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How would I answer the supplementary questions for my magnet high school's applications?
I am currently applying to magnet high schools in my area. Is there any advice for answering the supplementary questions for my applications, and for the entire application as a whole? How to answer likely questions, how to tell a story, how to stand out, grammar, word choice, etc? Anything will help.
7 answers
Updated
Irelis’s Answer
Take a deep breath and plan what you want to write about especially when it comes to academic or extracurricular activities that you might did in middle school and it is okay not to know it all or didn’t do too good in your younger years.
You can write a story about what certain aspect might helps you along the way and what you can improve on some areas that could used some progress on getting on the track for your next four years of high school and beyond, such as growth or development of your struggles into capability and weakness into strengths.
It is all about trying to improve something once in their lifetime and working towards meeting those goals or expectations they set for themselves, that what high school are looking for, they want someone that push their limit and out of their comfort zone so they can see that you are trying and not giving up too easily just because some obstacles runs into you.
You can write a story about what certain aspect might helps you along the way and what you can improve on some areas that could used some progress on getting on the track for your next four years of high school and beyond, such as growth or development of your struggles into capability and weakness into strengths.
It is all about trying to improve something once in their lifetime and working towards meeting those goals or expectations they set for themselves, that what high school are looking for, they want someone that push their limit and out of their comfort zone so they can see that you are trying and not giving up too easily just because some obstacles runs into you.
Updated
katy’s Answer
I went to a magnet school, and I am in NHS and the best thing I have noticed is to tell personal stories or if a question asks something that you can bring back to a personal experience it helps. Most importantly don't pressure yourself too much, before you fill out the form make sure you are in a place you can focus and you are in the mental state to write well and take as much time as you need. For example, for questions like what courage is or what does it mean to you I would find the actual definition of the word and put it in my own words or my own definition and even bring it back to my own life experiences, This would only happen if I was having a writing block and used it to get my writing flow going again.
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Diane’s Answer
To Whom It May Concern:
When you are answering the supplementary questions make sure you are always truthful with your answers. Remember if you are not truthful it could come back and haunt you. Furthermore make sure that this magnet school is the right fit for you.
Best Wishes and Good Luck with answering your supplementary questions.
When you are answering the supplementary questions make sure you are always truthful with your answers. Remember if you are not truthful it could come back and haunt you. Furthermore make sure that this magnet school is the right fit for you.
Best Wishes and Good Luck with answering your supplementary questions.
Mary Beth Peterson
Talent Acq/HR -Pre Onboarding, Onboarding, Employment Work Authorizations
1
Answer
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Mary Beth’s Answer
Hi Norbert,
Congratulations, this is an exciting time! In my experience Magnet schools are looking for students that will fit their school's culture. I am not sure which type of Magnet school you are applying to. However, I suspect most will ask something about why their school. As mentioned above being authentic/real is important. What is it about their school that makes you want to attend, are their specific programs,classes or labs you are interested in and why. The why is where you can tell your story, what was a specific moment or event that when you decided you wanted pursue the school's specialization. Wishing you all the best.
Congratulations, this is an exciting time! In my experience Magnet schools are looking for students that will fit their school's culture. I am not sure which type of Magnet school you are applying to. However, I suspect most will ask something about why their school. As mentioned above being authentic/real is important. What is it about their school that makes you want to attend, are their specific programs,classes or labs you are interested in and why. The why is where you can tell your story, what was a specific moment or event that when you decided you wanted pursue the school's specialization. Wishing you all the best.
Updated
Martha D.’s Answer
Hi Norbert - it is exciting to pursue your interests through a magnet school. Irelis is right that you can do this.
A few thoughts:
- Don't rely just on AI, even if it reads well. The school likely will be able to tell and the dishonesty and lack of effort would be worse for you than an honest error.
- Explain why - using examples from your life - you would fit in and contribute to that school.
- As Irelis said, you don't have to be perfect but you do have to show that you want to learn and grow intellectually
- Try to vary your vocabulary but don't use words from the thesaurus that you don't know. It may have a similar meaning but not be used in your context. They know you are in middle school. :-)
- Using proper grammar is important both to show that you are putting in effort and to help them grasp your meaning. Many apps have built-in grammar checkers and you could doublecheck with Grammarly.
I see that the deadline is January 30 - wishing you good luck!
Newark Enrolls Info - https://newarkenrolls.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/NewarkEnroll2026-2027.pdf
A few thoughts:
- Don't rely just on AI, even if it reads well. The school likely will be able to tell and the dishonesty and lack of effort would be worse for you than an honest error.
- Explain why - using examples from your life - you would fit in and contribute to that school.
- As Irelis said, you don't have to be perfect but you do have to show that you want to learn and grow intellectually
- Try to vary your vocabulary but don't use words from the thesaurus that you don't know. It may have a similar meaning but not be used in your context. They know you are in middle school. :-)
- Using proper grammar is important both to show that you are putting in effort and to help them grasp your meaning. Many apps have built-in grammar checkers and you could doublecheck with Grammarly.
I see that the deadline is January 30 - wishing you good luck!
Martha D. recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
Authenticity is important. Here are some steps to help you:
1. Identify what you truly enjoy and why it makes you happy.
2. Recognize your skills and what you excel at.
3. Highlight your unique strengths.
4. Determine what drives you to keep learning and growing.
5. Understand that learning is not always easy. Even toddlers fall thousands of times before they walk. Think about what motivates you to keep going when you face setbacks.
6. Share a personal story about a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.
7. Consider how the Magnet school can help you reach your goals and what special qualities you can contribute to the school.
8. Remember, you are amazing! Good luck!
1. Identify what you truly enjoy and why it makes you happy.
2. Recognize your skills and what you excel at.
3. Highlight your unique strengths.
4. Determine what drives you to keep learning and growing.
5. Understand that learning is not always easy. Even toddlers fall thousands of times before they walk. Think about what motivates you to keep going when you face setbacks.
6. Share a personal story about a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.
7. Consider how the Magnet school can help you reach your goals and what special qualities you can contribute to the school.
8. Remember, you are amazing! Good luck!
Updated
Cherisse’s Answer
Hi Norbert,
As stated above, authenticity is so important and the best part- is that there are not wrong answers as this is about you! Being authentic and using specific experiences you have had, can help you find the school that is right for you. As you are writing your application, it is beneficial to ask a parent, family member or current school counselor to review and give feedback to ensure it is written in a clear and succinct manner. In addition, always do a grammar and spelling check before submitting. Best wishes to you!
As stated above, authenticity is so important and the best part- is that there are not wrong answers as this is about you! Being authentic and using specific experiences you have had, can help you find the school that is right for you. As you are writing your application, it is beneficial to ask a parent, family member or current school counselor to review and give feedback to ensure it is written in a clear and succinct manner. In addition, always do a grammar and spelling check before submitting. Best wishes to you!
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