Admissions PrepNotes

List of 11 items.

• Volume 10: November 23, 2021

  Good Morning Future Pirates!

   

  Here at Seton Hall Prep, Thanksgiving is a time for some rest and rejuvenation.  Our students have just completed their first marking period and exams.  Our student athletes, fresh off an incredible fall season, have made the transition to winter with many teams already having started both tryouts and practices.  The members of our band, jazz ensemble, and a Capella choir are all beginning to prepare in earnest for the upcoming Christmas Concert next month.  Our faculty are putting the finishing touches on both the first trimester grades for their students as well as those final letters of recommendation for our seniors.  We have so much to be thankful for here at The Prep – not the least of which is counting you as a part of our family this year as well.

   

  On Thanksgiving morning, you and your family are welcome to join us at the Kelly Athletic Complex (640 Prospect Avenue) for our annual “Turkey Trot” fun run at 9:45 am.  Why not start your Thanksgiving Day with a bit of fun?  For complete information and to register, please click here.  I look forward to seeing you (and your family!) there!

   

  Our “Meet The Prep” series of Zoom meetings continues after the Thanksgiving holiday as we will feature our Lacrosse program on Monday, November 29 and our soccer program on Wednesday, December 1.  (Both sessions will begin at 7:00 pm.)  If you would like to join us for any of these Zoom sessions, please email the Admission Office at admissions@shp.org and we will be happy to send you both the link and login credentials.  (Additional sessions for crew, football, tennis, track and field, and wrestling will be held in the coming weeks – look for more information in a future edition of Admissions PrepNotes.)

   

  Save the date!  On Thursday, December 9 at 7:00 pm, you and your family are most welcome to join us for the 13^th annual “Christmas Tree Lighting and Singalong”!  Join current students, alumni, faculty, and future Pirates as we kick-off the Christmas season with Christmas carols, hot chocolate, cookies, and a few special visitors from the North Pole!  Look for complete details early next week!

   

  Finally, on behalf of our President, Msgr. Michael Kelly ’57, our Headmaster, Mr. Michael Gallo ’79, and the entire Seton Hall Prep family, I wish you and yours a most happy and restful Thanksgiving.

   

  Best wishes and Hazard Zet Forward,

   

  Mr. Zinsmeister

   

  PS:  To keep up with all that is happening both on campus and throughout the broader Seton Hall Prep community, do not forget to follow us on social media at @SHPadmissions!

• Volume 11: December 2, 2021

  Good Evening Future Pirates!

   

  Here at Seton Hall Prep, the season of Advent is upon us – a season marked by preparation.   Our student athletes are preparing for the start of the winter athletic season.  Our singers and musicians are preparing for the upcoming Christmas concert.  Our robotics and mock trial teams are preparing for their annual competitions to begin in early January.  At the same time, the entire school is waiting (though not always patiently!) for the upcoming Christmas Holiday – a chance to celebrate with family and friends and an opportunity to take a break from the daily grind to rest and recharge. 

   

  During these next few weeks, we at Seton Hall Prep would like to share just some of the hard work and preparation of our students with you – the future members of the Seton Hall Prep family.  You and your entire family are welcome to join us at any (or all!) of the upcoming events here on campus:
  
  

  • Monday, December 6: Come and cheer for YOUR Seton Hall Prep varsity ice hockey team as they take-on the Lions of Pope John XXIII High School at 4:00 pm at Codey Arena!  (560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052) Go Pirates!
  • Thursday, December 9: 13th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Sing-along! Join us on the front steps of the school between 7:00 and 7:45 pm for caroling with our C-Tonians choir, a special advent blessing from Father Bogumil, Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, and even a surprise visit from two very special friends from the North Pole!  (Bring your cameras!)  There is absolutely no charge for this event!  To register, please click here.
  • Wednesday, December 15: Christmas Concert! Please settle in to enjoy an evening of Christmas, traditional, and contemporary music presented by the Seton Hall Prep concert band, jazz ensemble, and C-Tonians choir!  The concert begins at 7:00 pm in Bayley Seton Auditorium and there is no cost to attend!
  • Meet The Prep Zooms: Our continuing “Meet The Prep” Zoom sessions highlighting our storied athletic teams will continue next week as follows:
    • Sunday, December 5:  Crew (7:00 pm)
    • Monday, December 6: Track & Field (7:00 pm)
    • Tuesday, December 7: Tennis (7:00 pm)
  • If you would like to attend any (or all!) of these sessions, please email the Admission Office and we will be happy to send you the login credentials!
     

