HS Shopping Season Comes to a Close!

-->

This winter is chock full of dates and deadlines for your high school seeking 8^th graders.  Here’s my best shot at an overview so that you stay on your toes.

Student Application and Testing Dates:

If you have not done so already, register immediately for the ISEE or SSAT if those tests are required for your schools of interest.

Catholic Schools require the HSPT, which is scheduled for Saturday, January 12, at each of the local Catholic high schools.  Application due dates vary by school.

Bishop O’Dowd (Oakland) has its last public tour Friday, Nov 30, from 9-11 am.  Applications are due Friday, December 7, but it looks like they are accepted after that date with a late fee.  O’Dowd offers an HSPT prep workshop on Saturday, December 15.  Register for it on line before December 10.

Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School (Alameda) requires “first pool applicants” to submit their applications by Monday, December 31.

Saint Mary’s High School (Berkeley) has an open house this Sunday, November 18, from 1:00-3:00.  Check the website for details.  Applications are due Friday, January 4, and interviews will be scheduled for the evening of Thursday, February 14.

For private (non-parochial) schools using the Bay Area Independent High Schools common application and recommendation forms, the due date is Thursday, January 17.

 TBS Records and Recommendations Protocol:

 The high school “shopping” season is coming to a close.  It is time for you to decide on the schools to which you will apply and to request teacher recommendations and records.  Most of the forms you need are available from school websites.  The forms described below should be brought to me (Gretchen) by Friday, November 30, so that teachers can write them with care.  Do not send envelopes!

For Bay Area Independent High Schools, please print and fill out the top sections (including student name and parent signature) of the following forms:

Current Math Teacher Recommendation Form (1 copy only)

Current English Teacher Recommendation Form (1 copy only)

Current Principal or Counselor Recommendation Form (1 copy only)

These forms will be filled out and photocopied for each school.

AND

Transcript Release and Confidentiality Form (a copy for EACH school)

Catholic schools do not share recommendation and release forms, so please print and complete a full set of forms for each school.

Do not send envelopes!  We will mail the recommendations and transcripts in one large envelope from the school.