International School of Kuwait vs Kuwait Bilingual School 2
International School of Kuwait and Kuwait Bilingual School 2 are both in Kuwait City, about 46 km apart. Both schools offer American programmes. International School of Kuwait also offers Advanced Placement (AP), and Kuwait Bilingual School 2 also offers IB. Published annual fees are close, at KWD 1,750 - 4,500 for International School of Kuwait and KWD 2,405 - 4,420 for Kuwait Bilingual School 2. Both take pupils from 3 to 18.
(Instalment amounts and dates are published together as the school's tuition schedule.)
Billing schedule & payment terms
- Published instalment schedule (example dates shown on the published schedule): 1st instalment due 25 August; 2nd instalment due 1 January; 3rd instalment due 1 April. The first instalment must be paid in full before the commencement of the new academic year. - The KWD 100 registration/seat deposit holds the place until the student's first day of the school year. - The published tuition figures exclude additional charges (see next section).
Boarding fees
- Boarding is not listed as part of the school's published fee schedule; no boarding/residential fees are shown.
Other costs and fees
- Items excluded from the published tuition schedule and billed separately: books, uniform, extracurricular activities, extra examination fees and school trips. - Any specialty or optional program charges (for example extra-curricular trip fees, exam centre fees or subject-specific charges) are additional to the tuition amounts above.
Refund information
- The published schedule states that the KWD 100 deposit secures the place until the first day of the school year. Specific refund terms for the deposit or tuition (for withdrawal or cancellation) are not itemised on the published fee schedule.
Fee payment options
- The published fee schedule does not list specific accepted payment methods (for example card, cash or bank transfer) within the fee schedule document. For payment method instructions, the school's admissions and reception contact details are provided in school communications.
Additional administrative notes shown on the published fee schedule
- The school's published fees are subject to change based on Ministry of Education approval.
Fee details
Application & assessment fees
- A non-refundable placement/test fee of KWD 50 is charged for admission assessments. - A registration fee of KWD 100 is required at acceptance.
Tuition fees by year group (per term and annual totals) — applicable for the 2025/26 academic year
- Kindergarten 1 (KG1): - First instalment (due before 01 Sep 2025): KWD 770. - Second instalment (due before 01 Jan 2026): KWD 770. - Third instalment (due before 01 Apr 2026): KWD 765. - Registration fee: KWD 100. - Annual total (sum of instalments + registration): KWD 2,405. - Ministry-approved total shown alongside: KWD 3,760.
- Kindergarten 2 (KG2): - First instalment (due before 01 Sep 2025): KWD 835. - Second instalment (due before 01 Jan 2026): KWD 835. - Third instalment (due before 01 Apr 2026): KWD 835. - Registration fee: KWD 100. - Annual total (sum of instalments + registration): KWD 2,605. - Ministry-approved total shown alongside: KWD 3,760.
- Elementary (Grades 1–5): - First instalment (due before 01 Sep 2025): KWD 1,010. - Second instalment (due before 01 Jan 2026): KWD 1,010. - Third instalment (due before 01 Apr 2026): KWD 1,000. - Registration fee: KWD 100. - Annual total (sum of instalments + registration): KWD 3,120. - Ministry-approved total shown alongside: KWD 4,774.
- Middle School (Grades 6–8): - First instalment (due before 01 Sep 2025): KWD 1,175. - Second instalment (due before 01 Jan 2026): KWD 1,175. - Third instalment (due before 01 Apr 2026): KWD 1,170. - Registration fee: KWD 100. - Annual total (sum of instalments + registration): KWD 3,620. - Ministry-approved total shown alongside: KWD 5,150.