  Additional meetings for football, wrestling, basketball, and ice hockey are being planned for later this month!

  
  

  Finally – and very importantly – the deadline for all transcripts, letters of recommendation, and preliminary applications for need-based financial assistance is Friday, December 10.  If you have not yet submitted any of these items, please visit your “Admissions Progress Checklist” (accessible by logging into your “MYSHP” portal) and follow the instructions there.  We are aware that several school districts will not be releasing student transcripts until after the December 10 deadline.  We ask for your patience as we are in the midst of receiving and processing hundreds of transcripts, letters, and forms each day.  You will receive an automated reply from the Admission Office as soon as we process your materials.  If you still do not see your checklist updated and reflecting submitted documents by Thursday, December 9, please email the Admission Office directly and we will be happy to assist.
  
  

  Have a GREAT weekend and, as always, we look forward to seeing you again on campus soon!
  
  

  Best wishes and Hazard Zet Forward,
  
  

  Mr. Zinsmeister

• Volume 9: November 19, 2021

  Good Afternoon Future Pirates!

   

  Even though we are still a week away from Thanksgiving, the fall season is rapidly coming to a close here at The Prep and, as our students take their final examinations of the trimester, all eyes are beginning to focus upon the coming winter months.  Fall of 2021 has brought so much pride and joy to the Seton Hall Prep community. 

   

  Last weekend, the Seton Hall Prep Drama Club presented the uproarious comedy The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong both for the students in school and for the parents and general public in the evening.  The show was a rousing success and, as soon as video becomes available, we will happily share the link for you and your family!  (To see pictures from both behind-the scenes and Friday evening’s performance, click here.)

   

  The fall athletic season has finally come to an end – and what a season it was!  The varsity football team finished their season with a final record of 7-4, having advanced to the quarterfinal round of the NJSIAA Non-Public Group A Tournament.  The varsity crew team concluded a strong fall campaign with a strong finish at the competitive NYRA Fall Invitational Regatta.  The varsity cross country team ended their season with an impressive undefeated regular season, and were conference, county and State Prep champions!  Finally, the varsity soccer team, with their own undefeated season, earned conference, county, and both NJSIAA Non-Public A North and Non-Public A State championships!  Congratulations to all the student athletes at The Prep!  (For a great highlight video of the completed fall season, please click here!)

   

  In order for our future student athlete to learn even more about the storied athletic traditions here at Seton Hall Prep, the Admission Office is proud to host our “Meet The Prep” Zoom series beginning Sunday, November 21 with the baseball program.  During each 45-minute session, candidates (and their families!) will have the opportunity to hear from varsity coaches, current student athletes, and alumni, and learn even more about the proud athletic traditions here at The Prep.  For the week of November 21-27, the schedule is as follows:

   

  • Sunday, November 21:        Baseball (7:00 PM)
  • Monday, November 22:      Cross Country (7:00 PM)
  • Tuesday, November 23:      Swimming (7:00 PM)

   

  If you would like to join us for any of these Zoom sessions, please email the Admission Office at admissions@shp.org and we will be happy to send you both the link and login credentials.  (Additional sessions for crew, football, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, track and field, and wrestling will be held in the coming weeks – look for more information in a future edition of Admissions PrepNotes.)

   

  For those applicant families who have not already attended to the optional items from their Admissions Progress Checklist – please note that all materials must be received in the Admission office by Friday, December 10.  You still have three weeks to request letters of recommendation and to submit a preliminary application for need-based financial assistance.  (All these items may be found by logging into your MYSHP portal.)  One final reminder – if you have not already done so, please submit the Seton Hall Prep Transcript Release Form to your current 8^th grade school as soon as possible!

   

  Finally … while we have only a handful of appointments for Freshman for a Day remaining before Christmas (December 14, 15, and 16), we will be welcoming 8^th grade visitors for their campus visit from January 18 through February 4!  If you have not already done so, why not book your Freshman for a Day experience today?  (Remember – 7^th grade students are welcome to join us at The Prep beginning Monday, March 7, 2022!)

  I hope that you have a WONDERFUL weekend and – as always – I hope to see you again on campus at The Prep soon!

   

  Best wishes and Hazard Zet Forward,

   

  Mr. Zinsmeister

  Director of Admission

  Seton Hall Preparatory School

• Volume 8: November 12, 2021

  Good Afternoon Future Pirates!

