How to Get Into Bellarmine College Preparatory: What You Need To Know

Is Bellarmine College Preparatory a Good High School?

Bellarmine College Preparatory, located in San Jose, California, is one of the best Jesuit high schools in all of the Bay Area. Serving students from grades 9 through 12, it’s an all-boys private day school with a 99% matriculation rate. Yes, it’s that high! Bellarmine students gain admission to over 200 colleges and universities annually, including top institutions such as Stanford, UCLA, and UC Berkeley. Initially established in 1851, the school is known for its deeply rooted Jesuit values, which are evident in almost every aspect of the school. 

According to Niche, the student body is 39.5% White, 32.8% Asian, 16.4% Hispanic, 6% Pacific Islander, and 3.3% African American. This diversity allows for an inclusive environment that broadens perspectives and prepares students to be ethical citizens in our global society.

Is It Hard To Get Into Bellarmine College Preparatory? 

To put it simply, yes, admissions to the school are highly competitive. This is largely due to Bellarmine College Preparatory’s reputation and high ranking among other schools. In the Bay Area alone, BCP is ranked #1 for All-Boys High Schools and #5 among Catholic High Schools. With such high rankings, the applicant pool increases, leading to a diverse set of learners flocking to BCP to receive quality education. It’s natural for a school to be more selective of its students to maintain its reputation as one of the best Jesuit schools in California. 

Stemming from its rankings, another reason that weighs on the school’s selectiveness is its admissions requirements. To help admissions officers comb through the sea of applications, BCP has placed a holistic set of requirements that bring out the character of the students and let them assess if these learners are the best fit for BCP. 

Knowing how hard it is to get into Bellarmine College Prep, let’s now break down the admissions process and go over each application requirement. 

What are the Steps in Bellarmine College Preparatory’s Admissions Process?

The admission process for Bellarmine College Preparatory is comprehensive and involves several key steps to ensure a thorough evaluation of each applicant. Below is an overview of the process:

1. Set Up Your Ravenna Account
2. Register for Shadow Day
3. Complete Forms and Requirements Online
4. Visit The Campus
5. Take the High School Placement Test (HSTP)
6. Wait for Admissions Decisions
7. If Admitted, enroll!

What are the application requirements for Bellarmine College Preparatory?

Student Application Essays

All applicants are required to answer two essay prompts, which are available in Ravenna. Answers should be in less than 3000 characters each. The first question asks about the student’s character and experience. However, in the second question, students can freely choose one out of five prompts that they want to answer. The general theme of these prompts is personal growth and reflection. 

Tips on How To Write Application Essays 

Crafting a strong student application essay is your opportunity to showcase your unique story. In terms of BCP applications, it could make the difference between rejection and admission. So, we’ve asked our consultants for the best tips for writing your supplemental essays:

1. Write clearly and concisely. You don’t want people to misunderstand your writing because that leads to misunderstanding you!
2. Be genuine! Authenticity goes a long way, and admissions officers know when a kid isn’t telling the whole story. 
3. Review, review, review! Double-check, heck, even triple-check for errors and typos! This tells admissions officers that you value having a keen eye and attention to detail. 
4. Outline your ideas first! The hardest part of writing is actually starting. With so many ideas, we know learners can get overwhelmed, so it’s best to outline and organize. 
5. Stay focused on one central theme to keep your narrative tight and impactful.
6. Use straightforward language that effectively communicates your thoughts without over-complicating the message!

Parent/Guardian Statement

Parents or guardians of middle and upper school applicants are required to answer a parent/guardian questionnaire that is found on Ravenna. There is 1 question that needs to be answered in less than 3000 characters. You will be asked about your family’s goals and willingness to participate in activities that promote the values and mission of Bellarmine College Preparatory.

How To Write A Parent Statement

The parent statement is an integral part of the application process as it will help admissions officers better understand your child’s background and potential to become successful at Bellarmine Prep. It will also demonstrate your family’s commitment to your child’s education. When choosing what to write about, remember that you have to be honest and authentic. Focus on your child’s strengths and unique characteristics, and provide anecdotes to support your statements. For some tips on how to write a powerful parent statement from experienced educational consultants, click here.