- High School (Grades 9–12): - First instalment (due before 01 Sep 2025): KWD 1,440. - Second instalment (due before 01 Jan 2026): KWD 1,440. - Third instalment (due before 01 Apr 2026): KWD 1,440. - Registration fee: KWD 100. - Annual total (sum of instalments + registration): KWD 4,420. - Ministry-approved total shown alongside: KWD 5,665.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Instalment deadlines for the academic year are: First instalment due before 01 September 2025; Second instalment due before 01 January 2026; Third instalment due before 01 April 2026. - The school requires payment of the first tuition instalment immediately on acceptance; internal guidance states the first tuition instalment must be paid within 7 days of acceptance, and the admission policy also requires payment of the registration fee and first tuition instalment within a fortnight (14 days) from the result/acceptance announcement. Parents must follow the school's admission contract for the exact deadline that applies to their offer.
Boarding fees
- Kuwait Bilingual School operates as a day school; no boarding facilities or boarding fees apply.
Other costs and routine additional charges
- Uniform: School uniform is required; a separate PE kit (PE shirt, pants and shoes with the KBS logo) is required for PE days. Specific uniform items and replacement costs are handled through the school's standard supplier arrangements. - Educational trips and excursions: Bus and entrance fees for trips are charged per trip; parents are notified in advance for each trip and fees are collected as required. - Assessments and supplementary charges: Standard assessment/test fee (KWD 50) applies at admissions; individual course or activity fees (if any) are billed separately when applicable.
Refund and withdrawal policy
- Withdrawals after payment: If a student has not attended any school days, a KWD 100 administrative fee applies on withdrawal after payment. - No tuition refund is given if the student has attended even one day of classes.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
Uniform is not included in tuition.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
The Board of Governors oversees Kuwait Bilingual School 2 on behalf of the school community. It is chaired by the school owner, Mr. Abdulaziz Al Meklef, and includes appointed and elected members who provide fiduciary oversight and strategic direction. The Board delegates operational authority to the Director, and guidelines for all procedures are outlined in the School Board and Governance Policy.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
American-influenced curriculum with Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement (Pre-AP and AP) courses and an American High School Diploma accredited by Cognia. ISK is a SAT examination center and has affiliations with the College Board and the British Council to support college readiness. Fusion™ is the core learning framework, a student-centered, collaborative, and inquiry-based approach that integrates STEM, the arts, and well-being. The Renaissance Education framework emphasizes holistic liberal-arts development and encourages students to pursue their individual talents.
Curriculum details
International Baccalaureate (IB) framework guides learning across Kuwait Bilingual School 2. Early Years and Elementary School follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) in a bilingual English-Arabic environment, with inquiry-based learning, global citizenship, and student agency. The Middle School provides the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), promoting critical and creative thinking, intercultural understanding, personal growth, and service through inquiry and project-based learning, with digital literacy and social-emotional learning integrated. The High School offers two graduation pathways: the American Bilingual High School Diploma (Arabic and English), blending American standards with Arabic language, Islamic studies, and culture, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The school emphasizes multilingual communication, global citizenship, student agency, service learning, and technology-enabled learning environments that support university and career preparation. As an IB World School, KBS 2 integrates the IB Learner Profile and aims to prepare graduates for success in top universities worldwide.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
There are 2,200 scholars and about 200 teachers, yielding an approximate student-teacher ratio of 11:1.
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Pre-AP and AP courses prepare students for higher education; AP courses are recognized by universities worldwide. The American High School Diploma is Cognia-accredited and supports college admissions, and ISK provides SAT preparation and has College Board affiliations to aid university applications.
Higher education progression
Graduates attend top universities worldwide.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
The Fusion learning ecosystem includes well-being and mindfulness as core elements of ISK's curriculum. The approach integrates well-being and mindfulness as central components of education. The school aims to develop the Renaissance student who can thrive in any context after graduation. Guidance counselors support students, and prospective families can meet a counselor during campus visits. The curriculum also emphasizes deep-language learning, visual and performing arts, and problem-based learning as part of student development.
Social & emotional learning
SEL is woven into the school community at KBS 2. It equips scholars to understand and manage emotions, develop positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and navigate challenges with resilience. SEL is integrated through CharacterStrong lessons, classroom discussions, mentorship programs, assemblies, and advisory groups, helping scholars build confidence, empathy, and leadership skills. Restorative Practice fosters positive conflict resolution, open communication, accountability, and growth, creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where every scholar feels heard and valued.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
Language development is a core element of ISK's Fusion program, with deep-language learning integrated into the curriculum. Language development is emphasized across learning experiences.
