THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Merrick Preparatory School

REPORT CONTENTS

School Overview

Reviews

Analysis

ADMISSIONS

What is involved in the admissions process at Merrick Preparatory School? When is the deadline, and what are the requirements? How does it compare to other schools? How should you factor these into your decision?

Page Contents

Facts and analysis
Qualitative insights
- The admissions process is clear and supportive.
- There's genuine interest in each student and family.

Facts and analysis

VISITING THE SCHOOL

Upcoming open houses will be announced here.

An open house includes a campus tour and meetings with teachers, staff, and students. Hosting open houses is a typical practice among schools.

Why it matters

A school visit offers a firsthand look at the environment, culture, and daily life of the school. It provides an opportunity to ask questions, observe interactions, and verify your expectations directly. It's a vital part of an informed choice.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Merrick Preparatory School has rolling admissions for Day and Boarding entry.

See the deadline distribution for all other schools we cover below.

Application deadline by enrollment type(s)

Month	Merrick Preparatory School	Other schools
Month	Rolling admissions	Fixed deadline	Rolling admissions
September	Day and Boarding admissions	0%	88% of all other schools have rolling admissions
October		Less than 1%
November		2%
December		7%
January		1%
February		2%
March		2%
April		1%
May		1%
June		Less than 1%
July		0%
August		1%

Why it matters

The admissions timeline helps you plan and prepare for key milestones, including school visits, application submission, and acceptance notifications.

ENTRY GRADES

The highest number of new enrollment openings include Grade(s) 9, 10 and 11.

The highest number of openings across all other schools we cover include Grade(s) 9, 10 and 11 (for the same grades offered at Merrick Preparatory School).

Breakdown by grade

Entry grade	Number of openings available: Day
Entry grade	Merrick Preparatory School	Average of all other schools
Gr. 9	5 - 10	23
Gr. 10	5 - 10	13
Gr. 11	1 - 5	13
Gr. 12	1 - 5	13

Entry grade	Number of openings available: Boarding
Entry grade	Merrick Preparatory School	Average of all other schools
Gr. 9	10 - 15	18
Gr. 10	10 - 15	18
Gr. 11	5 - 10	18
Gr. 12	5 - 10	14

Why it matters

Popular entry grades may offer more opportunities for peer integration and more extensive orientation programs at the school. Applying to these grades may increase the chances of admission and support a smoother social and academic transition for the student.

ACCEPTANCE RATE

95% of all applications are accepted.

Acceptance rate at Merrick Preparatory School is typical of the schools we cover.

Breakdown by grade

Grade	Acceptance rate: Day
Grade	Merrick Preparatory School	Average of all other schools
Gr. 9	95%	40%
Gr. 10	95%	38%
Gr. 11	95%	37%
Gr. 12	90%	35%

Grade	Acceptance rate: Boarding
Grade	Merrick Preparatory School	Average of all other schools
Gr. 9	95%	40%
Gr. 10	95%	38%
Gr. 11	95%	37%
Gr. 12	90%	35%

What Merrick Preparatory School says it looks for in students

Merrick Preparatory School is looking for students who take ownership of their education; learn to think critically, creatively and globally; have an appreciation for diverse cultures, faiths, opinions, worldviews, and global perspectives; set challenging goals and work to acquire the the necessary skills to achieve them; become effective communicators; strive to excel; and develop confidence to become future leaders.
Why it matters

A school's acceptance rate gives you an indication of how competitive the admissions process is. Understanding this can help you set expectations and make strategic decisions about where to apply. Please note that the acceptance rates provided here are approximate.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The admissions process may require an interview, an entrance exam and an entrance essay.

See grade-by-grade admissions requirements at Merrick Preparatory School and how they compare with other schools.

