When visiting the school listen to the formal presentation, get a sense of the faculty and the physical environment. The school’s philosophy and values are of the utmost importance. Parents should listen carefully to the expectations of the high school and compare it to what they are looking for in preparing their child for the future.

Set up interviews with the Director of Admissions. Some schools require a parent and student interview while others just are interested in interviewing the student. Most schools follow up with a shadow day for the student. This will give the child an idea of what the prospective school is all about. It is suggested that you talk with your child after his/her day to get some feedback on how he or she viewed the school.

It can be helpful to make a list after visiting each school to make a comparison of what each school has to offer.

When investigating high schools, select several schools that match your child’s profile. Obtain packets of information from High School Night or from the school’s admission office. The packets will include the general philosophy of the school, program, application and procedures for financial assistance. It is very important that you apply to at least three schools. This gives you some viable choices when you are in the process of making a final decision.

CALENDAR REFERRAL- parents and students should establish a list of school visits, dates, deadlines, and testing.

TIME LINE- spread out your school visits. Choose positive times when the family can discuss and share their observations of the school visits. This will be a great asset to parents and students in the decision process.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO CHOOSE A SCHOOL TOO SOON- look for advantages and offerings of each school. If you wish to seek any guidance about schools that you have chosen, contact the Assistant Principal (410-464-4107) early on. Consider at least three schools. Both parents and students should keep an open mind as they approach decision time.

YOUR CONCERN IS YOUR CHILD- do not be concerned where anyone else is applying. Do not worry about spots that are available, acceptances and declines or an offer of admission. Every admissions office has its own way of accepting candidates. Keep in mind they have an entire pool of applicants from many different schools. A great amount of time and effort takes place at this time. Some of the decisions are hard to understand, however, we must respect their decisions.

ACCEPTANCES TO MORE THAN ONE SCHOOL- if one school is your first choice, accept as soon as possible. Notify the remaining schools about your decision. Other students on the waiting list can be offered vacant spots.

PEER PRESSURE- this can be a very frustrating and difficult time for the student. The parents should be sensitive to the student’s feelings while awaiting acceptance letters and making the final decision on which school to attend. A close friend, or classmates in general, can make a student very anxious during this waiting period. Caution your child to be sensitive to the feelings of others.

 

• Read the application carefully.

• Check to see the due date of the application.

• Set a target date for completing the application.

• Be sure to fully complete the application.

• Submit all referral forms and transcript requests directly to the school office, to the attention of the Executive Assistant. Do NOT give them to the teachers directly. You may designate which teachers you wish to receive the referral form, but most schools prefer that both the student's English and math teachers complete a referral. The office keeps a record of the incoming forms to ensure they are completed and returned. The complete packet is then mailed to the designated school. Packets are mailed after second trimester grades are in the office, usually by mid-December. If you are applying for a scholarship and the deadline is earlier, please let the office know. If you have any questions about this process, please contact the Executive Assistant (410-464-4106).

• Please be sure to complete YOUR portion of the referral form. The student’s name and the name of the school must be written on each of the forms.

• All release of records requires a parent’s signature authorizing our school to forward transcripts and test records to the school.

• It is crucial that if you have any interest in a school that the full application be completed. You never know when you will need additional schools for backup purposes.

• Some schools require an essay. Practice choosing a topic and writing a short synopsis. Sample essays will be practiced as a part of the curriculum in English class at the seventh and eighth grade levels as a general preparation for the future.

• The Roman Catholic High School entrance exam is in December. You will take the test at your first choice Catholic school.

• The Independent Schools each has its own timetable. Each of the independent schools has its own timetable for the admissions process.

 

ACADEMIC RECORD
• Consistency of performance
• Improvement of performance
• Conduct and behavior
• Attendance record, including lateness

TESTING PROFILE
• Standardized test results
• SSI- Catholic High Schools test scores
• ISEE- Independent School Entrance Exam

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
• Sports
• Student Council
• Folk Group-Choir
• Enrichment Activities
• Summer Activities

RECOMMENDATIONS/ REFERRAL FORMS
• Teacher

QUALITY OF APPLICATION AND ESSAY

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
• Academic excellence and achievement
• Interview
• Sibling/Alumni
• Special talents
• Is the school a right fit for this student?

