Application Instructions and Checklist
The student application and all supporting recommendations, forms, and documents must be submitted online by either the priority deadline of May 4th, 2026, or the final deadline of May 18th, 2026.
When you open the application, select the option to apply to the Southern California chapter of Minds Matter. We currently serve students in Los Angeles.
During the online application process, you will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of your nominated recommenders and parents or caregivers. When you submit your application, Minds Matter will email counselors, teachers, parents, and caregivers.
✔ One Academic Recommendation
A counselor, academic teacher, or school administrator is someone who knows you well and can discuss your academics, passion for learning, etc. This person will also be asked to upload your high school transcript.
✔ One Additional Adult Recommendation (Optional)
An adult recommendation may include a teacher, principal, YMCA coordinator, coach, pastor, etc., as long as they are unrelated to you. This could be someone who knows you and can talk about your strengths and assets.
✔ Parent/Guardian Form
Parents/caregivers will be asked to upload tax documents or proof of income.
As part of the overall application, the following are needed:
✔ High School Transcript
Your academic transcript will be submitted by your required academic recommender (teacher, counselor, school administrator, etc.). This person will need access to an official or unofficial transcript. Once you submit your application form, an email will be sent from Minds Matter to the recommender’s email you provide in the application form. They will complete their recommendation and upload your transcript.
✔ Most Recent Federal Tax Return
To determine your eligibility, we ask for basic information about your family’s household income. This can include an IRS Form 1040, including a W-2 form, all Schedules, and/or proof of government assistance. In your application, you must provide an email address for one of your parents or caregivers. They will receive a link to complete the parent/caregivers form, which requires them to upload their most recent federal tax return or other documentation verifying income or government assistance. If your parent/guardian does not have these documents, please contact [email protected] for assistance
Important Program Information for Admitted Students
Minds Matter Sessions
Minds Matter takes place on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm, September through May. We follow the same holiday schedule as most schools. We expect students to attend every session to fully benefit from the program.
We meet at a high school in the Exposition Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, near USC. Our location is easily accessible by public transportation. We’re a short walk from the Metro E Line Expo/Vermont stop, and several bus routes stop nearby.
Weekday Time Commitments
Minds Matter is a rigorous program, and students are required to do homework. The typical student spends approximately 4 to 5 hours a week on Minds Matter (essay writing, test preparation, revision, assignments, etc.).
Questions or Concerns
Please take a moment to review our student FAQ page, which has detailed information about our program. If your have any questions or need more information, please email us at [email protected].
Need more information?
Submit questions about the application process here.