Admissions

Application Process

Class of 2031 Application portal and 8th Grade Hawk for a Day portal will open Monday, August 17th!

Thank you for your interest in St. Joseph’s Prep!

Each year, the Admission Office at the Prep reviews a highly competitive group of young men to fill approximately 235-240 spots available in our freshman class.
The Application for the Class of 2030 is open now! For additional information, please email admissions@sjprep.org
St. Joseph’s Prep does not discriminate for any reason including race, religion, or national origin in the admission of students or in the administration of its policies.

Criteria for 9th Grade Admission

List of 4 items.

  • Prep Entrance Exam

    Once your application is submitted, all applicants must take the Prep Entrance Exam.  The test will be administered at the Prep on Saturday, October 10, 2026 and Saturday, November 7, 2026. Students applying to the Prep are also eligible to take the exam on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Merion Mercy Academy.  The Prep utilizes the H.S.P.T. (High School Placement Test). Students will also be required to complete an essay at the conclusion of the Entrance Exam. The exam and essay will last three hours. 

    Learn to decode your son's entrance exam score by reading this guide.

    If you are interested in extra test prep, St. Joseph's Prep offers an 8-week program beginning in September.  Learn more about it here: SJP Test Prep Program

  • Admission File

    When reviewing candidates, the Admission Committee will consider your entire Admission file.

    Your Admission file includes, but is not limited to:
    • Your strong desire to receive a Jesuit education rooted in Ignatian spirituality
    • Your score on the Entrance Exam
    • Your thoughtfulness, ability to reflect, and creativity on your Entrance Exam essay
    • Your transcript/grades
    • Your teacher recommendation
    • Your history of leadership in clubs/activities/athletics/service projects/etc.

  • Academic Performance

    All applicants should strive to achieve mostly "A" grades (or comparative numerical scores) in his 6th and 7th grade final report cards and 8th grade first report card, receive an outstanding recommendation from his teacher(s), and receive a satisfactory score on the Entrance Exam.

  • Decision Letters

    Admission decision letters for the Class of 2031 will be emailed and delivered on December 17, 2026. An electronic version of the decision will be uploaded to the applicant's myPrep portal as well. For those who apply for aid, Financial Aid decision letters will be included with your admission decision letter. 


Transfer Candidate Information

List of 5 items.

  • Things to Know about Transfer Candidates

    St. Joseph's Prep welcomes qualified transfer candidates who have at least a "B +" average (or comparative numerical scores) and receive an outstanding recommendation from a recent Math, English, or equivalent teacher. Candidates will also be required to provide an HSPT, PSAT, or ISEE score. 
     
    Please note: the Prep transfer process considers students entering into the fall semester of 10th or 11th grade

  • Important Note

    Transfer students are only eligible for need-based Financial Aid. There are no merit-based academic scholarships reserved for transfer students.

  • To-do's for Transfer Candidates

    Items needed to complete a transfer application can be found on the applicant checklist by logging into your portal. 

    Quick Access:

  • Transfer Application Timeline

    • November 2025- Transfer application for Admission and for Financial Aid opens.
    • January - May 2026 - Transfer applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule a Hawk For A Day Shadow. An interview is a required part of the transfer process and will be conducted at the end of your visit.
    • Decision letters sent to transfer applicants on a rolling basis as checklist requirements are fulfilled and applications reviewed.

  • Apply as a Transfer Candidate Now

Class of 2031 Application To-Do List Deadlines:

Process Step
Due Date
Notes
Online Application for Admission:
SATAURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2026
(late applications are accepted on a limited basis)
Online Financial Aid Application (optional. Opens on Aug. 17, 2026):
SATAURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2026
Click here for information.
Teacher Recommendation(s):
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2026
Applicants are required to submit at least one teacher recommendation, but two are highly encouraged, if possible.  
Academic Records:
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2026
Applicants are required to submit report cards from their 6th, 7th, and the first marking period of their 8th grade year.

Your most recent report card for 8th grade should be uploaded once it’s available and not later than Friday, December 11, 2026. If nothing is available by December 12, it will NOT change the timeline of an applicant's decision as long as all other required materials have been received.

Click here to download the transcript request form.
Schedule your hawk for a Day Visit
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2026
Through the online application you will find the link to sign your son up for his Hawk for a Day (shadow day) visits.  Families are asked to create a myPrep account to register for a visit.  You do not have to complete the application at the time of registration, but you will need to create an account and fill out some basic demographic information.  Then within the application (the second section) you will find the link to register for your son's Hawk for a Day visit!

Contact Information

St. Joseph's Preparatory School

Office of Admission
215.978.1958
admissions@sjprep.org

Things to Do

Address

1733 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19130
Phone Number: (215) 978-1950

Resources

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