FAQ

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How do I get information about admission to Salesian High School?

SHS information is available on-line or through our Admissions Office.

Can I visit Salesian High School?

Yes! We have several opportunities for visiting:

• Our Shadow Program is designed for 8th grade students interested in attending Salesian High School to give them an opportunity to see if the school is right for them. Prospective students are paired up with one of our Student Ambassadors. The Student Ambassador is the 8th grade student's host for the day. The student “shadows” the Ambassador by attending all of their classes with them, lunch, and experiencing the richness of campus life at Salesian High School. Shadow visits for prospective students run September through April and are by appointment only.


• 8th Grade Days : Catholic and other schools from the area attend our 8th Grade Days held in October. 8th grade classes from these schools, along with their teachers and chaperones, spend a half day with us learning what a day at Salesian is like. We would like to welcome f you are an 8th grade teacher from a public school and would like to bring your 8th grade class, please contact our Admissions Director.


• Information Nights: In the Fall, prospective applicants and their parents are encouraged to attend our Information Nights. Information about the school, curriculum, sports, clubs, etc., is discussed. Please see our Admissions Calendar for dates and times.


• Open House: Our Open House is held the first weekend in November. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents/guardians and students to visit the entire campus, speak with Salesian High School students and faculties, meet with coaches, guidance counselors, and many more.

When is your Open House and what can I see there?

Our Open House is November 5, 2011, from 12 to 2pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for all middle school families and students to visit the entire campus and other aspects of Salesian High School. Enjoy the great music from our talented student band, tour our park like campus lead by a Salesian Ambassador, speak with Salesian High School students, faculty, Campus Ministry, coaches, guidance counselors, drama and art departments, and many more.

When is the application due?

December 16, 2011 is the due date. Applications received after December 16 are considered late. Please remember that our online company is located on the East Coast so applications should be submitted no later than 9:00 p.m. PST on December 16, 2011.

When is the Tuition Assistance Application due?

February 17, 2012. Please contact the Andrea Solari in the Finance Office by email or (510)234-4433 ext. 1102 for more information.

What are the dates for the High School Placement Test (HSPT)?

January 7, 2012 is the test date for all schools in the Oakland Diocese. The test may be offered on different dates at different locations. Remember that your student can only take the test one time and must have applied at that location.

How can I retrieve my username and password for the online application?

Salesian High School uses an online application processed by Infosnap, an online information processing company for schools. If you have problems remembering your password or username, please contact Infosnap directly at: support@infosnap.com

What are the criteria for admission to Salesian High School?

The Admissions Committee considers the following:

• Grades from 7th and 8th Grade


• School and Teacher Recommendations


• Entrance Exam (HSPT) Scores


• Applicant Interview

How much does it cost to apply to Salesian High School?

A $75.00 application fee covers the cost of the HSPT test in January as well as the application process.

How do I apply?

The application process for students applying for the fall of 2012 is online, and will be available in September 2011. This offers you accurate transmittal of your application information and an immediate e-mail confirmation of receipt.

What if I want to apply to more than one Catholic high school?

We encourage applicants to apply to more than one Catholic high school. Though we are excited that Salesian High School is one of your options, we hope that all options are explored during this process.

When is the HSPT entrance exam?

All applicants for the 9th grade are required to take the High School Placement Test (HSPT) on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. Students may take the exam at any Catholic secondary school in the Dioceses of Oakland or San Francisco where the student has filed an application. The exam site has no bearing on the admission decision. Scores will be sent to each high school the student specifies on exam day.

Applicants choosing to take the exam at another Catholic high school (where they have submitted an application) are responsible for making a reservation with that high school.

What do you look for in a Salesian High School applicant?

In general, a well-qualified eighth grade applicant:

• Has achieved a score on the entrance exam which indicates an ability to achieve in a challenging college preparatory program.


• Has performed at or above grade level on standardized tests taken in the 7th and 8th grades.


• Is progressing in all subjects commensurate with ability, including those below grade level.


• Has received a favorable recommendation from his/her current school.


• Is interested in become a part of the Salesian High School Community.

Does Salesian High School offer financial assistance?

Tuition assistance is available to all students with demonstrated financial need. It is a goal of the school’s Administration and the Board of Directors to provide tuition assistance to as many qualified students as possible. Financial assistance application packets are available online and in the Finance Office beginning in January. For further information please contact Andrea Solari in the Finance Office at asolari@salesian.com or (510)234-4433 ext. 1102. All inquiries are strictly confidential.

Merit scholarships are offered to a limited number of students based on the strength of their applications. Each year, the amount of funds available from donations will determine the number of partial merit scholarships awarded. For further information please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@salesian.com or (510)234-4433 ext. 1128

When will families find out about the admission decision?

Decision letters will be sent by regular mail on March 16th, 2012 for incoming freshman applicants. Late applicants will receive notification of admission within 2 weeks of submitting all required application information.

Are there Math and Foreign Language Readiness exams?

Yes. Readiness exams are offered in the spring for accepted incoming freshman students. Students may test for higher math and foreign language courses.