Admission to ILS, for that matter to any educational institution, can be lengthy and complex process involving a number of procedures many do not even think about.

As managed  by Admissions Director Ms. Wendy Vargas for the past six years, the process has changed over the years, especially most recently.

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This increased interest has led to a far larger applicant pool than in previous years.

Why the increase?

“Many parents want their children to receive an education that instills traditional values and teaches using a value-based education,” she added.

In previous years, only about 300 students took an interest, yet for the incoming freshman class of 2027, more than 400 students have applied.

About half will not be admitted because ILS has space for only 220. As a result, the waitlist this year has 190+ students hoping for an open spot.

The waitlist remains remains open until July which means that Ms. Vargas stops testing possible incoming students after that month. In previous years, when ILS wasn’t as much in demand as it is today, she would keep testing until the school year started.

In addition to the freshman class, this year there were approximately 10 transfers. The number of transfers varies depending on the year. Transfers are able to join as second semester freshman or at any point until senior year.

The admissions board consists of a group of people who decide which applicants will be accepted.

Ms. Vargas presents the student files to the admissions board. If the board sees that there is missing information on a student file, then an administrator may interview that student.

“Each file tells a great deal about each student,” she said.

Most students come from Catholic schools, but there are still a great number who enter from public or private schools. Students who are considered legacy, meaning they have siblings or alumni parents, have priority over others. Students from Catholic school also have priority.

The requirements to apply include submitting the application found on the ILS website, taking the HSPT, sending transcripts, presenting letters of recommendation, and mailing in test scores. The requirements for students for acceptance into ILS include a minimum 2.0 GPA, and no F’s in their report card.

The main reason students are rejected is because there is not enough space for all the students that apply.

Ms. Vargas’ follows a complex process each year to make sure ILS is filled with students who will succeed as well as embody the Salesian spirit.

The next time you hear about someone applying to ILS, don’t forget to share this information with them.