High School Placement Test (HSTP)

The HSPT is a standardized entrance exam commonly used by private and Catholic high schools, such as Bellarmine Prep, to assess prospective students’ academic abilities. The test helps schools determine admissions eligibility and place students in appropriate courses. The HSPT consists of five main sections:

1. Verbal Skills
2. Quantitative Skills
3. Reading
4. Mathematics
5. Language

Some schools may include optional sections, such as science or mechanical aptitude, but Bellarmine College Preparatory typically focuses on the core sections.

What Are Key Study Tips for the High School Placement Test (HSPT)?

1. Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the types of questions and sections included in the test.
2. Use Practice Tests: Practice regularly with HSPT prep books or online resources.
3. Focus on Weak Areas: Spend extra time strengthening skills in challenging subjects like math or language.
4. Develop Time Management Skills: Practice completing sections within the allocated time.
5. Stay Relaxed and Confident: Get plenty of rest before the test and approach it with a positive mindset.

Preparing for the HSPT can be a challenge, but with these tips and some help from our consultants, we can thoroughly prepare you for any test!

School Records

As with virtually every school, Bellarmine College Preparatory requires prospective students to submit their current school records as part of the application process. This includes but isn’t limited to academic transcripts or report cards that detail your academic performance to date. A more detailed list of the specific school records required can be found in their admissions portal on Ravenna. 

Teacher Recommendations

Bellarmine College Preparatory requires two teacher recommendations as part of the application process. These letters give admissions officers a clearer picture of your academic abilities, character, and potential for success at the school. It is important to choose teachers who know you well, preferably from your core academic subjects, so they can speak directly about your strengths, work ethic, and classroom contributions. Be sure to inform your recommenders of all deadlines and provide them with any guidelines from the school to ensure they submit thoughtful, personalized evaluations that support your application.

4 Tips for Choosing a Teacher for a Letter of Recommendation

1. Pick a Teacher Who Knows You Well – A teacher who knows you well can accurately and authentically capture the essence of your character. 
2. Choose a Teacher that Aligns with Your Aspirations – If you show BCP that you’re someone who thrives in STEM fields, a great way to supplement that is to have a recommendation from a STEM teacher. 
3. Consider a Teacher Who Writes Well – A teacher who can effectively write can effectively convey your strengths through the recommendation. 
4. Ask Early and Ask Politely – Teachers get many requests, so ask in advance, provide necessary details, and express gratitude.

Optional Submissions

Student Video (Optional)

Bellarmine Prep allows applicants to submit an optional student video as part of their application. This video gives students the opportunity to showcase their qualities in a way that a written application can’t fully capture. Although it’s not required, a well-crafted video can help admissions officers get a sense of an applicant’s enthusiasm, communication skills, and potential contributions to the school community. It is an excellent way for students to highlight their passions, creativity, or experiences that set them apart.

Non-Academic Recommendation 

In addition to the required academic recommendations, students can request a non-academic recommendation. This can be done by providing the recommender’s email address in the delegate form. A strong non-academic recommendation can add depth to an application.

What Student Life Is Like At Bellarmine College Prep School and Why Families Choose It

Choosing the right school for your son is an important decision. Bellarmine College Prep offers a remarkable setting that builds on young men’s moral, social, and intellectual growth. Through coursework, exciting extracurricular activities, worthwhile volunteer work, and a competitive athletic program, Bellarmine helps mold boys into self-assured, well-rounded people who are ready for success in college and beyond.

Bellarmine College Prep Academics

How Many AP Classes Are There in The School?

The school offers 23 Advanced Placement (AP) and 14 Honors courses. This seems a lot, but to guarantee that students have time for their other interests and responsibilities, course scheduling is meticulously planned. As long as they arrange open periods, freshmen are allowed to enroll in one honors course, sophomores up to three, and juniors and seniors up to four. Students are guaranteed to be pushed while also preserving a positive academic balance, thanks to BCP’s careful approach.

What Is The Faculty Like At Bellarmine College Prep?

The faculty at Bellarmine is committed to encouraging intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The all-boys setting enables the use of instructional methodologies that are adapted to the learning styles of young men, promoting participation, lively debate, and a practical approach to learning. Bellarmine graduates have a solid foundation in academics and ethical thinking, making them ready for the demands of prestigious universities.