English as an additional language
The school operates in a bilingual environment, integrating English and Arabic language development.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Well-being and mindfulness are core components of the curriculum. Guidance counselors support students and are available for meetings during campus visits. The Fusion framework embeds mental wellbeing as part of everyday learning.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through workshops on mental and physical health, emotional resilience, and university readiness. The counseling team provides age-appropriate support across Early Years through the IB Diploma Programme, helping scholars develop coping strategies and maintain wellbeing.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
The school has a Child Protection & Safeguarding policy and related safeguarding resources. Documents include the KBS Child Protection Policy, Guidance for safer working practice for those working with children, and the School Protection and Safeguarding Policy. A Child Protection Incident Report Form is available to report concerns.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
ISK has state-of-the-art facilities, including FIFA-standard 7-a-side pitches, an NBA-standard court, and a cutting-edge STEAM lab and robotics center. The school provides preK-12 programs and swimming classes. Mindfulness spaces support social and emotional learning, and physical engagement includes sports, dance, yoga, Pilates and martial arts. The STEAM lab and robotics center underpins a modern, interdisciplinary approach to learning.
Facilities overview
Kuwait Bilingual School 2 features an Innovation Center with state-of-the-art technology and tools across Web design & digital art, AI/ML, 3D printing, robotics, VR/AR, and engineering design. The library has over 50,000 English- and Arabic-language titles and supports bilingual literacy and digital research across IB programs. Arts and Performance Spaces include dedicated art studios, drama classrooms, and a theater for music, visual arts, and drama. Security and accessibility are prioritized with CCTV surveillance, 24/7 security, and accessible facilities. Swimming comprises two full-sized pools offering year-round instruction, competitive training, and recreational fitness.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
FIFA standard 7-a-side pitches are on campus. ISK has an NBA-standard basketball court. The sports facilities include swimming, football, and tennis. The basketball program offers opportunities to participate in inter-school and regional tournaments.
Sports facilities
Two full-sized swimming pools provide year-round access to professional instruction, competitive training, and recreational fitness. Certified instructors lead structured swimming lessons focusing on skill progression and water safety. The program offers competitive opportunities to represent KBS 2 in local and international events, fostering teamwork and excellence. Swimming is integrated into physical education and after-school programs, promoting cardiovascular health, strength, and resilience.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
ISK's STEAM Lab and Robotics Center is cutting-edge and equipped with advanced tools for hands-on learning. Robotics builds design, building, and programming skills and includes competitions and collaborative projects. STEAM and robotics are part of a holistic approach balancing academics with arts, sports and wellbeing. Projects emphasize real-world applications, including sustainability and smart technology.
Academic facilities
The Innovation Center provides access to technology and tools across Web design, digital art, AI/ML, 3D printing, robotics, VR/AR, and engineering design, with technology integrated into every classroom. The library is a multilingual hub with over 50,000 books, e-books, and academic resources in English and Arabic, supporting bilingual literacy and research across PYP, MYP, and DP. IB-aligned inquiry is supported by spaces and resources for Personal Projects, Extended Essays, and subject study. As an IB World School, KBS 2 fosters inquiry-based learning across the Primary, Middle, and Diploma programs.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Mindfulness spaces support social and emotional learning. Physical engagement includes sports, dance, yoga, Pilates and martial arts. Live to Give reflects ISK's ethos, encouraging community involvement and responsible conduct. Swimming classes are offered as part of the school's extracurricular program.
