What’s it like at St. John’s in DC?

[Anonymous]

Totally disappointing open house. Not sure what the big deal is about SJC. Nice campus but academics seem subpar compared to other DMV privates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Totally disappointing open house. Not sure what the big deal is about SJC. Nice campus but academics seem subpar compared to other DMV privates.

What are you talking about?! The Open House today was fantastic! And the academics were fabulous! Please do not believe this PP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Totally disappointing open house. Not sure what the big deal is about SJC. Nice campus but academics seem subpar compared to other DMV privates.

What did you get about the academics from the open house?

[Anonymous]

Here are merit scholarships available

https://www.stjohnschs.org/admissions/tuition-assistance

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

List of 5 items.
Presidential Scholarships: $20,000
$5,000 / year for four consecutive years
Awarded to the highest-caliber students who demonstrate scholastic aptitude, score in the top percentile on the HSPT, display outstanding academic performance and show a commitment to extracurricular involvement. Recipients are enrolled in the De La Salle Scholars Program for four years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Totally disappointing open house. Not sure what the big deal is about SJC. Nice campus but academics seem subpar compared to other DMV privates.

Looks like it’s not a good fit for you. Good thing you have lots of other choices. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Better than some and worse than others. They have a wide range of students, by design. Move along if that is not for you.

[Anonymous]

We have a sophomore there who came from Deal. Kid bombed one portion of the HSPT and was waitlisted (don't know but suspect that is related). Expressed strong interest after waitlists notification and was admitted two weeks later.

There have given good advice - buy an HSPT book. It is a pencil/paper test - we think kid messed up in one section with scoring answers (other scores were perfectly normal, one score was abysmally low).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG. You're asking about financial aid?

I think you're asking because you're not used to paying tuition. One of my friends did the same thing. They have multiple houses and take trips to Europe...and want financial aid.

We make way less than you do and pay about $22k. You have to prioritize and budget differently. SMH

Again, OP, I know three families that make >$300k and get some merit based aid.

The scholarships they offer are merit based so income is irrelevant. They never ask for HHI before awarding them.

That said, the academic ones are pretty hard to get. OP's kid would need straight As at Deal (easy) but also a 99% HSPT (fairly difficult) and some luck (harder still).
My kid and several friends had several of these (straight Deal As and the 99% HSPT) but did not get offered merit aid.

[Anonymous]

In terms of what it's like - it's a good atmosphere. The school does a lot to create community. There is an emphasis on sports, but non sporty kids have activities and clubs, too. THere's a strong art and performing art program.

It is a Catholic school - there is a lot of prayer. There are retreats at the Pope John Paul II center in DC. There is a call and response prayer before every class. Many teachers pray in class.

Teachers seem caring and involved. It is MUCH more academically rigorous than Deal. Assignments must be handed in on time or there is a penalty (or they are not accepted late) - that was the biggest change my Deal kid did not expect.

[Anonymous]

OP if you decide to send him there and you feel strapped, you can always move out of the Wilson district. You're paying a big premium to live there.

[Anonymous]

We have a child as SJC. He couldn’t be happier. Had other acceptances but selected SJC because the sports and the community. There’s something for everyone at SJC and the students and faculty are really welcoming. Academics are rigorous but the teachers want and help the students to succeed. Two older children graduated from SJC and both received significant financial scholarship money from their Big 10 universities.

[Anonymous]

I have a senior in the scholars program. Could not be happier with our experience. Very challenging curriculum and courses. Supportive atmosphere. Slightly competitive with peers on the academic side but that's not such a bag thing. Hearing of many high SAT scores among the friend group and impressive targets for colleges.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Better than some and worse than others. They have a wide range of students, by design. Move along if that is not for you.

Who else has had an in person open house this season?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG. You're asking about financial aid?

I think you're asking because you're not used to paying tuition. One of my friends did the same thing. They have multiple houses and take trips to Europe...and want financial aid.

We make way less than you do and pay about $22k. You have to prioritize and budget differently. SMH

Again, OP, I know three families that make >$300k and get some merit based aid.

The scholarships they offer are merit based so income is irrelevant. They never ask for HHI before awarding them.

That said, the academic ones are pretty hard to get. OP's kid would need straight As at Deal (easy) but also a 99% HSPT (fairly difficult) and some luck (harder still).
My kid and several friends had several of these (straight Deal As and the 99% HSPT) but did not get offered merit aid.

It’s the “ a commitment to extracurricular involvement” verbiage that signifies it’s not just scholastic related. Again, kids get merit scholarships (mainly athletic), it’s not just a HSPT thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You make $230k and can’t afford $22k for tuition?? You need a financial planner.

St Johns is only 22k? that is cheap