  Each morning, as our students enter The Prep through door #1 and climb the short flight of stairs to the front hallway, they walk past a beautiful mosaic of our patroness, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.  There, emblazoned across the lower corner, is a quote attributed to a speech given by St. Elizabeth in Baltimore: “Live Simply so that others may simply live.”  Elizabeth, in her own way, encourages us to live not just for ourselves, but – more importantly - for others.  This call to action – a call to the service of others – is the foundation upon which Seton Hall Prep has stood for over 165 years. 

   

  This has been QUITE an exciting week here at Seton Hall Prep!  Last Saturday afternoon, our varsity football team defeated the Lancers of St. John Vianney to advance to the quarterfinal round of the state football tournament.  Yesterday afternoon, the varsity soccer team won the New Jersey Non-Public A North championship tournament and have advanced to the state championship final for the third consecutive year!  I had the opportunity to see so many of you at the games but, in case you were unable to join us, please click here (football) and here (soccer) to see pictures of the games and celebrations afterward!

   

  We would like to invite you and your family to join us for several very exciting events this coming weekend!

   

  • Tonight and tomorrow evening at 7:00 PM, please join the Seton Hall Prep Drama Club at 7:00 PM in Bayley Seton Auditorium for their presentation of The Play that Goes Wrong!  Both presentations are free and open to the public – we just ask that you bring a canned good or non-perishable food item as a donation!  For a behind-the-scenes preview, click here!

   

  • This evening at 7:00 PM, the varsity football team will battle with the Marauders of St. Peter’s Prep at Caven Point in Jersey City.  If you are not able to go and support YOUR Pirates in person, the game will be live streamed here on nj.com

   

  • On Sunday afternoon at 5:30 PM, YOUR #1 state-ranked and undefeated SHP varsity soccer team will battle with the Colts of Christian Brothers Academy for the NJSIAA Non-Public A State Championship!  The game will be played at Kean University Alumni Stadium Field in Union.  Hope to see you there!

   

  Beginning on Monday, November 15, the Admission Office will be taking a short break from hosting Freshman for a Day visitors to allow for trimester examinations and the Thanksgiving holiday.  However, the office will re-open to visitors beginning on Tuesday, November 23 and again on Monday, November 29.  If you have not already done so, why not book YOUR Freshman for a Day experience today?  To join us for a full-day campus visit (7^th graders are welcome to join us as well beginning March 7, 2022!), please click here.

   

  Seventh graders – keep an eye on your mailbox!  In the coming weeks, you will receive an invitation to register for the 7^th Annual Pirates Academy for the summer of 2022!  Online registration will open on Sunday, December 12 at noon.  For complete information, please visit the Pirates Academy webpage here.

  For all current applicants – now that the first marking period is coming to an end, please complete and submit the official Seton Hall Prep Transcript Release Form to your current school as soon as possible.  Remember – all transcripts must be received by the Admission Office by Friday, December 10!

  Finally – if you have not already done so, why not that first step toward becoming a member of the Seton Hall Prep Class of 2026 today?  To begin YOUR application, simply click here!

  As always, I hope that you and your family have a WONDERFUL weekend and I hope to see you again on campus soon!

   

  Hazard Zet Forward,

   

  Mr. Zinsmeister

• Volume 7: November 5, 2021

  Good Afternoon Future Pirates!

  For those who were able to join us on campus for Open House 2021 – thank you for coming!  I hope that you were able to get even a small sense of what makes Seton Hall Prep such a special place to call home.  Should you not have been able to attend – never fear!  Complete Open House packets were mailed home to all those candidates who were unable to join us or who were on our waitlist.  In addition, during each and every entrance examination (November 13, November 20, December 4, and December 11) we will offer a “mini” open house for all parents while the applicants test.  (You will hear brief presentations from the Director of Admission, Director of Student Activities, Headmaster and President, take a tour of our school with several of our student ambassadors, and have the opportunity to chat with both parents and young alumni.)  By the time you are finished with your program, the testers will be finishing with their examinations.  Even if you did already attend open house, it will be well-worth your time to remain on campus during the test and explore!  Our School Archivist, Mr. Richard Morris H’95 has assembled a collection of photographs from the day which you can find here!

   

  This coming weekend looks to be another exciting one for our Pirate athletes!

   

  • Tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 pm at the Kelly Athletic Complex (640 Prospect Avenue, West Orange), the varsity football team will take-on the visiting Lancers of St. John Vianney High School in the first round of the NJSIAA Non-Public “A” tournament!  If you are able to join us at The KAC, please stop by the PA booth in between quarters and say hello!

