Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get information about admission to Bishop O’Dowd?
2. Can I come visit?
3. When is your Open House? And what can I see there?
4. How much does it cost to apply to Bishop O’Dowd?
5. How do I apply?
6. What if I want to apply to more than one Catholic high school in the East Bay?
7. Does Bishop O’Dowd admit and support students with learning differences and learning disabilities?
8. When is the HSPT entrance exam?
9. What do you look for in a Bishop O’Dowd applicant?
10. Does Bishop O’Dowd offer financial assistance?
11. How many students are accepted to Bishop O’Dowd?
12. When will families find out about the admission decision?
13. If accepted into Bishop O’Dowd, are there assessment exams for English, Math and Foreign Languages?

 

1. How do I get information about admission to Bishop O’Dowd?

Admissions information for the 2011-12 school year is always available online.

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2. Can I come visit?

You sure can! To visit now contact Tyler Kreitz ext. 312 or Lys Pence, ext. 112 to arrange a visit.

In the Fall of 2010, prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the Bishop O'Dowd Campus from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM on one of the following dates:

9/30, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28

Guardians are welcome to participate in a parallel program with administrators during the same time. Sign-ups will be available online in August.

Shadow visits for prospective students begin in October and will run through February 2011.

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3. When is your Open House? And what can I see there?

Our 2010 Open House ,“One Community, Many Parts” will take place on Sunday, November 7, 2010 from 1:00-3:00 PM. The Open House is a great opportunity to explore the Bishop O'Dowd campus, meet the faculty, administration and students, and learn about all of the academic, co-curricular, and Campus Ministry programs. All middle school students, family and friends are welcome.

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4. How much does it cost to apply to Bishop O’Dowd?

There is a $90.00 application fee that covers the cost of the HSPT exam as well as the application process.

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5. How do I apply?

The application process for students applying for the fall of 2011 is online, and will be available Sept 5, 2010. This offers you accurate transmittal of your application information and an immediate e-mail confirmation of receipt.

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6. What if I want to apply to more than one Catholic high school in the East Bay?

Bishop O’Dowd encourages applicants to apply to more than one of the East Bay Catholic high schools. Though we're excited that Bishop O’Dowd is one of your options, we hope that all options are explored during this process.

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7. Does Bishop O’Dowd admit and support students with learning differences and learning disabilities?

Bishop O'Dowd High School admits students in accordance with criteria that are considered indicators of success and seeks to educate students within the context of the school’s Mission, Goals, Objectives and ESLR’s (Expected School-wide Learning Results). In keeping with the commitment to “create a unique and diverse community” the school recognizes that each student is unique and learns in a variety of ways. The school recognizes that students with diagnosed learning differences may be in need of additional support so that they may have a fair and reasonable opportunity for success.

Learning Differences Program Description

The Learning Differences Program is open to students in grades 9-12 who have a documented learning disability. The program seeks to educate and support students for success through teamwork. Students, parents, and teachers enter into a partnership through education, understanding, communication, and commitment as a means of ensuring academic success. The Coordinator: Student Learning Needs oversees the program, provides educational counseling and intervention, teacher professional development and parent education opportunities. The Coordinator also reviews the recommendations provided by educational specialists. Students work as needed with the Coordinator: Learning Needs, the Counseling Center staff, classroom teachers and campus academic resources.

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8. When is the HSPT entrance exam?

All applicants for the 9^th and 10^th grade are required to take the High School Placement Test (HSPT) on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. Students may take the exam at any Catholic secondary school in the Dioceses of Oakland or San Francisco where the student has filed an application. The exam site has no bearing on the admission decision. Scores will be sent to each high school the student specifies on exam day.

Bishop O’Dowd will send a notice of room assignments for the Saturday, January 8th exam on Tuesday, January 4th.

Applicants choosing to take the exam at another Catholic High School (where they have submitted an application) are responsible for making a reservation with that high school.

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9. What do you look for in a Bishop O’Dowd applicant?

In general, a well-qualified eighth grade applicant

• Has achieved a score on the entrance exam which indicates an ability to achieve in a challenging college preparatory program.
• Has performed at or above grade level on standardized tests taken in the 7th and 8th grades.
• Is progressing in all subjects commensurate with ability, including those below grade level.
• Has received a favorable recommendation from his/her current school.
• Is interested in participating in Bishop O'Dowd's co-curricular activities, community service program, and class retreats.
• Has received a favorable recommendation from clergy, and/or has demonstrated a desire to participate in the spiritual dimension of the Bishop O'Dowd community.

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10. Does Bishop O’Dowd offer tuition assistance?

Tuition assistance is available to all students with demonstrated financial need. In 2010-2011 we distributed more than $2 million in tuition assistance to over 300 students. The average grant was over $6,000. It is a goal of the school Administration and the Board of Regents to give all qualified students, regardless of financial resources, an opportunity to attend Bishop O'Dowd. Financial assistance application packets are available online and in the Business Office beginning January 4th, 2010. For further information please contact the Business Office at 577-9100 ext. 171. All inquiries are strictly confidential.

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11. How many students are accepted to Bishop O’Dowd?

Each year, Bishop O’Dowd accepts a little over 400 applicants. Those who are not initially accepted are placed on our waiting list.

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12. When will families find out about the admission decision?

Decision letters will be sent by regular mail on March 18th, 2011 for incoming freshman applicants. Late applicants will receive notification of admission within 2 weeks of submitting all required application information.

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13. If accepted into Bishop O’Dowd, are there assessment exams for English, Math and Foreign Languages?

Yes. Placement exams are offered in the spring for accepted incoming freshman students. Students may test for higher math, English and foreign language placement.