Extra curricular facilities
Service Learning is embedded in the IB curriculum at KBS 2, consisting of Service for Learning, Service as Learning, and Service as Action, developing compassion, leadership, and global citizenship. In the PYP, service learning includes environmental stewardship, literacy initiatives, and animal welfare awareness. In the MYP, students engage in community outreach, sustainability initiatives, and mental health advocacy. In the DP, CAS includes international service trips, health and well-being campaigns, and STEM-for-social-good using the Innovation Center. These activities foster global citizenship, collaboration, critical thinking, and social responsibility.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
ISK is Cognia-accredited and has academic affiliations with College Board and the British Council. It has expressed interest in candidacy for accreditation with NEASC, Pearson (Edexcel), and the Council of International Schools (CIS). The Renaissance School page frames these accreditation efforts as part of ISK's development toward broader international accreditation.
History
Kuwait Bilingual School 2 (KBS 2) is a private, independent institution founded in 1998 to provide bilingual, values-based education to the Al-Jahra community and surrounding areas. The Founding Father, the late Saleh Al Mekhlef, opened KBS in 1998 with 45 scholars in Nursery, KG1, and KG2. In September 2015, Pre-K to Grade 1 moved to a new campus in Saad Al Abdullah City, with the rest following in May 2016. The IB journey began in 2013 with Primary Years Programme (PYP) authorization, followed by a 2017 PYP evaluation and full MYP authorization in 2018; Diploma Programme (DP) authorization was granted in 2024. KBS 2 is a K-12 IB World School fully licensed by the Ministry of Education, with about 2,500 scholars and affiliations with IB, MSA, CIS, and ECIS; CIS accreditation was initiated in 2024 and is targeted for 2026.
Community
Community
ISK's community rests on core values of integrity, empowerment, inclusivity, inquiry, and well-being. Live-to-Give emphasizes service and a Code of Conduct (Codicem Conductum) guiding interactions among students, parents and staff. Academic and events calendars show cultural and community observances such as International Day of Families, World Arabic Day, World Teachers' Day, and National Day.
Community
A strong school-home partnership underpins KBS 2, with the Parent Community playing a vital role in shaping the learning experience. Open communication is maintained through digital platforms, newsletters, and regular leadership check-ins. Parents engage in Coffee Mornings with Leadership, Orientation & Information Sessions, and Workshops, and participate in events such as STEAM Fair, Personal Project, Arabic Day, Learning Showcases, Bazaar, Young Authors' Celebrations, PYPx, Three-Way and Student-Led Conferences. Volunteer opportunities include Guest Speaker & Career Talks, Supporting School Events & Student Projects, and Parent-Led Initiatives, all contributing to a true partnership in education.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
The Parent Association at KBS 2 supports a strong school-home partnership through regular updates, interactive sessions, and community-building events. Coffee Mornings with Leadership provide informal opportunities to meet with school leaders, while Orientation & Information Sessions help families navigate the IB framework and policies. Workshops on student well-being, academic success, and digital safety equip parents to support learning at home. Parents can volunteer at school fairs, reading programs, and mentorship initiatives, and may propose Parent-Led Initiatives to enrich the school experience. These activities foster open communication and shared responsibility for scholars' educational journeys.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The Fusion™ core methodology provides a 21st-century education centered on student‑centered teaching, collaboration, conceptual and contextual learning, and community/societal connections. ISK features a STEAM-based curriculum supported by a STEAM lab and robotics center. The school offers Pre-AP and AP courses and holds Cognia accreditation for its American High School Diploma.
Academic & intellectual
An International Baccalaureate World School offers the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme, alongside an American diploma. The curriculum is bilingual and guided by inquiry-based learning to foster global citizenship, scholarship, and service. Beyond academics, activities, athletics, arts, and special events provide opportunities for growth, leadership, and community engagement.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Dance is included in Physical Engagement. A STEAM lab and robotics center supports creative and technical exploration across disciplines. Fusion integrates creative thinking across subjects to prepare students for a dynamic world.