   

  • On Monday. November 8 at 2:00 pm, the varsity soccer team will host the visiting Crusaders of Bergen Catholic High School at the Kelly Athletic Complex in the semi-final round of the NJSIAA North Jersey Non-Public “A” tournament!  Hope to see you there!

   

  • Yesterday afternoon, the varsity cross country team added to their list of championships this season, taking 1^st place at the New Jersey Prep School State Championship Meet in Blairstown!  Congratulations!

   

  On Friday, November 12 and Saturday, November 13 at 7:00 pm, Seton Hall Prep Drama is proud to present “The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong” in Bayley-Seton Auditorium.  Both performances are free and open to the public – we just ask that you bring a canned good or other non-perishable food item as a donation.

   

  For all students who will be taking the Seton Hall Preparatory School Entrance Examination on Saturday, November 13, you should have received a confirmation email from the Admission Office earlier today.  Confirmation emails will be sent out approximately one week prior to your scheduled test date.  Should you ever need to reschedule a test date, please contact Mrs. Patty Nascone in the Admission Office and she will be most happy to assist you!

   

  Finally – and as always! – if you have not yet taken the first step toward joining the oldest Catholic college preparatory school in New Jersey, why not do so today?  Applications for admission to the Seton Hall Prep Class of 2026 are now being accepted!  Simply click here to begin yours!  If you have not yet spent a full day on campus, why not join us for your Freshman for a Day experience?  Reservations for current 8^th and 7^th grade students may be made here.

   

  Have a GREAT weekend and I hope to see you again on campus soon!

   

  Best wishes and Hazard Zet Forward,

  Mr. Zinsmeister

• Volume 6: October 22, 2021

  Good Afternoon Future Pirates!

   

  The past week was an AMAZING week to be a student at Seton Hall Prep!  As we have now passed the midpoint of the first marking period of the year and focus has begun to shift to college applications and trimester examinations, our students, faculty, and staff still find the time to take part in so many different events both on and away from campus!

   

  • On Saturday, October 16, the #3 state-ranked Seton Hall Prep football team travelled to Morristown where they defeated the rival Green Wave of Delbarton 34-21!

   

  • On Sunday, October 17, the #2 state-ranked varsity soccer team defeated the Mountaineers of West Orange to remain undefeated and win their 7^th Essex County Tournament championship!  The team would go on to defeat both Newark East Side and West Orange again last week to secure the Super Essex Conference American Division title as well!

   

  • Last week, 14 of our seniors were named National Merit Commended Students by the College Board, and an additional 128 individual students were recognized as AP Scholars.  We are EXTREMELY proud of the dedication, hard work, and success earned by our students in the academic forum each and every year!

   

  • This afternoon, over fifty students will return to campus at the conclusion of the first Kairos retreat since the onset of the pandemic!  The thoughts and prayers of the entire Seton Hall Prep community have been with these students and retreat leaders since they departed on Tuesday afternoon.

   

  Even though this past week has already been FULL of excitement, the activity at The Prep never truly stops!

   

  • Tomorrow afternoon is going to be a VERY exciting one for YOUR Seton Hall Prep Pirates!  At 1:00 pm, the varsity football team will host the #1 state-ranked Crusaders of Bergen Catholic High School at the Kelly Athletic Complex.  (If you are able to make it to the game, please come and say hello either before or after the game in the press box - I will be announcing the game tomorrow!)  We are expecting a record crowd for tomorrow’s game so please plan to arrive early!

   

  • On Sunday, October 24, the Seton Hall Prep Car Club will host its annual “Cars and Coffee” car show at the Kelly Athletic Complex (640 Prospect Avenue, West Orange).  The show will run from 10:00 am to noon.  For more information or to register YOUR car for the show, please contact Mr. Christopher Scheick ’92 at cscheick@shp.org.

   

  • This weekend, the Seton Hall Prep Crew team travelled to Cambridge, MA to compete in the prestigious Head of The Charles regatta!  Best of luck to the entire team as they represent both The Prep and New Jersey well!

   

  Now that application season is upon us, I wanted to take a moment to answer a few questions I have received during the past week.