 

The interview really focuses on two areas: the student and the school. Students should be prepared to discuss their academic history, their interests, and their personal attributes. The student should know why he or she has chosen to apply to the school. He/she needs to review the catalog/literature from the school and be ready to ask questions about the school. The questions that are asked should be genuine and apply to his/her interests. A list of sample interview questions is included here as well as questions that students might wish to ask during an interview. Keep in mind that interviews vary from school to school.

Remember that the best type of interview is one that is not really an interview at all. It is not just a question and answer session, it is one where natural conversation should flow. The most important aspect however, is that the student be genuine and spontaneous.

 

Remember that the interview is not a one way process. You are looking for more information about the school. Basically you are interviewing them while they are interviewing you. If you familiarize yourself ahead of time with the school you are applying to, you will be prepared to ask specific questions.

• Your goal is to make a good first impression.

• It is important to wear the proper attire and be well-groomed (coat and tie, dress or skirt and blouse). Hair should be neat and clean.

• When the interviewer enters the room you (and your parents) should stand up.

• Be sure to give a firm handshake to the interviewer.

• Be sure to make eye contact.

• Sit up straight and use proper posture.

• Do not act silly and do not speak while the interviewer is speaking.

• Do not say anything negative about “The School of the Cathedral” or any other school.

• Be tactful and polite, remembering to say “YES” not “yeah” or “uh-huh” when you reply to a question.

• Answer the interviewer’s questions in complete sentences.

• Be sure to thank the interviewer for taking time to meet with you.

• Write a thank you note to the interviewer and to the student with whom you shadowed with.


 

• Why do you feel you want to attend this school?
• What specifically about our school interests you?
• What contributions would you make to our school?
• What other schools are you considering? Is this school your first choice? Why?
• What are your favorite subjects?
• What extracurricular activities would you like to take part in here?
• What are your special interests?
• How would you describe yourself?
• Who is your hero or role model?
• What event or person has had a profound impact on your life?
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• How do you view your relationship with your family?
• How do you feel your present school has prepared you for high school?
• How do you spend your leisure time?
• If you had to choose a career right now, what would it be? Why?

• Could you explain your advising system? How many students does each advisor have?
• What is the usual course load?
• How many students are in a grade and in individual classes?
• What student leadership opportunities are available?
• What facilities does the school have for music, drama and art?
• What is the dress code?
• Is there an honor code?
• Do you have an orientation day?
• Are AP courses available in English, History, Math or other subjects?
• Are college advisors available on staff to help when that time comes?

Questions to ask students at the school you are visiting:
• What do you like most about the school?
• What do you not like?
• How does the grading work?
• How are the teachers etc.?
• What kinds of clubs and activities does the school have?
 

Open discussion with your parents can be of great value when comparing schools. After the student has spent a day at the school, he/she should consider making a pro/con list formalizing his/her thoughts and feelings. This is the ideal time, when your experience is fresh, to put your thoughts down on paper. It will help the parents and the student to arrive at some suitable choices that will be beneficial to the family as a whole.

 

STUDENTS
Respect classmates during decision time.
1. Do not ask a classmate, “What school did you get in to?” Wait for them to share their news with you.
2. Be gracious, be kind.
3. Do not be upset if you have been wait listed at a school.
4. Never put down a school; it may be someone else’s choice.
5. Be proud of the school you will be attending.
6. Trust your decision, trust your parents. Do not be influenced by someone else’s decision.
7. Do not bring to school anything with another school’s name on it- e.g. pens, hats, sweatshirts.
8. Decide at home with your parents what school you will be attending.

PARENTS
Support students when they receive decisions.
1. Act in a cool and calm manner.
2. Do not get too upset of they do not get into the school of their     choice.
3. Congratulations are in order if they have been accepted. If they are on a waiting list, do not become angry or disappointed. Kind words are needed.
4. Let them open their acceptance letters themselves unless they ask you to do it for them.
5. Be loving, caring and supportive throughout this very important time in their life.