Admission criteria have been established for entrance into magnet programs as a means of ensuring student success.  In order to qualify for admission into a high school magnet program, applicants must earn at least 80% of the assessment criteria points.  Only qualified applicants can be considered for placement.

Note: Not all schools use all of the admission criteria listed below. Point values for each admission criterion listed below may differ between programs and schools.

See the Assessment Guidelines for specific information regarding the components of each assessment and any preparation required prior to the assessment.

Academic Evaluation:

Mathematics Enrollment:  (for programs that use math enrollment as a criterion)

• If the Grade 9 applicant is currently enrolled in
  • Algebra I or higher, the applicant will receive full credit.
  • Algebraic Thinking 2, the applicant will receive half credit.
  • Pre-Algebra, Math 8, or a lower mathematics course, the applicant will receive no credit.
• If the Grade 10 or 11 applicant is currently enrolled in
• Algebra II, geometry, or a higher level of math, the applicant will receive full credit.
• Algebra I, the applicant will receive half credit.
• A course below Algebra I, the applicant will receive no credit.

If the applicant's math course is not listed as Algebra I or Algebra II, the office DOES NOT assume it is an algebra course; the course level must be verified by the current school.

Grade Average Calculation:  (for programs that use academic grades as a criterion)

• Four quarters (or three trimesters) from the previous school year and the first quarter/trimester for the current school year are evaluated. Final exam and final year grades are not considered in the calculation.
• Baltimore County Public Schools defines letter grades in Superintendent's Rule 5220. Letter grades from non-BCPS schools will be reviewed as written on the report card and will not be converted to any other letter grade.  There is no weighting or special consideration given to grades that are calculated by means other than what is use by the Baltimore County Public Schools.
• For each academic subject area evaluated, the letter grades, as determined by the reporting school(s), are converted to a four point scale (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, E=0), and the five quarters (or four trimesters) are averaged.
• Scale (rounded to nearest tenth):
• A = 3.5 - 4.0
• B = 2.5 - 3.4
• C = 1.5 - 2.4
• D = 0.5 - 1.4
• E = 0 - 0.4
• Scoring – for each academic subject area evaluated:
• Applicant receives full points for meeting the required minimum average.
• Applicant receives zero points for less than the required minimum average.

Attendance: (for programs that use attendance as a criterion):

• If applicant has 14 or less unexcused absences, the applicant receives full points.
• If applicant has 15 or more unexcused absences, the applicant receives zero points.
• When necessary, middle schools will be contacted for lawful/unlawful count.

Magnet Assessments:

All high school magnet programs require an on-site assessment.  The assessments are specific to each program and may include a written test, interview, audition, or other performance-based evaluation.  On-site assessments are conducted and scored by the schools.

It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure that the applicant is on time and prepared for each assessment. Failure to attend and complete an assessment will disqualify the applicant for that magnet program.

Appropriate testing accommodations, as documented in the student's active educational plan (i.e. IEP, 504, ELL/RELL, etc.), will be provided during the assessment(s).

Applicants must obtain the Assessment Guidelines for each program to which they apply. Assessment Guidelines contain specific information regarding the components of each assessment and any preparation required prior to the assessment.

Applicants who do not attend the magnet assessment
will not be considered for admission.