How to Apply to Ateneo de Cebu, UP High, Science High, and Other High Schools in Cebu

A step-by-step guide on how to apply for admission to Ateneo, UP High, Science High, UC Junior Science High School, CNU, and other high schools in Cebu, including requirements and entrance exams.

This page contains the requirements, application procedures, and information on entrance exam dates for the following schools:

  1. Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu
  2. Cebu City National Science High School
  3. UP High School Cebu
  4. Cebu Normal University
  5. Philippine Science High School – Central Visayas Campus
  6. University of Cebu Junior Science High School

Ateneo de Cebu

Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu has started accepting Grade 7 applicants for School Year 2024-2025. Below, you’ll find the examination dates, the list of requirements, and the procedure for admission.

Admission Procedure

Ateneo de Cebu has a very convenient online portal dedicated to admissions. This is where you can see the list of requirements, fill up the application form, upload the requirements for review, pay the application fee, view the exam schedule, and even see the results of the application. Except for the exam itself, there’s no need to even go to Ateneo because almost everything can be done through the portal.

Here’s what to do:

  1. Go to their admissions portal and create an account. You can do this even if your child isn’t applying yet; for example, as early as when your child is in fifth grade, you can create an account here so you can already have an idea of what the requirements will be.
  2. In the “Inquiry” tab, you can view a list of requirements. Just select the school year first — it will usually be the ongoing school year UNTIL they start accepting applications for the next school year, and then it will show the next school year — and then select the grade level you’re interested in using the drop-down list and press the “Show Requirements” button. Prepare digital/scanned copies or clear photos of these requirements.
  3. Also in the “Inquiry” tab, under the “Show Requirements” button, it will say: “Ready to apply? Click here to continue.” The “here” word will contain a link to the application form.
  4. Fill in the application form online and upload the required documents where specified.
  5. Within the application form, you will be asked to provide the email address of both the guidance counselor of your child’s current school and your child’s current class adviser. This is because the portal will be sending directly to them an online form that they can fill up in relation to your child’s behavior and school performance. At no point will you be able to see this form but you will get a notice via email saying “Recommendation letter received” if your child’s class adviser/guidance counselor has already filled it in.
  6. After submitting your application, you will be advised to pay the application fee. It’s currently Php700, which you can pay directly to the Ateneo cashier, but if you like, you can also pay it online through the portal, but there will be a “convenience fee” of Php250, making the total application fee Php950 if you pay it online.
  7. The Ateneo admissions team will review your application and also check if you’ve paid the application fee. Within a couple of days, you will receive an email telling you that your child has been scheduled for an entrance exam. (You’re supposed to be able to choose from several dates but there was only one date available in our case. If you do have questions or if you need to change dates, there is an email address you can send your concerns to.)
  8. Go to Ateneo on your scheduled date for the entrance examination.
  9. Within 5 working days, you will receive an email informing you whether your application was accepted or rejected. If accepted, you may reserve a slot by paying an Php8,000 reservation fee, which is deductible from the total school fees.
  10. They will make an announcement when enrollment starts.

Examination Dates

For School Year 2024-2025, there are eight examination dates scheduled for applicants to Grade 7 (Junior High School). The exam will take place on the following dates: