Admissions

Become who you want to be at Good Counsel. For families looking for the best-fit high school for their child, we are a Catholic, private, co-educational community that inspires each student to excel, serve, and love in his or her unique way.

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Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

Welcome to Good Counsel

Our Lady of Good Counsel High School offers young men and women a supportive environment to grow academically, spiritually, and socially. Good Counsel is a place where students can be who they are and become who they want to be. As one of the area’s top college preparatory high schools, our students are challenged to become their best selves as members of our inclusive and supportive community.
Our challenging educational model exposes students to new subjects and fields that will spark their desire to learn throughout their high school years and beyond. This model offers students individualized academic experiences that meet their needs and interests.

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FAQs

Can I visit Good Counsel before applying?

Can I visit Good Counsel before applying?

We encourage all interested students to visit Good Counsel before they begin the admission process. We offer two opportunities for students and their families to learn more about Good Counsel in person—an open house hosted every fall, and several shadow visit days for 8th grade students. During shadow visits, prospective students experience a full day on campus and have the opportunity to meet faculty, listen in on classes, and explore all Good Counsel has to offer—from the viewpoint of an actual student.

What is the application deadline for prospective students?

What is the application deadline for prospective students?

For 8th grade students applying, either from an Archdiocese of Washington Elementary School or a non-Archdiocese of Washington School, applications must be submitted by December 13, 2019.

The mid-year transfer application deadline is November 15, 2019. The application deadline for fall transfers is March 20, 2020.

Is there a separate application for academic scholarships?

Is there a separate application for academic scholarships?

There is no additional application for academic scholarships. There is a separate form for Fine Arts scholarships, as well as Speech and Debate scholarships.

How many applications do you receive each year?

How many applications do you receive each year?

The Admissions Office receives approximately 750+ active applications each year. From those, Good Counsel selects a freshman class of 300.

How are scholarship decisions made?

How are scholarship decisions made?

Academic scholarships are awarded based on the applicant's performance on the Archdiocesan Entrance Exam (the HSPT), transcripts, the application essay, and extracurricular achievement. The typical recipient scored better than the 95th percentile on the HSPT, has a history of superior classroom achievement in challenging courses, and has an essay and list of extracurricular achievement which stands apart from the rest of the applicants.

What is the average class size?

What is the average class size?

The school-wide average class size is 19. Good Counsel's student-teacher ratio is 13 to 1.

What percentage of your senior class is college-bound?

What percentage of your senior class is college-bound?

The annual average is about 100%. Good Counsel High School graduates attend colleges and universities across the nation ranging from fine arts institutions to Ivy League schools.

What transportation options are available?

What transportation options are available?

Good Counsel currently offers several options for bus routes in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County and Howard County. Good Counsel also provides the student directory in zip code format for parents interested in arranging car pools.