Q/A
How do I apply for Ninth Grade admission to Bishop Amat?
There are three steps in the admissions process.
- Submit a completed application with the $60 application/test fee by Friday, January 13, 2012. After this date, the application/test fee is $80.
- Sign and return to Bishop Amat the Request for Student Records Form.
- Take the Entrance Test on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Bishop Amat.
Prospective students return the application for admission along with the $60 application fee and the Bishop Amat Request for Records Form (allows Bishop Amat to request your son/daughter’s school transcripts and standardized test scores.) The student requests their present school to complete and return the recommendation form included in the application packet. A Pastor Recommendation Form will also be sent to the Pastor of your Parish (if applicable).
When and where can I pick up an application and additional admissions information? Application packages are available in the Main Office between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday and at the Open House/Information Session on Saturday, December 3, 2011 (9 a.m.) and Tuesday, January 12, 2011 (7 p.m.).
Can the application information be returned by fax?
No. All application materials must be returned in person or by mail.
When is my file complete?
Your admission file is complete when all application forms, fees, transcripts and standardized test scores from the 7th and 8th grades, recommendations and entrance exam results are on file in the Admissions Office.
What are you looking for in an applicant?
The Admissions Committee is looking at a variety of personality, achievement, and aptitude factors to evaluate a student’s demonstrated ability to succeed in a competitive college preparatory environment. Students who are applying must have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 or better. In general, a student should display consistently strong academic achievement, positive relationships with peers and teachers, and a commitment to active participation in religious and extracurricular activities at school and in the community.
What criteria are used to choose a Bishop Amat Freshman?
There are four criteria for admission (not necessarily in order of importance):
- Grades and standardized test scores from the 7th and 8th grades
- Recommendation from elementary or middle school teacher/counselor
- Parish Recommendation (if applicable)
- Entrance Exam scores
- Family relationship with the school is also given consideration.
Can I have test results sent to another school?
Test results will be forwarded to another school upon written request of the parent. We recommend students take the entrance test at their school of first choice. Students who take the test at Bishop Amat are given priority over students who have tested somewhere else.
Can I obtain information from my application file?
If you are accepted, you will have access to your entrance exam scores and middle school transcripts. They become part of your official academic file at Bishop Amat. You do not have access to any other application information (recommendations, comments, etc.) This information is considered confidential.
How many students apply? How many are accepted?
For 2011-2012, 605 students submitted applications; 550 took the entrance exam. We started the 2011-2012 school year with 425 ninth graders.
Can we visit the campus?
Applicants and their parents are encouraged to attend one of the Bishop Amat Open House Sessions.
When are acceptance letters mailed?
Test results and letters of admission status will be mailed on Friday, March 2, 2012.
When do freshmen register?
Freshmen registration will take place on Saturday, March 17, 2012.
If accepted, are placement exams given?
A math placement exam is given to students who may qualify to take Geometry or Algebra II. Information regarding the dates and qualifications for taking this exam will be given on Registration Day.
Are students admitted conditionally?
Some students may be given a conditional acceptance and may be required to attend Summer School 2011 at Bishop Amat. Some students may also be given a conditional acceptance pending his/her performance during the 4th (or last) quarter at his/her present school. It is possible that acceptance may be revoked based on Summer School or 4th quarter performance, even if the student is not given a conditional acceptance.
Is there a wait-list for students who are not accepted?
When the 2012-2013 Freshman class has been selected, the Admissions Committee will prepare a list of students who are qualified, but who have not been accepted during the first-round. The Admissions Office will contact students as additional space becomes available.
Are non-Catholics at a disadvantage when applying?
First and foremost, Bishop Amat is a Catholic school. Bishop Amat owes much of its success to the generous support of the Catholic Community over the past 50 years. Catholic applicants are generally, but not always, given preference over non-Catholic applicants. Being Catholic is not a requirement for admission. Presently, the student body is 89 percent Catholic.
How much is tuition and registration? Tuition for 2011-2012 is $6,605 an increase of $220 over 2010-2011 and registration fees are $700 (same as 2010-2011). There will be an increase for 2012-2013.