FAQ

How do I get an application?

Applications are accepted online.

How does having multiple children applying for different grades affect the admission process?

Each candidate is considered for admission based on his own application and appropriateness of fit for Cistercian, regardless of siblings or relatives going through the process at the same time.

Who do I contact for information about applying to Cistercian?

Please contact Director of Admissions, Fr. Anthony Bigney, for all application questions at 469-499-5400 or email admissions@cistercian.org

How much is the application fee?

The application fee is $125. There is no additional testing fee.

How many new students are admitted in each grade?

Each fall Cistercian typically admits 40 boys at the entry level, Form I (grade 5). These boys are accepted with the expectation that they will complete the full eight-year program. In addition a limited number of qualified candidates are admitted each year to Forms II-V (grades 6-9). Applications to Forms VI – VII (grades 10 and 11) are on a wait list basis. Cistercian does not admit students to Form VIII (grade 12).

If we choose to re-apply for admission, do we need to submit a new application this year?

Yes. Students must apply each year that they wish to be considered for admission to Cistercian.

Should I call to find out if my required documents have been received?

Utilizing the online application portal, you can log onto your account to see that documents have or have not been received any time 24 hours a day. We will call you if there is a concern about documents.

Because every document sent to our office is examined and then loaded into the portal by our registrar, it can take a couple of days for documents to show up online. We appreciate your patience.

What should I do if my school issues grades after the required document deadline?

Schools issuing grades after our deadline should mail or upload the grades to us as soon as possible. They may also fax them to 469-499-5440 or send grades by email to admissions@cistercian.org

Are alumni and sibling candidates given preference in the admission process?

First and foremost, admission decisions are based upon the qualifications of the individual candidate. Sons of employees, alumni, and siblings of current and former students will receive preferred consideration to Form I (grade 5) when all other factors are considered equal. Applicants to Form II-VII (grades 6-11) are not given preferred consideration.

What does the testing process involve?

Cistercian utilizes its own exam and not the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE).

All applicants are assigned an on-campus testing date. All admissions testing is completed on campus, and no other testing reservation or fee is required. The test date is scheduled upon submission of a completed application.

The entrance exam for Forms I & II (5th-6th) is completed on campus the last Saturday in January from approximately 8:30 a.m. – noon. The exam for Forms III – VII (7th – 11th) are held on the first Saturday in February. Students are tested in a classroom setting by full-time Cistercian faculty in a daily school structure. They are evaluated on their performance, communication and behavior throughout the testing session. Administered tests include mathematics, reading comprehension, short essay, and aptitude.

What is the best way to prepare for a testing day?

We encourage you to consider the admission process as a way of finding the best school for your son. As a result, we hope that your son will feel calm and relaxed throughout the process. Keeping your family’s standard routine the night before testing will help ensure your child is well rested on testing day.

Does Cistercian offer financial aid or scholarships?

Cistercian offers generous need-based financial aid. The aid is in the form of grants and is not required to be repaid. Approximately 20% of Cistercian students received financial aid for the 2021-2022 school year.

Does Financial Aid factor into the admissions decision?

Our admission process is need-blind, so applying for financial aid will not affect the school’s admission decision. The financial aid application is submitted in March following the admission decision. Aid amounts are announced in mid-May. Therefore, no financial information is required during the admission process.

To apply for financial aid, indicate your interest on the application and if your son is accepted, additional materials will be mailed to you.

Are merit or athletic scholarships available?

Financial Aid is based solely on a family’s demonstrated need. In order to keep our process fair, equitable, and need-based. We do not offer any type of merit scholarship, including athletic scholarships.

How do I learn more about Cistercian?

We invite you to attend Open House in either Fall or Spring to experience first-hand the daily classroom, talk with current parents and faculty, and see our school from the student perspective. You may also want to schedule a personal tour or attend a school event, such as a Friday football game, to get a feel for our community. Your son may wish to attend a Cistercian Summer Program, where all courses are taught by full-time Cistercian faculty or coaches.

When is the best time to tour the campus?

The best time to tour our campus is in the fall prior to the year you wish to enroll. Cistercian offers an Open House each fall for both Middle and Upper School. Prospective students and their parents are encouraged to tour the campus, speak with faculty and students, and attend classes for a day. You will also hear from the Director of Admission about the application process. Open House is the one date in our fall schedule when our classes are open to visitors. If you do not attend the Open House but still wish to see our campus, please contact our office to schedule a tour.