Frequently Asked Questions about Application and Acceptance

When should I apply to St. Scholastica?

Many students apply during the fall of their senior year of high school. This gives them time to visit us and other schools several times before making a final decision. Apply here.

Is there an application deadline?

St. Scholastica has a "rolling" admissions process, meaning we process applications as they come in. The College would only impose a deadline if capacity is an issue, and students will be given sufficient notification. We encourage students to apply early as we provide priority consideration for scholarships and financial aid based on application timing and certain types of aid.

Early action

Application deadline: November 15
Admission response: December 1
Regular Decision
Application deadline: February 1
Admission response: Within 3 weeks of complete application
Rolling Admission
Application deadline: August 31
Admission response: Within 3 weeks of complete application

What is early action?

Early Action is a non-binding application option for students who want to apply early to St. Scholastica. You will receive priority scholarship consideration, a decision no later than December 1 and will still have until May 1 to submit your enrollment deposit.

Is there an application fee?

No, it is free to apply.

If I am accepted to St. Scholastica, when do I have to decide if I am attending or not?

Accepted students do not officially need to decide until May 1 of their senior year. However, we do encourage students submit a $200 enrollment deposit soon after being accepted to reserve a spot in the class. These deposits are completely refundable until May 1.

Students applying will have the option to decide whether or not they want their standardized test score (ACT/SAT) included in their admission review.

What does this mean?

Applicants can still submit an ACT or SAT scores as part of their application but also have the option to submit an essay describing overall academic achievements if they do not feel their standardized test scores reflect their academic ability.

Students choosing test-optional admission will be prompted to write an essay answering the following question in the application. Essay question: Please share your most significant academic accomplishment. What did this experience teach you and why was it important to you?

Why has St. Scholastica decided to adopt a test-optional admission policy?

Our research shows more qualitative indicators other than test scores often allow better insight into a student’s capacity for success at St. Scholastica. A test-optional admissions process aligns with our Benedictine Values and aids in maintaining the College’s rigorous academic standards while ensuring we remove barriers to admission and admit students who will succeed at St. Scholastica.

How do I know if I should apply test-optional?

If you are satisfied with your test scores and believe they are indicative of your academic achievement, then we are happy to consider them as part of your application. If you have a strong academic record demonstrated by good grades and a challenging curriculum, but do not feel your test results are an accurate reflection of your academic performance, you can choose not to submit them.

If I choose to submit my test scores, what score do I need to be accepted to St. Scholastica?

There is no one answer for all students. We accept students based on a review of their high school performance and ACT or SAT scores. If you would like to send your standardized test scores to St. Scholastica, use ACT code 2098 and SAT code 6107 or include them on your high school transcript. St. Scholastica does not require the writing sample portion of the ACT or SAT to be considered.

How will St. Scholastica evaluate students who do not submit standardized test scores?

The review process for students who submit ACT or SAT scores and students who do not submit scores is similar. Those students who choose to apply test-optional will be asked to submit an essay.

For all applicants, we evaluate your overall academic record, including grades earned in academic coursework, performance in honors, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses, and grade trends throughout your high school career.

Are there any students who cannot apply test-optional?

Yes, there are two groups of students who cannot apply test-optional:

• International students: If English is neither the native language nor the primary language of secondary school instruction, the results of an English-proficiency test such as the TOEFL or IELTS is required

• Homeschooled students are required to submit a standardized test score

Will I still be eligible for the Benedictine Scholarship if I apply test-optional?

Yes, you will still be given full consideration for a Benedictine Scholarship based on your academic achievements in a strong curriculum and evaluation of an essay.

How does this affirm and promote the mission and vision of the College?

Removing barriers to education is a reflection of our Benedictine Values of community, respect and love of learning. Test-optional admissions furthers a climate which values the uniqueness of the individual while preserving and enhancing the intellectual heritage entrusted to us by past generations.

For more information about test-optional admission policies and for a list of other colleges and universities who give students options with standardized testing and admission, visit FairTest.org.

How long will it take for me to find out if I am accepted?

Depending on when you apply, you will have an admission decision within a couple of weeks assuming your application is complete with application, transcript and ACT/SAT score or test-optional essay.

Early action

Admission response: December 1

Regular & Rolling Admission Decision

Admission response: Within 3 weeks of complete application

If I apply and am denied admission, is there an appeal process?

Yes. If you have new academic information to share with the committee you can appeal your decision. This process would start by contacting your admission counselor.

I want to take fall semester off and want to apply for spring semester. How do I do this?

You fill out the same application and indicate you want to begin spring semester.

I have PSEO credits, will they transfer?

Credits from accredited institutions will transfer. However, we need to do an official transcript evaluation to see exactly which courses they will "waive" here at St. Scholastica. You can get an idea of what will transfer using our PSEO/CITS Credit Transfer Tool or Transferology.

Am I considered a "transfer student" if I have done a lot of PSEO work?

No. You are considered a first-year student, but you will have advanced standing. You will qualify for any and all freshman-level scholarships.

I have College in the Schools/S2S credits. Do they transfer?

Yes, but just like PSEO credits, we need to do an official transcript evaluation in order to see exactly which courses they match up with here at CSS. Again, you can get an idea of what will transfer using our PSEO/CITS Credit Transfer Tool.

What about AP or IB classes I have taken?  What scores are needed for those credits to transfer in?

Our Incoming Credits and Course Information page has links to look up both AP and IB tests scores that are needed to be able to waive classes or transfer credits into St. Scholastica.

How many years of a foreign language do you require for admission?

You must have equivalent to three years of a language before you leave CSS. So, if you took two years of Spanish in high school, then you need to take one more year of Spanish here (unless you test out of a class or two on a foreign language assessment). If you have taken three years of the same language in high school (grades 9-12), you aren't required to take any language courses at CSS. However, the courses are great and you may want to think about taking upper-level courses for more experience and increased marketability later on in your career.