   

  • Letters of recommendation: Once you have submitted your application for admission, you will have the ability to request one personal and one academic letter of recommendation from whomever you choose.  (For complete information regarding letters of recommendation, please view the October 1 edition of Admissions PrepNotes which may be found here.) 
  • Scholarship and Financial Assistance:  Just as with letters of recommendation, once you have submitted your application for admission, you will be able to download, complete, and submit your optional preliminary application for financial assistance.  Please note that the entrance examination also serves as our scholarship examination and all candidates are automatically considered for merit-based scholarship.

   

  • Entrance Test:  Approximately one week prior to your scheduled test date, you will receive an email from the Admission Office with complete details regarding testing day procedures and schedules.  Should you ever need to change your test date for any reason, please simply contact the Admission Office directly.

   

  Finally, if you have not yet completed your application or spent a day with us on campus, why not schedule that today?  Applications for The Class of 2026, as well as instructions on how to book YOUR Freshman for a Day experience may be found here!

   

  As always, I hope to see you and your family again on campus soon!

   

  Best wishes and Hazard Zet Forward,

   

  Mr. Zinsmeister

   

   

• Volume 5: October 15, 2021

  Good Afternoon Future Pirates!

   

  The last two weeks of October here at Seton Hall Prep, each and every year, are two of the most exciting weeks on campus of the entire school year!  Rivalry games, county championships, national academic awards, the annual “Cars and Coffee” show, Open House – late October always seems to sweep The Prep up in a flurry of excitement and expectation!  This week, in addition to several reminders and invitations for the coming week, I want to share with you a brief outline of our entrance examination so that you can best prepare yourself for your upcoming test!

   

  • Tomorrow afternoon is going to be a very exciting one for YOUR Seton Hall Prep Pirates!  At 1:00 pm, the varsity football team will travel to Morristown to clash with their rivals from Delbarton.  At 5:00 pm, the varsity soccer team will take-on cross-town rival West Orange at Belleville High School in the Essex County Tournament championship game.  I hope to see you at one (or even both!) of the games this weekend!

   

  • This past Tuesday, the Seton Hall Prep varsity cross country squad won the American Division Super Essex Conference Championship at Branch Brook Park in Newark.  The top seven runners all set personal records on their way to capping-off an undefeated regular season.  Congratulations to the entire cross country program and coach Chris Barnitt ’88!

   

  • On Sunday, October 24, the Seton Hall Prep Car Club will host its annual “Cars and Coffee” car show at the Kelly Athletic Complex (640 Prospect Avenue, West Orange).  The show will run from 10:00 am to noon.  For more information or to register YOUR car for the show, please contact Mr. Christopher Scheick ’92 at cscheick@shp.org.

   

  • Next Saturday afternoon, our #3 ranked varsity football team will host the #1 ranked Crusaders of Bergen Catholic in one of the most highly anticipated home games in recent memory.  If you are planning to come to the game, please plan to arrive early as we are anticipating a maximum capacity crowd of several thousand.  Remember, if you are able to join us at the Kelly Athletic Complex, please come and visit me (in between quarters!) in the press box – I would love to say hello!

   

  • Mark your calendars – the 2021 Open House will be held on Sunday, October 31!  Due to an overwhelming response, all reservations for this annual event have already been filled.  However, we have established a “wait-list” for any families who would still like to attend should any space become available during the next two weeks.  As we begin to confirm reservations with families next week, we expect spots to become available.  We will offer those spaces to the families who complete the Open House Wait List form which may be found here.

   

  • The Seton Hall Preparatory School Entrance Examination is a proprietary test offered each fall on the campus of Seton Hall Prep.  It is important to note that Seton Hall Prep does not recognize other standardized entrance examinations such as HSPT, SSAT, or ISEE.  The entrance examination is offered four times at The Prep each fall – November 13, November 20, December 4, and December 11.  The test lasts approximately two- and one-half hours and, while the candidates are testing, the Admission Office offers a miniature Open House for all parents.  To view a brief outline of the topics covered on the entrance test, please click here.

   

  Finally, if you have not already done so, why not take that first step toward joining the 166-year legacy of Seton Hall Prep?  Applications for admission to the incoming Class of 2026 are now being accepted!  To begin your application today, click here! 

   

  I hope that you and your family have a wonderful weekend.  I hope to see you at one (or even both!) games this weekend.  Most importantly, I hope to see you and your family on campus soon as a Freshman for a Day visitor and again at Open House!