Breakdown by grade

Grade	Required by Merrick Preparatory School					% of schools requiring
Grade	Interview	SSAT	SSAT (out of province)	Entrance exam	Entrance essay	% of schools requiring
Gr. 9		-	-			Interview: 52%, SSAT: 2%, Exam: 25%, Essay: 10%
Gr. 10		-	-			Interview: 50%, SSAT: 2%, Exam: 22%, Essay: 11%
Gr. 11		-	-			Interview: 50%, SSAT: 2%, Exam: 22%, Essay: 11%
Gr. 12		-	-			Interview: 44%, SSAT: 2%, Exam: 17%, Essay: 10%

What Merrick Preparatory School says about the application process

Application fee: $200

Registration fee: N/A

Deposit: $4,000

Description:
Application Process

Thank you for your interest in joining the Merrick Preparatory School family. We give careful consideration to every applicant. Each application is reviewed closely and considered both as a student and as a unique individual. We take into account your past achievements and look at your future potential for contribution to Merrick Preparatory School and the greater social good.

While admission to Merrick Preparatory School is on a rolling basis, the Admissions Office encourages students to begin the process during the fall and spring of the preceding academic year. We can process applications all throughout the year but it is encouraged that students apply ahead of time to allow at least 16 weeks for the Canadian Visa and Study Permit application process.

The following 6 steps are required to complete the application process:

Step 1: Application and Application Fee

Navigate to www.merrickprep.com and click on the Admissions Menu. Follow the detailed step-by-step instructions and complete the Application Form in its entirety. Upon completion, submit via email to admissions@merrickprep.com along with the $200 non-refundable application fee. You can also contact us directly at admissions@merrickprep.com to request the Application Form or for additional information.

Step 2: Student Interview

As soon as our Admissions Office receives your application and application fee, we will be in touch with you to set up an interview in person, via Skype, Facetime, QQ, C'Me, telephone or other convenient medium. Interviews generally last 15 to 20 minutes and are informal, allowing us to get to know you.

Step 3: Official School Transcripts

We require a copy of the applicant’s final transcripts from their previous academic years starting from grade 9, in addition to any report cards from the current in-progress academic year. A final transcript from the current academic year must be submitted once the academic year has been completed. For those applying to grade 9 we require your final grade 8 report card.

Step 4: Personal Profile

Applicants are required to submit a 300 word personal profile in their own handwriting, outlining their academic goals and interests, extracurricular activities, community involvement and areas of distinction or achievement. The Personal Profile can be completed during the Student Interview, or the Personal Profile form can be emailed to the applicant. Personal Profiles are to be submitted to admissions@merrickprep.com.

Step 5: Confidential Reference

The Confidential Reference will be emailed to you after the application form and application fee have been submitted. Once you receive the Confidential Reference it must be submitted to your Principal or English teacher for completion and returned to admissions@merrickprep.com directly from the Principal or English teacher. Detailed instructions are provided on the Confidential Reference form.

Step 6: Entrance Exam

All applicants are required to complete an Entrance Exam. The exam will be sent to you with instructions from our Admissions Office once the application form and application fee have been submitted. The Entrance Exam is a timed 30 minute online exam.

Please Note: the Steps of the Application Process may be executed in any order once the application form and application fee are received.

Once we receive all of the above six admissions requirements, the selection committee will review and evaluate your application. The committee will make a decision with 24 hours of receiving the final application requirement, and within 48 hours you will be notified of the selection committee’s decision.

Should you have any questions, or if the Admissions Team can be of any assistance in this process, please do not hesitate to contact us at admissions@merrickprep.com or + 1.613.269.2064 ext. 471.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Admissions Timeline to our Academic Programs

While we do take applications on a rolling basis throughout the year, we have limited capacity and the school may fill by April - May each year. We also have restrictions on when students can join our academic program.

Semester One (September to January):
Students admitted to Merrick Preparatory School arriving after the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend (typically the second full weekend in October) can join our English as a second language program, but are too late to gain credits in our Semester One academic program.

Semester Two (February to June):
Student admitted to Merrick Preparatory School arriving three weeks after the start of Semester Two (typically after February 21) can join our English as a second language program, but are too late to gain credits in our Semester Two academic program.
Why it matters

Understanding admission requirements is crucial as you assess your fit with a school and the likelihood of acceptance. These requirements often reflect the school's educational priorities.

Qualitative insights

These insights are based on conversations with parents, alumni, and school leadership. Handpicked and curated by our editor, they offer a close look at how the school is experienced and perceived by those who know it best.

The admissions process is clear and supportive.

Observations from parents and students highlight the efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness of the admissions team at Merrick, making the application experience smooth and welcoming for prospective families.

