APPLY

Application Information

TIP: Give yourself enough time!

To apply to WYWLA (or any WCPSS early college), you will need time to submit a completed Early College application. The application includes several components:

• A student-written essay

• Three recommendations from teachers (ELA teacher, math teacher, and a school administrator or school counselor)

• Prior grades (2023 - 2025)

• Current grades

• Prior standardized test scores (2023 - 2025)

You may apply for any early college at wcpss.schoolmint.com during the application period. 

Important: Early College applications are due BEFORE other magnet school applications! The deadline is December 12th, 2025! 

Step 1: Base school enrollment

Unfortunately, you cannot enroll your student and apply for early college, magnet, or year-round school on the same day. It takes 24-48 hours for a student ID number to become active in the application portal. Student data must be activated by the data manager at the base school before it can flow into the application system. Start your WCPSS base school enrollment at least a full week prior to the time you plan to submit the magnet application.

Magnet Application Facts

1. The application period begins on Oct. 14 and ends on Dec. 12 to apply for the 2026-2027 school year. Applications are not first-come, first-served - you may apply anytime during the application window. 

2. If you are not attending a WCPSS school, you must enroll in the base school for your address. Find your base school.

3. You can start your enrollment forms online at wcpss.net/enroll

4. Once you have an active student ID number, create an account at wcpss.schoolmint.com. You must have an active student ID number to create an account. 

5. You will complete your application in the account. You may apply to any early college for which you are eligible.

6. Emails to the recommenders are not sent until the application is submitted.

7. You will be notified of the results on February 20, 2026, via email or in the parent account. 

8. If you are selected, you will be automatically assigned to the school for which you are selected. If you are not selected, you will be placed on a non-numeric waiting list, known as an applicant pool, for the school you listed as your first choice only. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• You may apply to both Early Colleges and magnet/year-round schools.

• The Early College application will be processed first.

• If the student is selected for the Early College, the student will be assigned to the Early College, and the magnet/year-round application will NOT be processed.

• If the student is not selected for the Early College, the student will be assigned to the applicant pool (a non-numeric waiting list) for the Early College listed first on the application, and the magnet/year-round application will be processed.

• You may be selected for a magnet/year-round school to which you applied, and that school will become the assigned school.

• If not, it is possible to be placed in the applicant pool for both your first-choice Early College and your first-choice magnet/year-round school. You will be notified if you receive a seat at either school during applicant pool processing. 

• Applicant pools will be processed in the spring to fill vacant seats.

• Any rising sixth - eleventh grade student living in Wake County can apply regardless of current or former schools attended. 

• Priority is given to students who will be the first in their immediate family to graduate from college. 

• Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy typically receives 450 applications for approximately 90 spots (Up to 60 new students in 6th grade, 20 in 9th grade, and a few other spots in 7th, 8th, and 10th grades).

• Student applications earn points.  If your application earns over 70 points, it is entered into the applicant pool. Admission is not guaranteed, so please be sure to put your time into your essays. 

Our school is amazing, and we want you here! 

We can't wait to meet you!