FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions
What are my chances of acceptance at the Prep?
Normally, about 350 students take the admissions test for the Freshman Class. The applicants are divided into three groups, accepted, those placed on a waiting list, those not accepted. Of those accepted, the Prep enrolls 150 of these students as members of the Hermit family. Students are notified by February of the status of their application. The regular registration date is set for May. If you have been placed on a waiting list, you may be asked to register during the summer if any places remain in the Freshman Class.
What is the Prep looking for in its applicants?
Academic performance is important but not the most important. We look at the whole student. We want someone who is going to contribute to the school community and not just come here to take classes. If you are involved in different community or athletic activities, this is seen as a real plus; it means that you want more out of life than just studying. This is the type of student we want. There is an old Latin saying that goes, "One should have a healthy mind in a healthy body." The ideal Prep student, besides being a Christian Gentleman, is a student who wants to give something back to his community
Do you have to be Catholic to attend the Prep?
The Prep welcomes students of all faiths. Every student, however, must attend religion classes and religious services. Your education here would not be complete if you were left out of any part of it.
The Prep costs more than other schools, is it worth it?
The Prep is an investment in you, are you worth it? You bet you are. Recently, the Senior Class students received nearly $19,000,000 worth of scholarships. That more than paid for the money they invested in their high school education. The Prep also offers a full scholarship to both Villanova University and Merrimack College. The value of one year of either of those scholarships pays for your entire Prep education. Also, the Prep provides financial aid for those who need it and for its top applicants. (See the enclosed information on scholarships.) The Prep will not reject any student because of financial need.
Is the Prep difficult?
You will work if you come here, and that is because we want you to be ready for college as best you can. How much work there will be depends largely on you. There will always be homework, but the amount varies depending on the course and your ability in that class. We will give you all the tools that will make your entrance into college smooth and enjoyable. There is also a dress code here that is to your benefit. It helps you prepare for a job in the business world and helps you learn to respect yourself. Only the truly disciplined person is free because he makes good choices by realizing what will help him and what is a hindrance to achieving his goals.
Why should I choose the Prep?
You will not find a better education than the one offered at the Prep. Here are several of the advantages to the Prep: 1.) If you want to go to college, the Prep is the place to be. Our average S.A.T scores were higher than any school in our current sending districts; S.A.T. scores are used by most colleges in determining whether or not a student should be accepted; 2.) It is an all-boys school, and research has shown that students who attend this type of school do better than their counterparts in co-ed schools; 3.) Here, everyone has a chance to play on a sports team or be involved in a club; and the more activities you join, the better your application to college will be; 4.) It is a small school so you will receive personal attention from all your teachers.
What will happen to my friends in my current school when I go to the Prep?
Your friends will always be your friends. The advantage to going to the Prep is that you will now have friends all over South Jersey and that is part of the great education of the Prep. You realize that the world is bigger than the hometown where you live.