Archdiocese of Chicago Changes Date of Catholic High School Entrance Exam

CHICAGO, IL -- The Archdiocese of Chicago announced several changes to the Catholic high school entrance exam and recruitment policies. Starting with the 2017-2018 school year, the entrance exam date historically held in January, will now take place on the first Saturday in December, which this year falls on Dec. 2, beginning at 8 a.m.

The policy changes were made after a months-long study and consultation with parents, Catholic elementary and high school leaders, and other stakeholders. Archdiocese officials say that new policies will give parents and guardians of elementary school students more time to identify schools and research financial aid resources to make more informed decisions about the most appropriate high school for their children.

"Our Catholic high schools are some of the finest in the country," said Dr. Jim Rigg, superintendent of Catholic Schools. "By changing our recruitment practices, parents will be able to better evaluate their options and select the high school that best fits their child's needs."

Prospective students may pre-register for the entrance exam at their first choice high school beginning Nov. 18. Pre-registration will remain open up until the date of the exam. Archdiocese officials state that it is important for students to take the entrance exam at their first choice school as merit-based scholarships are often tied with testing at a particular school. Each high school will establish its own make-up dates for students unable to attend the December 2 exam. The entrance exam fee is $25 per tester.

Additional changes have also been made to Catholic high school recruitment effective this school year, including:

• Schools must provide decisions on financial aid awards, including merit and needs-based scholarships after acceptance but prior to registration;
• Schools will gather emergency contact information of parents and guardians two weeks prior to the Catholic High School Entrance Exam so they can be notified if the exam is canceled due to inclement weather.

According to an Archdiocese news release, Catholic high school seniors in the Archdiocese of Chicago graduate at a rate of more than 98 percent. Ninety-five percent of Archdiocesan Catholic high school graduates go on to college, earning millions of dollars in college scholarships each year. Catholic school graduates are committed to helping others through community service, a commitment that continues through adulthood. Catholic school graduates are also civically engaged and can be found in leadership positions in business, government and non-profit organizations.