SJC and Gonzaga. ? about admissions as a non-Catholic

[Anonymous]

Honestly, I don't know any kids who have been accepted to Gonzaga who were not either Catholic or coming from a Catholic elementary school (but not necessarily Catholic). I'm not saying there aren't any, but there aren't many.

Also the barbell post does not reflect our experience at Gonzaga at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I don't know any kids who have been accepted to Gonzaga who were not either Catholic or coming from a Catholic elementary school (but not necessarily Catholic). I'm not saying there aren't any, but there aren't many.

Also the barbell post does not reflect our experience at Gonzaga at all.

I know plenty of families who are not Catholic and are coming from the public schools who go to Gonzaga.

[Anonymous]

Agree. Gonzaga is not nearly as Carholic as you think and neither is SJC.

These kids bring in kids from a wide array of backgrounds.

Gonzaga has several kids in particular that come from NOVA public schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those of you in the know about SJC or Gonzaga--

How much of a ding is it to not be Catholic when it comes to admissions? (assuming that otherwise the child is an equally qualified applicant).
My child is white and coming from a DCPS. We are quite observant Episcopalians (and we love the idea of a Catholic high school). We're just not Catholic.

Do non-catholic kids have a shot at the honors program at St Johns? At any of the scholarships at either school?

Two kids at SJC. I'd say SJC is less than 1/2 Catholic, and it might be considerably less than that. The school is almost half African American, who by population are only 5% Catholic. I don't think religious affiliation really matters in the admissions process, nor is it in their mission to educate primarily Catholics (unlike Diocesan schools). But is is a Catholic school - you will get 4 years of religion as an academic subject, prayer before meetings/games, Mass about once/mo, etc.

So, based on this it sounds like the SJC student population consists of 50% AAs (who are not Catholic) and 50% traditional Catholics.

No. OP, you're probably best off asking around your church and checking with friends. I know there are Episcopalian SJC students from Saint C's in Tenleytown. It doesn't appear to me that SJC is less than 50% Catholic at all.

[Anonymous]

OP, go for it. Sounds like you have a good shot at admission. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

The schools are very very upfront about telling you exactly what percent are Catholic when you take your your. I've always asked and they've always told me. I just haven't toured those two. I would think they'd tell you over the phone if it's not on their website. Most all of them that I've toured have been hovering around 60% Catholic or slightly less.

[Anonymous]

Tour

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:These schools are flooded with applicants. Even siblings are not a lock as they once were. Can make the admissions process seem very random when they have so many qualified students to choose from.

This ^^. I heard this from many people - sleepy little private schools that every 5 or 6 years ago always had open seats are now full up. Who knows why, but the demand certainly seems to be up for private schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These schools are flooded with applicants. Even siblings are not a lock as they once were. Can make the admissions process seem very random when they have so many qualified students to choose from.

This ^^. I heard this from many people - sleepy little private schools that every 5 or 6 years ago always had open seats are now full up. Who knows why, but the demand certainly seems to be up for private schools.

Agree. We got lucky. DS (who is at Gonzaga) came from public with high scores and grades. But he is Catholic and was able to get recommendation from our priest and others. I know of one kid who is Catholic and from wealthy connected family that did not get in this year. It is getting harder and harder to get into Gonzaga.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These schools are flooded with applicants. Even siblings are not a lock as they once were. Can make the admissions process seem very random when they have so many qualified students to choose from.

This ^^. I heard this from many people - sleepy little private schools that every 5 or 6 years ago always had open seats are now full up. Who knows why, but the demand certainly seems to be up for private schools.

Agree. We got lucky. DS (who is at Gonzaga) came from public with high scores and grades. But he is Catholic and was able to get recommendation from our priest and others. I know of one kid who is Catholic and from wealthy connected family that did not get in this year. It is getting harder and harder to get into Gonzaga.

Tuition is 21.5 at GZ and 18.5 at SJC. With the level of demand they have, you'll have 5% hikes forever. They'll both be into the 30's in 10 years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These schools are flooded with applicants. Even siblings are not a lock as they once were. Can make the admissions process seem very random when they have so many qualified students to choose from.

This ^^. I heard this from many people - sleepy little private schools that every 5 or 6 years ago always had open seats are now full up. Who knows why, but the demand certainly seems to be up for private schools.

Agree. We got lucky. DS (who is at Gonzaga) came from public with high scores and grades. But he is Catholic and was able to get recommendation from our priest and others. I know of one kid who is Catholic and from wealthy connected family that did not get in this year. It is getting harder and harder to get into Gonzaga.

Tuition is 21.5 at GZ and 18.5 at SJC. With the level of demand they have, you'll have 5% hikes forever. They'll both be into the 30's in 10 years.

Hopefully not, or they will completely price out middle class / upper middle people. Does Gonzaga charge for books and lunch on top of their tuition or is that fee all-in?

[Anonymous]

Still have to buy books and lunch at Gonzaga. Often also extra fees (relatively minor) for sports,

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These schools are flooded with applicants. Even siblings are not a lock as they once were. Can make the admissions process seem very random when they have so many qualified students to choose from.

This ^^. I heard this from many people - sleepy little private schools that every 5 or 6 years ago always had open seats are now full up. Who knows why, but the demand certainly seems to be up for private schools.

Agree. We got lucky. DS (who is at Gonzaga) came from public with high scores and grades. But he is Catholic and was able to get recommendation from our priest and others. I know of one kid who is Catholic and from wealthy connected family that did not get in this year. It is getting harder and harder to get into Gonzaga.

Tuition is 21.5 at GZ and 18.5 at SJC. With the level of demand they have, you'll have 5% hikes forever. [/b]They'll both be into the 30's in 10 years.

Hopefully not, or they will completely price out middle class / upper middle people. Does Gonzaga charge for books and lunch on top of their tuition or is that fee all-in?

[/b]

Most independent privates are $35K - $42K per year, so even $30K is reasonable when compared to independent schools. So, not priced out for middle/upper middle unless you have 2 or 3 kids to put through non-public schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Still have to buy books and lunch at Gonzaga. Often also extra fees (relatively minor) for sports,

Same for SJC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Still have to buy books and lunch at Gonzaga. Often also extra fees (relatively minor) for sports,

And the cost of commuting / driving to North Capitol Street along with lunches is easily $4,000 a year.