From the beginning of our application process, the administration was very accommodating and reassuring. Our interactions with the headmaster and teachers have been amazing. The consistent updates and the dedication of the staff to our child's well-being earn them an easy A-plus from us. We are grateful for the quality education and the supportive environment Merrick provides.

—Ireen O., parent (see full interview)

We got a smooth easy admission process both parents and student were interviewed online and my son had an evaluation test he had to complete then he had a long friendly conversation with the headmaster. After our meeting I felt it was the right choice for my son and I had the recommendation of other parents to the school. The students are selected to a specific criteria and that is to ensure it’s all up to standard, at the end both parents and the school will work as a team towards the benefit and support of the students. I don’t think I would change anything about the admission process I was happy about it and all was explained very well during our meeting with the headmaster.

—Seem Pharaon, parent (beginning 2019) (see full review)

I would say apply, and hope that you are accepted. They are fair, yet demanding in terms of ensuring that only those students that they believe can commit will be accepted and offered admission. They don't only look for those who might excel, but those who can commit to a rigorous learning process. And here, when I say "those", I also include the parents and not just the children. As mentioned, MPS views parents as an integral part required for the success of their learning approach. While some paperwork is needed, as normal, its an efficient, friendly process. They are fully hands-on and really make you feel cared for. They advise on every step of the way, to make sure the process is user-friendly, clear and transparent. The one aspect I would modify is their need to focus on the benefits of a small school, and the value of such to the kids. I was a bit apprehensive at the beginning, but I am now a preacher of that approach. One key aspect they dwelt on was to ensure that my son himself was happy to move to MPS. This is exactly what happened with my son.

—Mustafa Tabba, parent (beginning 2020) (see full review)

The application process was done in a rather quick manner for me. I first got to know the school at an expo and from there. I began the process. The actual application for the school was effective. I had to show them my school transcripts and did some English and math exams, as well as an interview with the headmaster and some of the processors. I would say that it does depend on where you come from, as the complicated part for me was getting my student visa. I would suggest checking your application for the visa in your country first and estimate the time that will take the student to get it. And then begin applying to the school. If the interested has good grades and a good English level, there won't be a problem getting into the school.

—Juan Carlos Uscanga, student (beginning 2019) (see full review)

The admission process went smoothly and easily because people were nice and went with me through a few online interviews and the process was done fast. I would advise students who are planning on applying for admission to not be scared or nervous because it will go smoothly and fast as my experience with the applications went well. When I did the online interview the lady was nice and we talked about school and the program, she showed me pictures of the building and she tried as much as possible to speak slowly so I got what she meant because my English was not strong. It was kind of fun to apply and having conversations with people helped me understand where I am going and how it will go.

—Suzan Aljasem, student (beginning 2022) (see full review)

We were made to feel extremely welcome from our very first inquiry. The courteous way in which we were dealt with is a credit to the school and each and every one of our questions was answered fully and honestly. We were provided with all the information that we required, we were given a tour of the school and, had it been during the school terms, I am sure that we would have been able to meet with the students to hear their points of view. The written information was well presented and thorough and the website gave us a very accurate picture of what life would be like at the school. The school deserves a very high level of commendation for its admissions procedures.

—John Hopkins, parent (beginning 2021) (see full review)

The admission process was seamless. Mrs. Ziegler was helpful, knowledgeable, interested and eager to explain and anticipate all the steps needed to make to process easier for both parents and students. She, as well as the headmaster, was always available to answer any questions, from the mundane to the very intricate. If I could give any practical advice, it would be to embrace the process and ask any question, no matter how insignificant it seems, to make sure that when your child arrives at the school, they feel comfortable and ready to embrace life away from their immediate family and to thrive. The organized way in which they manage the process gives you a glimpse of what you may expect overall from the school.

—Rossana de Fabrega, parent (beginning 2022) (see full review)

Be rest assured that your application process will be very smooth. Johanna and Justin will go all out that the application process is comfortable and even assist you with the relevant people for visa applications. Even with the arrival of the learners from their homes to school, they are involved. They follow up with you on Zoom calls and they even give contacts of other parents so that you can speak to them yourself. For my daughter, they arranged an interview for her with one of the learners and now they are friends. It becomes easier when you talk to parents about the school and the learning because then you hear it from the horse's mouth. Our application process was stress-free and they still assist us even today.

