Archdiocese of Chicago Announces Changes to Catholic High School Entrance Exam Date and Recruitment Practices Effective this School Year
The annual Catholic High School Entrance Exam will now be held the first Saturday of December
Chicago, IL (August 15, 2017) – The Archdiocese of Chicago has announced changes to the Catholic High School Entrance Exam date and recruitment policies, effective this school year (2017/2018 school year). The entrance exam, historically held in January, will now be held the first Saturday in December (Saturday, December 2, 2017) at 8 a.m.
The exam date and policy changes were made after a months-long study and consultation with parents, Catholic elementary and high school leaders, and other interested parties. Moving the test date earlier in the school year gives 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 schools 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 November 18, 2017. Pre-registration will remain open up until the date of the exam. 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 recruitment changes effective this school year include:
- 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.
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.