SJC De La Salle

[Anonymous]

My kiddo wants to go to SJC, De La Salle program. Coming from public school. Excellent grades and test scores. Does he have a shot, even though not coming from a Catholic school? Thanks

[Anonymous]

A “shot”?

Sure, everyone has a chance.

But because of its location, its price, the myriad of academic and sports opportunities and the undesirability of many of the public schools, St John’s is very popular.

So Admission can be difficult and grades and test scores aren’t the only thing they consider. And being Catholic and coming from a Catholic grammar school can be a big help.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. I know entry into De La Salle is competitive, so trying to figure out backups. My son also has a lot of extracurricular activities, so hopefully that will help. Anything else we should focus on in essays??

[Anonymous]

Yes, he does. Mine is in scholars with a similar profile. Not Catholic. Do some practice HSPTs to learn the format and timing. Look over some grammar. Put good effort into the essay. Talk about what he thinks is important and what he brings to the community. If he doesn’t have his teacher letters of recommendation yet, ask the teachers to emphasize his character, who he is and how he is in the classroom. If you know anyone already at SJC, ask them for advice. People are very happy to share.

GL

[Anonymous]

Agree. Top performance on the HSPT is essential. Everyone I know was 98 or 99%tile on the test. I would focus on ability to be a high performing student well managing ECs. IMO SJC is leaning more on service these days so would be good to highlight volunteer ECs.

[Anonymous]

Lean in on the HSPT to get the highest score you can. This is a big factor for Scholars.
If your child is really strong academics, do not go to SJC unless you are in Scholars.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lean in on the HSPT to get the highest score you can. This is a big factor for Scholars.
If your child is really strong academics, do not go to SJC unless you are in Scholars.

.... or a recruited athlete

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree. Top performance on the HSPT is essential. Everyone I know was 98 or 99%tile on the test. I would focus on ability to be a high performing student well managing ECs. IMO SJC is leaning more on service these days so would be good to highlight volunteer ECs.

^This (for better or worse)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lean in on the HSPT to get the highest score you can. This is a big factor for Scholars.
If your child is really strong academics, do not go to SJC unless you are in Scholars.

Non Scholars can qualify for and take Honors and AP classes. They miss out on the college tour and counseling offered by the Scholars program, but can access the same course work.

[Anonymous]

HSPT is what matters above all.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for all the helpful advice! I’m curious, why not go to SJC if he doesn’t get into the De La Salle program? Is this a reputation issue? Can’t he still take honors classes, as a previous poster said? He has high aspirations for college, so this is important to us.

[Anonymous]

He can still take honors classes as a non-Scholar if he has high enough grades and has a high HSPT score. Honors kids are in the same classes alongside Scholars kids freshman year other than Honors Scripture.

SJC has a lot to offer for a wide variety of kids (fine arts, athletics, music, theater, STEM, honors, foreign language opportunities, service/spiritual opportunities, E-Sports, tons of clubs, etc). If it is a good fit don’t turn away because of a random internet stranger’s comment (maybe they are trying to scare you away?). SJC is a competitive school and students end up attending the same colleges as grads from the other privates in the area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, he does. Mine is in scholars with a similar profile. Not Catholic. Do some practice HSPTs to learn the format and timing. Look over some grammar. Put good effort into the essay. Talk about what he thinks is important and what he brings to the community. If he doesn’t have his teacher letters of recommendation yet, ask the teachers to emphasize his character, who he is and how he is in the classroom. If you know anyone already at SJC, ask them for advice. People are very happy to share.

GL

This. My DC is in Scholars along with plenty of public school kids. Strive to get a high HSPT score, have good grades and teacher recs, work hard on the essays, and your kid has a good shot. Be sure to highlight extracurriculars and service. SJC likes well-rounded, involved kids so your child should show that they can get good grades while also balancing other activities. The honors classes are demanding, so the school likes to see that your child is capable of handling it all.

[Anonymous]

High HSPT score is very important, but if your DC is also athletic (any sport), that would help with both admissions and Scholars. I know kids with “only” a 95% on the HSPT but is also a strong athlete got into Scholars. But if your DC has a 98-99%, then it’s a guarantee.

Another very strong, and unique, program at SJC that is opened to anyone in the Freshman year is the Cadet Corps Leadership Program (CCLP). Kids are taught leadership topics and have opportunities to put those skills into actions. They also learn organizational skills, both personal and how to organize and lead groups. Skills are taught in small steps and build up each year. Their senior year, they’re also taught how to successfully be on their own - there are classes teaching them how to set up and manage a budget, how to invest, how to plan and organize large events, etc. I highly recommend this program for all kids at SJC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:High HSPT score is very important, but if your DC is also athletic (any sport), that would help with both admissions and Scholars. I know kids with “only” a 95% on the HSPT but is also a strong athlete got into Scholars. But if your DC has a 98-99%, then it’s a guarantee.

Another very strong, and unique, program at SJC that is opened to anyone in the Freshman year is the Cadet Corps Leadership Program (CCLP). Kids are taught leadership topics and have opportunities to put those skills into actions. They also learn organizational skills, both personal and how to organize and lead groups. Skills are taught in small steps and build up each year. Their senior year, they’re also taught how to successfully be on their own - there are classes teaching them how to set up and manage a budget, how to invest, how to plan and organize large events, etc. I highly recommend this program for all kids at SJC.

+1 for SJC’s Cadet Corp! My DC is in the program and loves it! The combo of leadership, teamwork and respect has helped DC flourish. CCLP also holds fun events like their annual Turkey Bowl football game which was today. CCLP is a unique part of SJC’s culture and history that is very special.