On Presidents’ Day Weekend when Prep students were enjoying their well deserved four day break, eighth graders were anxiously awaiting acceptance letters from Seattle Prep. Those who were lucky enough to receive those letters were given the opportunity to come to Prep’s New Panther Night, an event for accepted students that is organized by the Admissions Office faculty.

Ms. Alcantara, Assistant to the Principal, says “the main purpose of the event for accepted students is to make 8th graders and their families feel welcome in the Prep community. For some families, this is their first exposure to Prep – some don’t make it to Open House or for Panther for a Day. It’s a final chance to see the campus and meet the students before making a decision.”

In past years this night was set up to be a social hour for both the eighth grade students and their parents. However, last year the format of the event changed and continued using these changes this year as well. Alcantara added, “last year, we kept the social part, but we went in a new direction for the students and added an “Amazing Race”-type game, where they had to go on a scavenger hunt throughout the campus. The students had a blast and were able to see a lot of cool places on campus in a short amount of time. We are planning the same type of game for this year.”

8th graders especially enjoyed the “Amazing Race” style activity, saying it gave them an opportunity to see the campus and get to know other accepted students.

The start of the admissions process begins in September, with Admissions Office starting looking at days that are available for eighth graders to visit and the freshman and sophomores to host selection. “Visits are heaviest in October and November and we hold Open House in early November. Fall is a crazy time for us. Applications aren’t due until January, but much of the work with prospective families happens in the fall. Really, we’re hard at work from September to March!” says Alcantara.

There are a few main steps that the Admissions team takes in order to get people excited about applying to Prep. Throughout the fall and winter Prep allows eighth graders to be Panthers for a Day so that they can see the school on an average day. In October there are informational nights about Catholic high schools that Prep attends. In January applications are and finally in February students are accepted and invited to attend the New Panther Night.