Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ateneo look for in an applicant?
Admission to the Loyola Schools is open to qualified young men and women. Admission is determined by the applicant’s fitness and preparation for the college programs, ability to contribute toward the enrichment of the undergraduate school community, and potential to be of service to one’s fellowmen within the context of national development.

What are the criteria for admission?
The Committee on Admission and Aid considers the applicant’s Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET) results, high school grades, recommendations, extra - & co-curricular activities and all other information in the application form. There is no numerical weight for each.

Can I apply using my IB or SAT qualifications instead of taking the ACET?
Yes, you may. Specific guidelines will apply.

What is the cut-off grade for admission?
There is no cut-off grade for admission. The test results are in percentiles which are dependent on the performance of the whole batch of examinees. Of course, applicants with high grades in high school and high scores in the ACET have better chances of being accepted.

How are high school grades evaluated when high schools differ in grading system?
The processing of applications is done by school. The Committee gets an idea of a particular school’s grading system by comparing the grades of the applicants within the school.

I’m from the province. Are Metro Manila applicants given priority over provincial and international applicants?
No. Both undergo the same Admission process.

Is there a quota in the number of students to be accepted per region?
None. There is no limit as to the number of provincial applicants to be accepted. All qualified applicants regardless of region are accepted.

How long does the admission application process take?
The admission application process takes almost a year, with applications starting in June. Thus, all applications are considered for admission for the next school year. Applicants are highly encouraged to apply as early as June while undergoing their senior year in high school. There are no admissions for the second semester.

What possible decisions on application should we expect from the Ateneo?

You may get any one of the following decision letters: acceptance, waitlist and not accepted.

How will I know that I was accepted?
Decisions on college and scholarship applications are emailed directly to all applicants.

Yey! I was accepted! What next?

• Welcome to the Ateneo.
• Follow procedure. Confirm your slot, quick.
• Did you get into your preferred course? If yes, submit what documents you may need, and then give yourself a pat on the back. Now, prepare for college. If not, write a letter asking for a change of course.
• In the event that you aren’t allowed to change your course, do not be alarmed. You’ll be able to shift courses after your freshman year.
• Prepare for college.

OH NO! I got waitlisted!
Follow procedure. Wait. Pray.

OH NO! I wasn’t accepted!
You can always try to transfer after a year.