a candidate. Potential students must show a solid academic background, interest in Mercy’s programs, and enthusiasm for joining the Mercy community.

2. What is the Mercy uniform? Where can uniforms be purchased? The Mercy uniform is a white button-down shirt, plaid skirt, and a red blazer for formal occasions. Students may choose from a variety of uniform sweaters during colder weather, and may wear knee- or ankle-length socks in white or black, or opaque black tights. Shoes are an all-black buck oxford. Uniforms are available at FlynnO’Hara in Parkville, and shoes may be purchased at many locations, although we recommend Van Dyke and Bacon at Northern Parkway and York Road, just down the road from Mercy.

3. What sports are available? Fall: Cross Country, Field Hockey, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball

(Tryouts for fall sports will be held the summer prior to the school year.) Winter: Basketball, Cheer, Indoor Track and Field Spring: Golf, Lacrosse, Outdoor Track and Field, Softball

4. What extracurricular activities are available?

There are many activities available at Mercy, and if we don’t have what you are looking for, we encourage you to start it! Just a few activities we offer include The Shield (student newspaper) and The Lance (literary magazine), The Garnet (yearbook), Footlighters (drama club), National Art Honor Society, Art Club, Social Justice Society, Model Diplomacy Team, Student Council, Dance Troupe, Pep Squad, vocal arts, and many more.

5. How many students attend Mercy? Our enrollment for this year is approximately 440 students in total.

6. What is the average class size? The average class size is 20-22 students. Electives and junior/senior year courses tend to be smaller.

7. Is there transportation available to and from Mercy? Carpooling works well for families from many areas, including Cockeysville, Glyndon, Towson, Westminster, and more. After you enroll, we will send you information about other families who live in your area so that you can arrange carpooling. If there is enough interest, bus service to some neighborhoods could resume.

8. Are there Advanced Placement (AP) and college credit opportunities available? Yes! AP courses available include Biology, Calculus AB/BC, U.S. History, English Literature and Composition, English Language and Composition, Computer Science Principles, Psychology, French or Spanish, and Studio Art. There are opportunities for upperclassmen to earn dual credit for high school and college through online classes via Notre Dame of Maryland University and Anne Arundel County Community College.

9. Are there STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programs available? Yes! All students will receive a thorough background in science and mathematics thanks to our university-level labs and rigorous curriculum. Students with special interests in science and/or medical fields may consider applying for our Women in Medicine Program in partnership with Mercy Medical Center, Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science, The Sister Agnese Neumann Scholars Program in partnership with MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, or Women in Technology, which offer students in-depth experiences in medicine, information technology, and biomedical science. All of these programs require a supplemental application.

10. What is the tuition? Tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 school year are $17,180. Tuition for 2023-2024 will be announced in February.

11. Is there tuition assistance? Financial aid? Scholarships? Yes! Scholarships are based solely on merit, and do not have a separate application. We will choose scholarship candidates based on their HSPT scores, grades, and other information and will invite them for an additional interview in January. Scholarship candidates will be notified of grants and awards in their acceptance packages. Scholarship amounts vary; no full scholarships are granted. Scholarships are usually renewable for all four years based on academic performance and participation in the Mercy community. Families may apply for financial aid online through FACTS Management at mercyhighschool.com/facts. Financial aid awards are based on FACTS Management’s calculation of a family’s need. We do our best to meet the needs of all of our families with the limited resources we have. However, we expect that education will be a high priority in a family’s budget. Please apply for financial aid by December 16, 2022.

12. Can my daughter attend Mercy if we are not Catholic? What is Mercy’s religious education program like? Absolutely! Mercy welcomes students of all backgrounds and traditions. Our mission reflects the values of the Sisters of Mercy and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Our religious education curriculum is a four-year requirement for all students that covers Church history, ethics, social and moral responsibility, and world religions and encourages each student to grow in her relationship with God. Our service learning requirement encourages an attitude of reflection and grace as our students learn the importance of giving back to their communities.

13. What is Mercy’s college acceptance rate? 100% of Mercy graduates are accepted into college. The Student Services Team works closely with students and their families to help them navigate the college exploration and application process, find scholarships and financial aid, and succeed on the SAT and the ACT. Recent Mercy graduates have chosen to attend selective schools, including The Citadel, Emory, Harvard, Howard, Johns Hopkins, Syracuse, Tulane, Xavier, and more, and the 116 members of the Class of 2022 earned more than $22 million in merit scholarships.