McNair Academic High School and Infinity Institute are academic magnet high schools in JCPS with one shared selective admissions process. Students are selected primarily based on their middle school grades and PSAT 8/9 test scores, with some weight given to teacher recommendations, attendance, extracurricular activities, and student demographics.
The student’s grades for 6th and 7th grade as well as grades for the first part of 8th grade will be considered as part of the application. The other most important factor in McNair and Infinity applications are the PSAT 8/9 scores. JCPS notifies parents of the PSAT 8/9 testing date around the end of September. Testing is usually towards the end of October. Students interested in applying to McNair or Infinity must register through their school to take the PSAT 8/9.
The PSAT 8/9 is a national exam administered by the College Board, an independent organization, testing students on reading, writing, and math knowledge and skills. Go here for more information about the PSAT 8/9 and how to prepare.
The application for McNair (see website or info) and Infinity (see website) is timed to open after students receive their PSAT 8/9 scores. Scores become available in December. JCPS opens the application in mid-January.
Take the PSAT 8/9.
Request a recommendation from one teacher (you will need the teacher's email when you complete the application). The school counselor will also be notified to submit grades, attendance, and standardized test scores (you will also need the school counselor email for the application).
Submit your application.