Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Application Process topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
How to apply to MCPS regional pathways: deadlines, criteria and lotteries
Summary
MCPS will use a centrally managed High School Common App; applications open in October, families submit in early November, and placements are released in January. Programs are criteria‑based, interest‑based (lottery), or interest‑with‑criteria (continuation requirements).
Langford Brown explained the selection mechanics for regional pathways: students must apply to be considered for optional regional programs; applications will be handled through a single High School Common App and centrally reviewed by the district.
She defined three selection types: criteria‑based programs that require thresholds (grades, MAP M/R, MCAP, language assessments), interest‑based programs admitted by lottery (the district’s longstanding lottery process may consider homeschool and socioeconomic factors), and interest‑with‑criteria programs where initial interest gains entry but continuation requires meeting academic thresholds (for example, middle college). "Interest based programs are those for which a student says they have an interest in it, and they want to specialize," she said. Peter Orstrander noted there is "no application fee" and said seat counts typically range from 30 to 60 per program depending on the pathway.
Orstrander added that students cannot apply to programs outside their region and that certain career‑hub or CTE applications will remain on separate processes. The district said families will receive full criteria details by August and should use open houses and counselor meetings in the fall to learn more before applying.