—Rachel Tlhole, parent (beginning 2022) (see full review)

I know that both my parents and I were very impressed with Merrick Preparatory School's admissions team. We were made to feel welcome and respected from our first interaction, and all of our questions were answered very quickly and honestly. Their website had answers for almost everything I needed to know, and that which it didn't was quickly answered. It was a lovely introduction to Merrick, and it made me very excited to attend. The student and parent testimonials and reviews on their website are very helpful and promising, and I have not yet found anything that contradicts the information we were given. The admissions process was also very smooth and easy to navigate. I think that any student can agree with me when I say that there is a lot to be said in a positive nature about the Merrick admissions team.

—Elisa Hopkins, student (beginning 2021) (see full review)

The application process was very smooth with great communication between not only parents and admissions but also the student applying. During my application process, I had talked to pretty much all the staff before I had even attended the school which helped a lot with getting to know everyone and feeling comfortable when entering a new environment. The admissions team is very responsive and helpful with guiding families on how to apply, what they can expect, and ensuring the process is easy. The admissions team is very knowledgeable and diverse in terms of international experience and helps ensure students have a good experience. Furthermore, everything was clear and explained very well. The admissions process was very relaxed and manageable which was great for me!

—Konstantin Swientek, alum (2020-2022) (see full review)

From what I remember about the admissions process, my dad first found the school through the newspaper and told me I should try to get one of the scholarships the school was offering. I had to ask an old teacher (I chose my favourite teacher) for a referral, write a three hundred word essay on who I was, did an interview with the headmaster, and do an English literacy test. Then I got a tour of the school and later an email on me getting the scholarship. I don't remember much else since my parents mostly dealt with the whole application but in my opinion, I think it was pretty easy and that the admission team was really good at answering our questions. Word of advice though, don't do what I did when I had to write the 300-word essay and write the essay on some kind of digital thing that can count your words so you won't have to rewrite it later...

—Helen Phan, student (beginning 2021) (see full review)

The leadership in the school is excellent. We are kept informed as to what is happening in the school, and the school is also extremely responsive to any requests that we might have. Examples of the latter include the flexibility over course selection, the acceptance that our daughter takes classes such as life-saving outside of the school which requires an early departure, and her need to get to a part-time job a few days of the week. Even during these COVID-dominated times, the school is very welcoming, and as long as the proper precautions are taken the school welcomes us in at our convenience. The entire admissions and support program have been conducted in a truly efficient and professional manner and we feel that the needs of our daughter have been very well managed.

—John Hopkins, parent (beginning 2021) (see full review)

There's genuine interest in each student and family.

Insider sources indicate that the admissions process at Merrick Preparatory School is characterized by a sincere effort to understand and support each student and their family.

Right from the start, we felt that there was a lot of support, a lot of interest in my son’s talents and skills, and us as a family. My son had to do an interview and write something like a little essay. Everyone was really keen to learn about him and his way of thinking. The atmosphere at school with lots of friends, pastoral care, academic care, and feeling at home stood out the most.

—Daniela Swientek, parent (beginning in Gr. 11) (see full interview)

My advice to new families is to look at the communication skills of the school. Is there a genuine interest in your child and the family? Do they look beyond grades and are interested in the skills, interests, and talents of your child? Do they include you as parents and siblings? Do they want to know something about you and your background? I think that is the most important thing, that there is good communication and a genuine interest in your child.

—Daniela Swientek, parent (beginning in Gr. 11) (see full interview)

They are hands on, understand the exact needs of your child, and truly advise on what's best for him or her. The counselling received by me for my son was clear, transparent, honest and extremely useful. And it didn't start in Grade 12, but started even before admission. They took the time to understand the college paths that my son was likely to take, and ensured that we all had clarity on what these options meant for my son under the OSSD system. They were accommodating to all our queries and concerns, and guided us throughout. One key aspect they dwelt on was to ensure that my son's selections where the most aligned choices that best fit with his interests, skills and capabilities.

—Mustafa Tabba, parent (beginning 2020) (see full review)

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