School Without Walls is one of the most competitive schools to get into in the DMV. Ranked #68 in the country, it has a thorough application process that can be both stressful and nerve-wracking. Yet, for each class of students at Walls that experience has been vastly different due to continuous policy changes. 

The SWW application process has evolved over the years. During COVID, applicants submitted transcripts through My School DC and participated in online interviews. While many found this process less stressful, it was also intimidating because they couldn’t visit the school in person.

Due to COVID, the sophomore and junior classes underwent a modified application process. This year’s freshman class was the first group to experience the full, pre-pandemic process. Namuun Bold-Erdene (‘26) said, “It was online, so I was at home, and the questions were good.” The at-home interview process felt less nerve-wracking and more comfortable.

Now that COVID restrictions have ended, the new process is longer and more complex. Applicants must first submit their transcripts through My School DC. Once they pass this step, they attend an in-person interview and complete a writing portion. During the interview, applicants are assigned a teacher and a student interviewer who ask 2-3 questions before dismissing them to write an essay while the interviewers speak with their parents.

Caroline Weishaar (‘28) said, “I submitted my transcripts, and then I was notified that I got an interview. After that, I went to the interview and did the essay.” This marks a significant change from previous years when applicants did not have to complete a writing portion or participate in an in-person interview.

The School Without Walls open house is one of the highlights of the application process. Walls hosted its first open house for the class of 2029 in late November this year. Many families and rising 9th graders attended to meet prospective teachers, tour the school, and learn about the Walls experience.

For the interview portion, the consensus among freshmen was that it was short and less nerve-wracking than expected. Lila Noti (‘28) said, “The interview was really quick, and it was only three questions.” Mekedim Gossaye (‘28) added, “For the written portion, the questions were pretty interesting, so I think that helped with being able to make better paragraphs.”

Applicants experienced a range of emotions throughout the process. Many felt stressed at times but also excited. Sophie Schnider (‘25) shared, “I was not very stressed, and even when I did get in, it took me a while to decide to come here.” On the other hand, Noti said, “I mean, it was pretty stressful, but the short application process made me feel better.” It is normal to feel nervous or stressed about big events, but also excited about new opportunities.

Since this can be such a stressful time for rising 9th graders, each interviewee shared advice for next year’s applicants. Caroline Weishaar (‘28) said, “Don’t try to show off too much in your interview, just be yourself.” Namuun Bold-Erdene (‘26) added, “It is all going to work out; everything happens for a reason.”