   

  Best wishes and Hazard Zet Forward,

   

  Mr. Zinsmeister

   

   

• Voume 4: October 8, 2021

  Good Afternoon Future Pirates,

   

  Family, Faith, Compassion and Courage.  These four pillars of Seton Hall Preparatory School serve as the foundation for all that we do and all that we are.  Whether in the classroom, on the field, learning a new skill or hobby, or making new friends who will last a lifetime, these pillars are never far from our minds and serve us as daily guideposts for each and every member of the Seton Hall Prep community.  We invite you to join us on campus for a day … or an hour … and experience for yourself the Family, Faith, Compassion and Courage of Seton Hall Prep!

   

  Next Wednesday, our freshmen will experience their Freshman Retreat and take a full day to strengthen the newly forged bonds of their community; our seniors will take part in a day of service and rededicate themselves to the betterment of others; meanwhile, both our sophomores and juniors will participate in their PSAT testing as part of their overall academic programs.  Whether spending a day in prayer, in the service of others, or strengthening their academic profile, even non-class days here at The Prep are always exciting!

   

  • In the next edition of Seton Hall Prep Admissions PrepNotes (October 15) please be sure to look for our annual “SHP Admissions Exam Outline”.

   

  • On Wednesday, October 13, please join us at the Kelly Athletic Complex (640 Prospect Avenue, West Orange) to cheer for YOUR Seton Hall Prep freshman soccer team as they clash with Essex County powerhouse St. Benedict’s Prep!  Game time is 4:00 PM.

   

  • The 2021 Fall Open House is only three weeks away!  (Sunday, October 31)

  While limited space is still available for both current 7^th and 8^th grade candidates, those spots will fill quickly!  Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the campus and our brand new 44-acre Kelly Athletic Complex, our state-of-the-art John J. Murphy ’52 Science Center, learn about the application process, and have the chance to meet with teachers, coaches, parents, and current students.  Open House is truly the perfect way for you and your family to meet ours!  The 2021 Fall Open House will be a timed program, lasting approximately two hours, with sessions beginning at 11:00 am and every half hour thereafter.  To register and reserve your space at our Fall Open House, please click here. 

   

  • Finally, if you have not yet already done so, why not take that first step toward becoming a member of the Seton Hall Prep Class of 2026?  To begin your application today, simply click here.  Come and be a part of our tradition and legacy – 165 years strong!

   

  Have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to seeing you and your families on-campus at The Prep soon!

  Hazard Zet Forward,

  Mr. Zinsmeister

• Volume 3: October 1, 2021

  Good Afternoon, Future Pirates!

   

  “I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” ― L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

   

  Fall is a very special time for me and for everyone here at The Prep.  For the first few weeks back in school and on campus, it always seems – and perhaps more so this year than ever before – that we are all racing to get “back into the swing of things”; relearning old habits, adhering to schedules, and for some of us, actually wearing long pants and shoes for the first time in months!  Fall – and October in particular – is, for me, the first time in the new year that I finally feel as though I am back in rhythm once again.

   

  In the Admission Office, we are in the thick of our visit season (follow us on social media @SHPadmissions), applications are pouring in daily, and we are excited to have so many visitors joining us each and every day for their in-person “Freshman for a Day” experiences!  It is exactly at this time of year that The Prep starts to “buzz” and truly comes alive.  We hope that you will consider joining us on campus soon and seeing – with your own eyes - ALL that The Prep has to offer! 

   

  • One of the most-asked questions we receive in the Admission Office each fall is in regard to letters of recommendation.  How many am I allowed to submit?  Do they really carry any weight with the Admission Committee?  Whom should I ask to write on my behalf?

   

  Letters of recommendation seem to be the greatest source of both confusion and consternation each year for applicants to Seton Hall Prep.  Allow me to reassure you that A) the Admission Committee reads every letter of reference sent on your behalf and B) those same letters of recommendation, while optional but strongly recommended, provide great insight into each and every one of you.  In a given year, Seton Hall Prep has approximately 600 applicants apply for admission for one of 250 seats.  With so many applicants, it is simply impossible to conduct personal interviews.  It is for this reason that letters of recommendation play such an important role.  Your recommenders – be they teachers, school administrators, coaches, volunteer organizers, or even close family friends - provide great insight into your strengths and weaknesses, your interests, and their perception of your ability to succeed at Seton Hall Prep.  Aside from academic ability and potential, the Admission Committee seeks those students who truly wish to become part of the Seton Hall Prep community.  These letters of reference can serve as a guidepost for the committee members in that quest.