Extracurricular Activities

Education at BCP goes well beyond the classroom. Numerous extracurricular programs are available at the school to support students in discovering their interests, growing as leaders, and making friends for life. Bellarmine offers a nurturing environment for personal development, regardless of a student’s interests in leadership, the arts, or STEM. Here are a few of BCP’s most decorated groups and programs.

Speech and Debate Team

Bellarmine College Prep’s Speech and Debate Team is a force to be reckoned with. In 2024, they claimed their third consecutive California State Championship, proving once again that they are among the best in the state. At the National Speech & Debate Association Nationals, they earned the prestigious School of Outstanding Distinction Award for the fourth year in a row, an achievement that only the top programs in the country can boast! With an astounding 308 sweepstakes points, the team not only broke records but cemented its reputation as a national powerhouse in speech and debate.

Theater Program

The Theatre Arts Program at Bellarmine College Preparatory provides students with a wealth of possibilities on and off stage. Modern stages in the Sobrato Center for Humanities and the Arts host the school’s full theater season, which includes a Spring Play, Winter Musical, and Fall Musical. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Network, and Jesus Christ Superstar are among the shows that will air in the upcoming 2024–2025 season. Bellarmine’s program offers a vibrant environment for artistic expression for students interested in production, lighting, scene design, or performing.

The Cheesy Poofs!

Bellarmine College Preparatory’s FRC Robotics Team, The Cheesy Poofs, continues to dominate the global robotics stage. In 2024, they proved their excellence once again by winning the Championship Division at the FIRST Newton Division and earning the prestigious Excellence in Engineering Award at both the Newton Division and the East Bay Regional. Competing against the best teams in the world, they secured their spot as Championship Finalists at the FIRST Championship, reinforcing their reputation as one of the top robotics programs in the country.

Community Service: Shaping Men for Others

BCP’s Jesuit curriculum places a strong focus on social responsibility and service. In order to fulfill the school’s objective of “A Faith That Does Justice,” students are urged to engage in local and international community service.

Through both urban and rural service plunges, Bellarmine students participate in practical projects that benefit marginalized communities. In order to give students personal experience with social justice activities, the school also arranges immersion excursions to places like the Kino Border, Alabama, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Ecuador. Young men gain empathy, leadership abilities, and a dedication to changing the world as a result of these life-changing encounters.

BCP’s emphasis on service lays the groundwork for lifetime political engagement and social awareness for parents who wish to raise their sons to be kind, moral leaders.

Athletics: What Sports Does Bellarmine College Prep Offer?

Bellarmine College Preparatory’s athletic program is indeed one of the most competitive in the region, offering students opportunities to develop physical fitness, teamwork, and discipline. In the 2023-2024 academic year, more than 1,100 student-athletes represented Bellarmine as members of one or more athletic teams. The table below shows the different sports offered by the school throughout the seasons.

Student Clubs: A Wide Range of Opportunities

BCP offers a slew of clubs ranging from the typical art clubs to the much niche anime or Magic: The Gathering groups. With club topics spanning STEM, academics, arts, finance, hobbies, political science, service and justice, and sports, students have countless opportunities to engage in activities that match their interests. If ever a student finds themselves not fitting into any of them, they can always start a new club! Having such emphasis on building different clubs and communities showcases how deeply invested the school is in fostering brotherhood. 

Bellarmine College Prep Famous Alumni

1. Viet Thanh Nguyen (Class of 1988): Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Sympathizer. 
2. Stephen Mirrione (Class of 1987): Academy Award-winning film editor for Traffic. 
3. Gregg Hurwitz (Class of 1991): Best-selling author known for his thriller novels. 
4. Brian Armstrong (Class of 2001): Founder and CEO of Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange.
5. Sam Liccardo (Class of 1987): Former Mayor of San Jose, serving from 2015 to 2023. 
6. Eric Thames (Class of 2004): Professional baseball player with a successful career in MLB and the KBO League.
7. Pablo Morales (Class of 1983): Olympic gold and silver medalist in swimming.

Need Help? Cardinal Education Can Lend a Hand!

The independent admissions consultants at Cardinal Education can offer expert guidance on private school admissions, prepare for interviews and tests, and, of course, refine your personal statement. With academic coaching, test prep, and private school admissions support, we ensure students present themselves as top candidates.

For expert insights on maximizing your child’s chances of admission to Bellarmine College Prep, contact us today and let our experts guide you through the process!

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