The admissions process is set up to let us get to know as much about you as we can. This is a chance for you to tell us about your favorite things in school, your favorite activities, the people you most admire, and what you are proudest of in your life. Don't be shy about submitting artwork, stories, poetry or anything else special you've done along with your application. We'd love to see it.

Admissions Process

The application deadline for the Class of 2013 is January 23, 2009. The deadline for transfer applicants is July 1, although applying earlier is recommended. More information for potential transfer students is available at the end of this section.

You may download your application packet (see below) or pick it up at the Alverno Registrar's Office at 200 N. Michillinda Ave. (2 1/2 blocks north of Sierra Madre Boulevard). You may also request an application by phone, or send your request via email to csiegle@alverno-hs.org.  Please include parent and student names, complete address, grade, and school.

In the application packet, you will find:

• Application
• Student Self-Recommendation
• Parent Recommendations
• Two Academic Recommendations (current principal and current teacher)
• Transcript Request Card for Current School
• Financial aid and scholarship information
• Information on testing for Alverno.

Application Tips!

• Submit transcript requests and academic recommendations to current schools immediately. As application deadlines approach, schools and teachers get very busy. Don’t be the one whose interview is held up because we don’t have all your information!
• Think carefully about why you want to attend Alverno. Write a draft before you write on the application and make sure to check spelling and grammar. Be neat. This is our first impression of you. Make it a good one.

Submit your completed application, student self recommendation and parent and academic recommendations to Alverno in the envelope provided along with your $60 application check.

Alverno Visiting Days...

are a great idea. It's a wonderful opportunity for you to get a taste of campus life and ask those questions about uniforms, activities, and classes that only an Alverno student can answer.

What Happens On Visiting Days?

Times: Arrive at 7:45 a.m. A freshman Ambassador will be your host for your visit. You will attend an orientation, go to three classes with your host, enjoy a snack, and have a tour of the Villa del Sol d'Oro. Parents should pick their daughters up promptly at 11:15 pm.

What to Wear: If you usually wear a school uniform, wear that. Otherwise wear neat school clothes.

Behavior: Polite and considerate behavior always makes a good impression. The Admissions Committee respects teachers' feedback on visitors, so you'll want to be sure they speak well of you.

Open Houses:

Alverno's Open House dates are:

• Sunday, November 23, 2008 from 1-3 p.m.
• Sunday, January 11, 2009 from 1-3 p.m.

Reservations are required. You will meet teachers, visit classrooms, watch live performances, and find out about our long list of clubs and activities. You'll also receive inside information about what admissions directors look for in prospective students!

The Interview

• Interviews are scheduled only after we have received test scores and/or a transcript.Due to the large number of students applying to Alverno, interviews may take place during school hours.
• For the best choice of interview times, turn in completed application packages as soon as possible. The test results will be added when they are received.

Interview Tips
Remember, you have only one opportunity to make a first impression!
There are many more applicants than spaces at any school you are applying to. Here are some tips for making your interview enjoyable and successful.

• Introduce yourself to the interviewer with your first and last names.
• Come prepared with three questions. It is okay to write them down. They should be things you genuinely want to know. Remember, you are interviewing the school, too.
• Let the interviewer know that you are interested in the school by showing that you have done some research. Think about your experiences at Open House or a visiting day and tell the interviewer what you liked best.
• Make the best impression by sitting up straight. If you feel a yawn coming on, cover your mouth.
• Turn cell phones off (parents, too!)
• Do not chew gum or bring food or drink to an interview.
• Dress for success. Your school uniform or a nice outfit are always good choices.
• Try not to be nervous. The interview is an opportunity for you to find out more about the school, for the interviewer to get to know you a little better.

Transfer Students:

Alverno may accept transfer students for 10th and 11th grade if there are openings. Transfer students must have a 2.0 GPA with no Fs in order to be considered, as well as a clear disciplinary record at the previous school, and satisfactory progress in a college preparatory program.

Applying to Transfer:

Transfer students may enter Alverno at the start of the school year. We do not accept transfers at the semester. The only exception to this is the case of family relocation, when the student has no control over the need to change schools.

July 1 is the deadline for transfer students to apply for the fall. Applying earlier is highly recommended.

The transfer application consists of the following:

• The Alverno application, with an attached letter explaining why the student wants to leave her current school, and why she particularly wants to transfer to Alverno.
• Academic transcripts for the past three years (an official transcript from the current high school is required; middle school report cards are acceptable.)
• Recommendations from a current teacher and principal.

Questions? Contact Candace Siegle at csiegle@alverno-hs.org.