Arts & creative
Scholars unleash creativity through painting, sculpture, mixed media, and digital art. Drama involves role-playing, improvisation, and theatrical performances. The music program covers instrument study, vocal performance, and music production. ICT includes coding, robotics, web design, AI, and digital literacy.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
School-wide events celebrate culture and language, including International Day and Arabic Day, fostering cultural awareness and appreciation of global diversity. Global citizenship and cultural engagement are promoted through diverse activities and service learning. Kuwait's heritage is celebrated on National & Liberation Day with traditional performances and school-wide festivities.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
Physical Education is a core component with two swimming pools, three gyms, and a full athletics program that includes sports competitions. Students develop teamwork, fitness, and discipline through structured physical activities. The program also supports creative and cultural activities that contribute to a balanced, well-rounded experience.
Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
Service learning and global citizenship are integral to school life, reflected in school-wide events that promote culture, creativity, and service. Activities include International Day, Arabic Day, SDG-themed dress-down days, and community celebrations like the KBS Bazaar that connect scholars with local initiatives. These events foster community engagement, collaboration, and social responsibility.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Leadership is a focus at ISK as reflected in its aim to 'build leaders' and in Fusion's emphasis on community/societal connections.
Leadership & professional
Scholars develop leadership and essential life skills through in-class activities and school-wide events. The program emphasizes teamwork, confidence, and leadership as part of everyday learning and community involvement.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Well-being is a key concept at ISK, with Mindfulness spaces for social and emotional learning to transpire. Physical engagement includes sports, dance, yoga, Pilates and martial arts.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The school emphasizes a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment with social-emotional wellbeing at the center of its approach. Inclusion and wellbeing are supported through the holistic IB framework and school culture.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Deep-language learning is a feature of ISK's curriculum. Fusion™ integrates language learning across subjects to support this.
Language provision
English and Arabic language classes are offered to strengthen multilingual communication. The bilingual approach supports multilingual expression across the curriculum, with scholars developing bilingual Arabic-English proficiency. The IB framework underpins the program, with the Early Years aligned to the Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme (DP) authorization granted in 2024, making KBS2 the first fully authorized IB continuum bilingual school in Kuwait.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
Languages are deeply integrated across the curriculum.
Bilingual teaching
The school provides bilingual education in English and Arabic. The Early Years program is part of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. English and Arabic language classes strengthen multilingual communication and help scholars express themselves in multiple languages. This bilingual approach develops globally-minded learners who communicate across cultures.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
Cognia accredits ISK. The school has academic affiliations with the College Board and the British Council.
Accreditations
Kuwait Bilingual School 2 is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) and is a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS). It is affiliated with the Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS).
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
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Admissions
1. Documentation: Complete the registration form signed by the parent/guardian. Required documents include birth certificate and vaccination records. Two passport-sized photographs; copies of the student's, mother's, and father's civil IDs; a copy of the father's nationality for Kuwaitis. Copies of the father's and student's passports and a valid residence for non-Kuwaitis; the previous year's report card; and any judicial decisions related to the student.
2. Admission Assessments: Personal interviews and assessments gauge the student's mental well-being and interaction capabilities. The student must be independent during the interview, with no parental interference. Academic evaluation tests in English, Arabic, and Mathematics are administered, tailored to the grade applied for, and a test fee of 50 dinars applies. Parents/guardians may not interfere or guide the student during the assessment, and any mediation may result in rejection and a required retest.
3. Post-Assessment Results: Successful candidates sign a Registration Contract and pay the registration fees and the first tuition installment within a fortnight of the result announcement. A medical file is created through the School Health Department, and the admission paper (Acceptance Notice) is obtained to facilitate transfer procedures from the previous school.
4. Waitlist Procedures: If applications exceed available spots, students may be placed on a waitlist. The criteria for waitlisting are a combination of academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and date of application. Students will be notified promptly if a spot becomes available.
5. Appeals Process: Parents or guardians may submit a formal appeal detailing grounds for appeal to the admissions department; the admissions department reviews the appeal and provides a response within 30 days. The process is designed to be transparent and fair.
6. Annual Review and Feedback: The admission policy is reviewed annually to ensure relevance and effectiveness, and a channel for feedback is available for stakeholders. Feedback helps inform updates to the policy.
Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
When applications exceed available spots, students may be placed on a waitlist. The waitlist criteria combine academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and date of application. Students are notified promptly if a spot becomes available.