Student applications for participation in magnet programs during the 2013-14 school year went up 24 percent from last year, according to an Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) press release.

Approximately 2,100 students applied for a seat in at least one of the county's magnet programs. Some students applied to more than one program, so the total number of submissions exceeded 2,700—a 28 percent bump from last year’s total application numbers, according to AACPS. 

Students are evaluated based on their grades, test scores and either an interview or audition depending on the program. However, the high number of applications will likely result in AACPS using a lottery system in its selection process as the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of available seats.

Applying to the performing and visual arts (PVA) schools involves auditions and students choosing areas of concentration as part of the evaluation process. However, a lottery is still possible at those schools depending on the number of applicants, according to the release.

AACPS Superintendent Kevin Maxwell said he felt the large application turnout was indicative of the success of the magnet programs over the years.

“These programs continue to receive widespread support from our business and community partners, and widespread interest from current students and those outside our system,” Maxwell said in the release.

The AACPS release said families should begin to receive magnet program seat offers and waiting list placements by mid-February. AACPS also said the lottery process will be conducted by an outside agency.

Applications for two Centers of Applied Technology are due in March 2013. Listed below is a breakdown of the magnet programs offered throughout the county.

• BioMedical Allied Health—Glen Burnie High
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP)—Annapolis, MacArthur and Old Mill North middle schools
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years/Diploma Programme—Annapolis, Meade and Old Mill high schools
• Performing and Visual Arts (PVA) Middle School—Bates and Brooklyn Park middle schools
• Performing and Visual Arts (PVA) High School—Annapolis and Broadneck high schools
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Middle School—Old Mill Middle School South (opens August 2013)
• Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) High School—North County, South River high schools