Bishop Verot Scholars Academy

In the landscape of elite college admissions, being bright is simply the baseline. To secure a seat at the country’s most selective institutions, you need a distinguished narrative, a strategic profile, and flawless execution.


Crafted for the focused scholar, our model empowers students to treat their higher education goals with the intentionality they deserve, ensuring every step is a calculated move toward defining their place among the nation’s top applicants.
The Scholars Academy Advantage
As part of the Bishop Verot Scholars Academy, the road to the Ivy League and beyond begins the moment a student steps foot on campus as a freshman.
- Freshman Year: The Foundation
We move beyond basic course selection. We curate a rigorous four-year curriculum and identify high-impact extracurricular niches that set the stage for a unique candidate profile. - Sophomore Year: The Differentiation
While others are joining clubs, our students are building legacies. We coach our sophomores to seek out leadership roles, specialized summer programs, and unique research opportunities that demonstrate Intellectual Vitality, a key metric for top-tier admissions. - Junior Year: The Strategy
The high-stakes year. We hone the Personal Brand development that will define their application alongside effective test prep strategies. - Senior Year: The Execution
We provide granular guidance through the entire application cycle. From the nuanced Common App strategy to the artistry of the personal statement, we want every word to resonate with admissions officers at highly selective universities.
The Hallmark: Impact Initiative Research Endeavor
The defining feature of the Scholars Academy experience is the RISE Project—a sophisticated, two-year service-learning and research endeavor that transforms students from high achievers into visionary leaders.
Elite universities are no longer looking for well-rounded students; they are looking for well-angled students who show initiative and a capacity for real-world impact. Our RISE process provides the framework for this distinction:
- Vision & Identification: We guide students through the process of identifying a critical issue or research gap that aligns with their personal passions and academic interests.
- Expert Mentorship: Members of the Academy receive dedicated guidance as they research root causes and design a take-action project with measurable outcomes.
- Meaningful Impact: Unlike standard community service, the RISE is a legacy project. Whether it’s pioneering medical supply redistribution or launching a STREAM-outreach non-profit, our students graduate with a portfolio of success that proves they can solve complex problems.
The Admissions Edge: We coach students on how to weave their RISE narrative into their college applications, demonstrating the exact kind of purpose and initiative that elite admissions committees prioritize.


Minimum Requirements for Scholars Academy Admission (incoming freshman):
- Score at or above the 85th percentile on at least two sections of the STS High School Placement Exam
- Do not score below the 50th percentile on any section of the STS High School Placement Exam
- Composite score on STS High School Placement Exam of 80 or above
- All students must maintain A's and B's as a semester average in any subject throughout middle school (Applicant's report card required)
- All students must maintain satisfactory attendance and conduct throughout middle school (Applicant's report card required)
* All DeSales Scholarship winners qualify for the Scholars Academy
Class of 2030 Scholars Academy Information
Rising freshmen and their parents who have been accepted to the Scholars Academy are invited to attend an informational virtual meeting to learn more about the program, prior to course selection and registration.
January 30 at 12:00 p.m.
February 4 at 7:00 p.m.
Students who do not qualify as an incoming freshman may be invited after the first semester or second semester of freshman year. To be invited, the student must have:
- 4.35 weighted GPA (Principal's List)
- At least 4 honors classes during freshman year (not including Theology or electives)
- Satisfactory discipline and attendance record
- At least 2 extra-curricular activities including athletics and clubs
For more information, contact Mrs. Kelley Kaminsky, Scholars Academy Coordinator, at kelley.kaminsky@bvhs.org, or call (239) 274-6793.




