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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 x310 or admissions@mercyhs.com.
Apply to Mercy in Four Simple Steps:

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  • Online Application

    Apply Now

  • 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 in the past two years must be submitted through the form provided in MercyLINK.

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  • International Applicants

    In addition to the four steps featured above, all international applicants must:

    Submit an additional teacher recommendation. 
    For international applicants, teacher recommendations must come from Math and English teachers you have worked with within the past two years. 

    Teacher recommendations and transcripts must be in English and include an explanation of the grading scale.

    Submit English Proficiency Scores (non-English speakers only)
    All international applicants (non-English speakers only) are required to provide TOEFL or Duolingo scores. Results can be uploaded in MercyLINK, submitted through TOEFL (DI Code - D931), the Duolingo Dashboard or emailed to admissions@mercyhs.com.

    Schedule an Interview
    All international applicants must complete a virtual (Zoom) interview with a member of the Mercy Admissions Office. Please register for your interview in MercyLINK or email admissions@mercyhs.com for assistance.

    *Mercy does not offer financial assistance to international students at this time.

    Learn more about the International Student Program at Mercy.

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 x310 for more information.

Important Dates

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  • 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 x310.

  • 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

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  • Do you have to be Catholic to attend Mercy?

    Mercy welcomes students of all faiths, beliefs, and faith traditions. We encourage students to look for the shared experiences between faiths, and to celebrate the diversity of belief among our students. The majority of our student body self-identifies as Christian.

  • Does Mercy follow the Common Core?

    Mercy does not follow the Common Core. The school utilizes national college and career readiness standards, and focuses on teaching a rigorous academic curriculum to effectively prepare students for college, career, and beyond. Mercy does not have students take the NYS Common Core assessments or Regents assessments; instead, students are given grade-level appropriate standardized tests such as the PSAT or SAT to help measure achievement.

  • Does Mercy offer academic assistance or tutoring programs?

    Mercy’s teachers are always happy to provide academic support to students as they work through regular coursework before and after school and during our daily Advisement Period. For students who require more intense academic intervention, Mercy provides formal after-school tutoring services. We have a full-time BOCES support teacher on campus each day to support students who have 504 or IEP accommodations. Read more on our Student Support Services page.

  • Does Mercy offer college counseling?

    Mercy has a robust college counseling program, with the goal of helping each student gain acceptance to the college or career program of her choice. Each year, more than 90 colleges and universities visit the Mercy campus. Mercy also offers intensive college prep, including college visits, assistance with Naviance, and SAT practice.

  • Does Mercy offer financial aid or scholarships?

    Yes, Mercy offers need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. We also offer a multiple student tuition benefit. Students wishing to be considered for a scholarship should take their entrance exam no later than the published February exam date. Need-based aid applications can be started as early as January 1; however, aid will not be awarded until a student has been accepted to Mercy. For more information, please visit our tuition and financial aid page.

  • Does Mercy require students to attend religious services?

    Students are required to attend Mass when it is offered as a formal school event. Each student can determine her own level of participation in school Masses, from simply attending the service as an observer to acting as an altar server.

  • Does Mercy's all-girls program affect a student's academic performance?

    Absolutely! Mercy’s faculty is focused on the unique nuances in the ways in which girls learn, which research has shown to be different than the ways in which male students learn. Classroom instructional strategies and pedagogy are focused on opportunities that increase the girls’ receptiveness to information and learning occasions. One such example is an increased focus on discussion, dialogue, and participation in Mercy’s classrooms rather than lecture-focused classes.

    Mercy’s students respond very well to the all-girls academic environment. We are extremely proud of our 100% graduation and four-year college acceptance rate. In addition, Mercy students consistently score higher than the national average on the SAT. Being in an all-girls environment builds confidence among our students, and the girls are more engaged in the classroom. This is turn increases learning opportunities and positively impacts academic performance.

  • How do I track the progress of my daughter's application?

    MercyLINK is our online portal where you will track your progress throughout the admissions process, schedule visits, and once you’re accepted, this is where you will access important enrollment information, student schedules, grades, and more!  Download a step-by-step guide for completing your online application in MercyLink.

  • How does Mercy help transition its new students?

    Mercy offers student and parent orientation programs prior to the start of school for all incoming families. Mercy’s counseling team also meets with incoming students, and we plan a variety of team-building activities for the students throughout the year, including our all-school retreat, field trips, and service opportunities.

  • How much financial aid does a typical student receive?

    80% of families who apply for financial aid receive an award. Need-based financial aid is determined based on an individual family's financial situation. The maximum amount of need-based aid awarded is 50% of a student's tuition. 

  • If my daughter has taken the entrance exam, how soon will I find out if she has been admitted to Mercy?

    Admission decisions are generally mailed within four to six weeks of a student taking the entrance exam if her application file is complete.

  • Is starting at Mercy in middle school too much time on one campus?

    Students who start Mercy in middle school report that it has a positive effect on their overall experience and feel that starting Mercy in middle school (especially 6th grade) helps them be better prepared for high school.

    Mercy also has created a middle school experience that is distinct from the high school experience. Mercy’s middle school program is housed in a separate wing from the high school and has its own faculty and dean. Having both middle and high school on the same campus also lets our students benefit from shared resources and facilities such as the Big Ideas Lab, Media Center, Black Box Theatre, and Cafeteria.

  • Is there more drama in an all-girls school?

    The Mercy faculty and staff focus on creating a supportive community for students and their families. Any issues or disputes that arise between students are quickly identified and addressed by school administration and our counseling department, with a focus on restorative practices. Students who continue to violate policies outlined in Mercy’s student handbook may be subject to disciplinary action.

  • What does the Admissions Committee consider for acceptance to Mercy?

    The Admissions Committee reviews a student’s entrance exam scores, current year school records, and prior year school records, as well as a recommendation from a student’s current teacher or principal. In some cases, we may ask a student to come for an interview. We also consider our exchanges and experiences with a student and their family at Shadow Visits, other Mercy events, and throughout the admissions process.

  • What makes Mercy's all-girls environment different from a co-ed school?

    Girls who attend an all-girls school report higher self-confidence, and exhibit greater engagement within the classroom. Mercy’s supportive and nurturing environment makes girls feel comfortable in the classroom, which in turn makes our students more receptive to learning. Mercy also prides itself on helping girls discover their passion and interests, without the social pressure created in a co-ed institution. Read more

  • Will my daughter develop healthy social relationships with boys if she attends Mercy?

    Mercy girls have ample opportunity to interact with members of the opposite gender, including through clubs, plays, and athletic teams, as well as outside of school activities such as youth group or recreational sports. Mercy also hosts co-ed campus events such as dances for grades 7 through 12. Being in an all-girls environment also helps Mercy girls gain confidence, which shines through in all their friendships regardless of gender.

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 3 members.

  • Photo of Stephanie Wallace

    Stephanie Wallace 

    Director of Enrollment Management
    (585) 288-7120 ext. 310
  • 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.

1437 Blossom Road, Rochester, NY 14610
Phone: 585-288-7120    |    Fax: 585-288-7966    |    Email: info@mercyhs.com

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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.
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