St. John's Benilde Program - interview?

[Anonymous]

It’s my understanding that Benilde is a harder admit because of the large number of applications for the program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As I remember from speaking with representatives during the open house:
Interview is important. They want to make sure the student is committed to the program and it is not just the parent.
If you are not selected for an interview, you may still be in the pool for admission - just not to the Benilde program.
There is no harm reaching out and asking if you child is still in consideration for the Benilde program.

This was not our experience, sadly. Our son applied to Benilde, had the interview and wasn't accepted to Benilde. We were then told AFTER the fact that if you apply to Benilde and don't get a spot, you are automatically denied regular admission to SJC. This is not information we knew before we applied and it was impossible to find that information anywhere on the website. Had we known, we would have taken the regular admissions path. Be careful - not sure if that process is changed but this was a HUGE disappointment for my child.

That’s a shame. I think the process may have changed, but it’s been a few years. My child applied for both Benilde at SJC and Ryken at GC. Before applications, we clarified that if not admitted to the program he would still be considered for admission to the school, and we were told he would be. At the time, we were told that kids applied and may not get the formal program but could qualify for accommodations like extra time on tests, etc. without the extra support of the program.

[Anonymous]

They said at the open house that students who are not a good fit for Benilde may be considered for regular admission. My child had an interview - it seemed to go very well and they gave the impression they were very interested in them.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know how many applicants they typically get for Benilde and the amount they accept?

[Anonymous]

I just got an email today inviting me to schedule a Benilde interview. As another poster noted, they offered timeslots for three days next week so they must be doing them on a rolling basis.

[Anonymous]

We completed our interview. I felt it went well. There were several families waiting to be interviewed. So I am assuming every applicant is interviewed. The conversation felt like we were going to be accepted but maybe that is just how Doc speaks to everyone (like they will be accepted to the program). Anyone else have the same experience .

[Anonymous]

It was shared that this program has about 50 students between grades 9-12. Does anyone know how many students are accepted for 9th grade?

[Anonymous]

I think they accept 50 freshman year. I believe they have 50 per grade.

Anonymous wrote:It was shared that this program has about 50 students between grades 9-12. Does anyone know how many students are accepted for 9th grade?

[Anonymous]

My child is in the program this year. At our interview last year, the conversation also "assumed" acceptance and focused on classes, teachers, the program and what it would help DC do.

As for numbers, my kid estimates that there are 45-50 freshmen in the program this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, PP, the lack of info is frustrating.

We had a Benilde interview and it was the most helpful discussion we had in understanding exactly what the program entails. I came out of it with a much more positive view and the interview did have a feeling that our kid was being seriously considered.

We know several other kids who are applying. It will be interesting to see who gets in and who doesn't.

We had the same experience. In fact, the language they used made it seem like our child would be admitted but we will see.

Sane experience we had. The interview just appeared to be a checkbox activity and the decision had already been made.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, PP, the lack of info is frustrating.

We had a Benilde interview and it was the most helpful discussion we had in understanding exactly what the program entails. I came out of it with a much more positive view and the interview did have a feeling that our kid was being seriously considered.

We know several other kids who are applying. It will be interesting to see who gets in and who doesn't.

We had the same experience. In fact, the language they used made it seem like our child would be admitted but we will see.

Sane experience we had. The interview just appeared to be a checkbox activity and the decision had already been made.

Same experience as well. Makes me think they do this for everyone.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think they do this for everyone. I know a child who has applied to Benilde and has yet to be contacted for an interview.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think they do this for everyone. I know a child who has applied to Benilde and has yet to be contacted for an interview.

People are still being contacted. I’m sure they have so many interviews to do. Also, the weather probably pushed things back a little.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think they do this for everyone. I know a child who has applied to Benilde and has yet to be contacted for an interview.

People are still being contacted. I’m sure they have so many interviews to do. Also, the weather probably pushed things back a little.

Considering they have less than 2 weeks before decisions are made, I would think they have done some filtering of candidates.

[Anonymous]

I wonder if the paperwork and the rest of the application are the biggest part of the submission. So the interview is just to confirm what is on paper?

Just a guess/hope.