   

  When selecting a recommender is important to consider a few important things:

   

  • • How long has this person known me?  Teachers, coaches, and moderators who have known you a longer time may be able to give a more complete and accurate picture of you to the Admission Committee.
    • How well does this person know me?  Will your recommender only be able to speak about you in general terms or can he or she provide detailed and concrete examples of your strengths, your abilities, and why you will succeed at The Prep?

   

  In order to make the submission of references as simple as possible, once you have submitted your application for admission, you will gain access to your “Admissions Progress Checklist”.  From there, you will be able to submit requests and instructions directly to your recommenders, as well as monitor the status of their submissions in live time.  The Admission Committee respectfully requests that each applicant limit his letters of reference to two: one academic and one of a personal nature.

   

  • Tomorrow afternoon (Saturday, October 2) at 3:00 pm, YOUR #2 state-ranked Seton Hall Prep varsity soccer team will take-on the visiting Warriors of Life Center Academy at the Kelly Athletic Complex.  (640 Prospect Avenue, West Orange) Please join us as we celebrate the 20 senior members of the team, and we recognize Coach Marty Berman for his recent 500^th team victory!

   

  • I hope that you and your family will consider joining us on Sunday, October 31 for our annual Fall Open House.   Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the campus and our brand new 44-acre Kelly Athletic Complex, our state-of-the-art John J. Murphy ’52 Science Center, learn about the application process, and have the chance to meet with teachers, coaches, parents, and current students.  Open House is truly the perfect way for your family to meet ours.  While we wish that we could accommodate entire families, out of an overabundance of caution and to allow for sufficient social distancing while still offering a personal experience, we ask that each candidate be accompanied by only one family member or guest.  We thank you for your understanding during this extraordinary time.  The 2021 Fall Open House will be a timed program, lasting approximately two hours, with sessions beginning at 11:00 am and every half hour thereafter.  To register and reserve your space at our Fall Open House, please click here.  Hurry – spaces are filling quickly, and we expect this event to be completely filled soon!

   

  • Finally, if you have not yet already done so, why not take that first step toward becoming a member of the Seton Hall Prep Class of 2026?  To begin your application today, simply click here.  Come and be a part of our tradition and legacy – 165 years strong!

   

  Have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to seeing you and your families on-campus at The Prep soon!

  Hazard Zet Forward,

  Mr. Zinsmeister

   

   

   

• Volume 2: September 24, 2021

  Good Afternoon Future Pirates!
  
  

  Author and entrepreneur Annie Dickenson once wrote, “Home is where your story begins”. When you think of “home”, do you merely see a house, or do you envision an idea – a place of family, friends, laughter, and love? Here at Seton Hall Prep, home is so much more than just a building, or a place. It is the mingling of the most beloved traditions of our past with the excitement of the present and the anticipation of the future.
  
  

  Tomorrow afternoon, under a perfect fall sky, we will welcome all Seton Hall Prep Pirates – past, present, and future – home to The Prep to celebrate our 166 years as a family and to honor the undefeated and state champion members of the 1981 football team. You and your entire family are invited to join us as the varsity football team hosts the visiting Bees of Bayonne High School at the Kelly Athletic Complex (#640 Prospect Avenue, West Orange). Game time is 1:00 pm and the fun will begin at noon. I hope to see you there!
  
  

  As the admission cycle for those candidates applying for the Seton Hall Prep Class of 2026 begins to shift into high gear, I wanted to take this opportunity to make you aware of two wonderful opportunities to visit us on campus at The Prep.
  
  

  • Beginning on Monday, September 27, all 8th grade students are invited and encouraged to spend a full day with us on campus as a Freshman for a Day! (7th grade students are welcome to join us beginning March 7, 2022!) Freshman for a Day is truly the perfect way for applicants and interested candidates to experience The Prep for the first time! To learn more about this unique program and to book your visit, please click here.
    
    
  • On Sunday, October 31, you and one guest are invited to join us on campus (120 Northfield Avenue, West Orange) for our annual fall Open House. Members of the faculty, administration, parent organizations, and coaching staff, will be available to answer any and all questions you may have about the school. Additionally, student ambassadors will provide tours of our 12-acre campus, showcase both the John J. Murphy ’52 Science Center and the stunning 44-acre Kelly Athletic Complex located at 640 Prospect Avenue, and provide a glimpse into what it truly means to be a member of the Seton Hall Prep family. (Reservations required.) To book your reservation today, please click here.

