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We actively strive for a diverse population, seeking students from many different backgrounds. If you are ready to provide your daughter a top-notch, college-ready education within an empowering community of faith and leadership, Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women is the place for you!
It’s never too early to start learning about Mercy!
We look for students who are bright, motivated, hard-working, and who are dedicated to the core Mercy values of compassion, hospitality, and community. 

To provide the best experience for your daughter, we strongly encourage all applications to be completed no later than June 1.

If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions Office at 585-288-7120 x304 or admissions@mercyhs.com.
Apply to Mercy in Four Simple Steps:

List of 4 items.

  • Online Application

  • Academic Transcript/Record

    A signed records release is required to give Mercy your daughter’s academic records, attendance and discipline reports, 504/IEP information (if applicable), and other pertinent information.
  • Entrance Exam

    Entrance exams are required and offered monthly, virtually or in-person. They include both math and ELA and take approximately 90 minutes to complete.
  • Recommendation Form

    A teacher recommendation from a core-subject teacher (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) who has worked with your daughter within the past two years must be submitted through the form provided in MercyLINK.

When to Apply

We recommend families apply in the fall of the year prior to their daughter’s intended start.

For example: If your daughter plans to attend Mercy for 6th grade, we recommend starting the application process in the fall of her 5th grade year.

Mid-year transfers are accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Please contact the Admissions Office at 585-288-7120 x304 for more information.

Important Dates

List of 4 items.

  • Priority Decision

    To be considered for Mercy’s academic scholarships, applicants must follow the Priority Decision deadlines outlined below. 
    • Admission Deadline: February 28th*
    • Financial Aid Deadline: March 13th**
    • Notification: March 31st
    • Enrollment Deadline: May 1st

    *All admission materials (application, records release, recommendation, and entrance exam) must be completed by Feb. 28th to be considered for scholarships.

    ** All financial aid materials (application and supporting documents) must be submitted by March 13th to be considered for Priority Decision.
  • Rolling Decision

    Mercy reviews admission and financial aid applications year round on a rolling-basis, while space and funding remain available. 
    • Application Deadline: Rolling, if seats remain available
    • Financial Aid Deadline: Rolling; funds cannot be guaranteed after March 13th
    • Admission Notification: 3-4 weeks from file completion
    • Financial Aid Notification: 1-2 weeks after family indicates “Accept and Will Register” in MercyLINK
    • Enrollment Deadline: 3 weeks from acceptance
  • Entrance Exams

    Entrance exams are offered monthly November - June, typically the first Saturday of each month.

    Exams have two sections: math and ELA. Each section takes approximately 40 minutes to complete. (Extended time and accommodations are available to students with 504/IEP plans).

    All entrance exams are completed online; your daughter will need access to a computer with video and internet access. Exams can be taken at home with a virtual proctor or on-site at Mercy. On-site test takers will be provided with a device on which to complete the exam.

    For questions or help registering, please call the Admissions Office at 585-288-7120 x304.
  • Shadow Visits

    Prospective students are welcome to experience a “day in the life” of a Mercy Girl during our shadow visits. These immersive, half-day visits allow prospective students the opportunity to attend classes and enjoy lunch with current students to get a feel for what a school day at Mercy is really like.
    Plan a Visit

Applying for Financial Aid

Families can apply for financial aid beginning the first week of January. Financial aid applications completed and verified with supporting documents after March 13th will be considered on a rolling basis if funds remain available. 

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 8 items.

  • Do students have to be Catholic to attend Mercy?

    No. Mercy welcomes students of all faith traditions. As a ministry of the Sisters of Mercy, we encourage students to explore shared values, respect diverse beliefs, and grow in faith and service. All students attend school Masses and take theology courses as part of the curriculum, while each student determines her own level of participation in religious activities.
  • What support services does Mercy offer?

    Mercy offers a wide range of academic support services to help every student succeed. Teachers are available for extra help before and after school and during the daily Advisement Period. For students who need additional support, Mercy also provides formal after-school tutoring and on-campus support services for students with 504 Plans or IEP accommodations. Learn more on our Student Support Services page.
  • Does Mercy offer college counseling?

    Yes! Mercy offers a comprehensive college counseling program focused on helping each student find the college or career path that fits her goals. More than 90 colleges and universities visit Mercy each year, and students receive support with college visits, Naviance, SAT preparation, applications, and more.
  • Does Mercy offer financial aid or scholarships?

    Yes. Mercy offers need-based financial aid, merit scholarships, and a multiple-student tuition benefit. Approximately 80% of families who apply for financial aid receive an award.

    Students seeking scholarship consideration should take the entrance exam by the published February exam date. Need-based financial aid applications open January 1 and are reviewed after a student has been accepted to Mercy. For more information, please visit our tuition and financial aid page.
  • How do I track the progress of my daughter's application?

    MercyLINK is our online portal for managing the admissions and enrollment process. Families can track application progress, schedule visits, and access important information throughout the admissions process.

    Once enrolled, students and parents can also use MercyLINK to view schedules, grades, forms, and school updates.

    Admission decisions are generally mailed within four to six weeks after a student completes the entrance exam and application requirements.
  • Does Mercy offer orientation for new students?

    Yes! Mercy offers orientation programs for both students and parents prior to the start of the school year. Incoming students also participate in Mercy Meets, a transition program designed to help students build friendships, meet faculty and classmates, and become comfortable on campus before school begins.

    Throughout the year, students continue building connections through retreats, field trips, service opportunities, and other community-building activities.
  • What factors does the Admissions Committee consider when making acceptance decisions?

    The Admissions Committee reviews a student’s entrance exam scores, current and prior school records, and a recommendation from a teacher or principal. In some cases, an interview may also be requested.

    We also value a student’s engagement with Mercy through Discovery Day visits, events, and interactions throughout the admissions process.
  • Why should I choose an all-girls education for my child?

    Research shows that girls in all-girls schools often demonstrate higher confidence, stronger classroom participation, and increased leadership involvement. Mercy’s supportive environment encourages students to explore their interests, take academic risks, and grow into confident leaders.

    Students also enjoy a vibrant social experience through athletics, clubs, theater, dances, service opportunities, and co-ed events with neighboring schools and community organizations.

Additional Questions?

The Mercy Admissions Team is here to help you every step of the way!
From exploring the Mercy community to completing your application, please reach out to us at any time for assistance.

List of 4 members.

  • Photo of Jolene Bowser

    Jolene Bowser 

    Assistant Director of Enrollment Management and International Students
    (585) 288-7120
  • Photo of Tynisha Foster

    Tynisha Foster 

    Assistant Director of Enrollment Management and International Students
    (585) 288-7120
  • Photo of Elsa Geraci

    Elsa Geraci 

    Admissions Associate
    (585) 288-7120
  • Photo of Emily Woloshyn

    Emily Woloshyn 

    Admissions Associate
    (585) 288-7120

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Your Daughter Will Thrive at Mercy!
Begin the Journey Today.

Phone: 585-288-7120    |    Fax: 585-288-7966    |    Email: info@mercyhs.com
Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women is a sponsored ministry of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and a member of Mercy Education.
© 2026 Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women.