  It is important to note that, while Seton Hall Prep is the oldest Catholic college preparatory school within the Archdiocese of Newark, we do not participate in the CO-OP (or HSPT) program. In order to apply for admission to The Prep, you will need to complete the Seton Hall Prep Application for Admission and sit for one of our four (November 13, November 20, December 4, or December 11) entrance examinations. In just a few weeks, we will happily share with you our newly updated guide for the 2021 test. If you have already completed your application, you can monitor your status throughout the admission season by logging into your “MYSHP” account and viewing your “Applicant Checklist”. If you have not yet submitted your application for The Class of 2026, why not take that first step toward your new home today? Applications are now available!
  
  

  I hope that you and your family will be able to join us for our homecoming celebration tomorrow. I hope that you are planning to visit us on campus in the near future both for our Open House and as a Freshman for a Day. I hope that you will consider joining our family at Seton Hall Prep – a grand legacy 166 years strong!

  I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you and your family this year!
  
  

  Best wishes and Hazard Zet Forward,

  Michael T. Zinsmeister

  Director of Admission & Financial Aid

• Volume 1: September 17, 2021

  Good afternoon Future Pirates!

  On behalf of the entire Seton Hall Prep community - 165 years strong - I thank you for your interest in learning more about The Prep! My name is Michael T. Zinsmeister, and I have the privilege of serving as the Director of Admission at The Prep.  Each week in “Admissions Prep Notes” you will find news, notes, and pictures of the many things happening both in and around Seton Hall Prep for the coming week.  Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to visit our website or contact the Admission Office directly.

  Firmly rooted in our Catholic traditional and founded upon our pillars of Family, Faith, Compassion, and Courage, Seton Hall Prep is home to nearly 1,000 students from over 135 towns, over 20,000 proud alumni, and has been my home for over 23 years.  As New Jersey’s oldest Catholic college preparatory school – now celebrating our 165^th year! – we take great pride in our wholistic approach to education and formation.  Whether taking one of our 26 Advanced Placement courses, playing for one of our fifteen varsity or sub-varsity championship teams, participating in (or even establishing a new one!) any of our 70+ extracurricular clubs and activities, or involving yourself in a myriad of retreats, liturgies, or countless service opportunities offered throughout the year, there is truly something for everyone – and especially you! – happening each and every day both on our campus and beyond our walls!

   

  This fall, we invite and encourage all 8^th grade students to participate in our “Freshman for a Day” program.  Appointments may be made online by visiting www.shp.org/ffad.  (Current 7^th grade students can book a reservation for their visit next spring as well!)  In addition, please register for our fall Open House, scheduled for Sunday, October 31.  (Reservations required.)  While we wish that we could accommodate entire families, out of an overabundance of caution and to allow for sufficient social distancing while still offering a personal experience, we ask that each candidate be accompanied by only one family member or guest.  We thank you for your understanding during this extraordinary time.  Members of the faculty, administration, parent organizations, and coaching staff, will be available to answer any and all questions you may have about the school.  Additionally, student ambassadors will provide tours of our 12-acre campus, showcase both our brand-new John J. Murphy ’52 Science Center and our stunning 44-acre Kelly Athletic Complex located at 640 Prospect Avenue, and provide a glimpse into what it truly means to be a member of the Seton Hall Prep family.

  Next week, our football, cross-country, and soccer teams will all continue their individual marches toward league, county, and state championship!  On Wednesday, September 22, please join your state and nationally ranked Seton Hall Prep varsity soccer team as they take-on Belleville High School at 4:00 pm at the Kelly Athletic Complex.  (640 Prospect Avenue, West Orange).  On Tuesday, September 21, the SHP cross-country team will travel to Branch Brook Park in Newark to race against Montclair Kimberly Academy, Livingston, and Montclair High Schools at 4:00 pm.  Finally, you and your entire family are invited to join the entire Seton Hall Prep community at the Kelly Athletic Complex on Saturday, September 25 at 12:00 noon for Homecoming as the Pirates battle with the Bees of Bayonne High School.  (More information regarding homecoming will be posted in the September 24 edition of Prep Notes!)

  Finally, applications for admission to the Seton Hall Prep Class of 2026 are now being accepted!  If you have not already begun your application to join our family, you may do so here.  Come and be a part of our legacy – 165 years strong!

  I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you and your family this year!

  Best wishes and Hazard Zet Forward,

  Michael T. Zinsmeister
  

  Director of Admission & Financial Aid
  
  

  PS:  To keep up with all that is happening both on campus and throughout the broader Seton Hall Prep community, do not forget to follow us on social media at @SHPadmissions!