Saint Mary’s College launches guaranteed admission for Lasallian graduates

Saint Mary’s College of California has created a national guaranteed-admission path for eligible graduates of accredited U.S. Lasallian high schools, starting with the upcoming admissions cycle. The program is designed to make entry to the Moraga, California college more transparent and accessible for students who meet academic and application requirements.

Why it matters: - Saint Mary’s College of California is positioning itself as the first U.S. Lasallian college or university to offer guaranteed admission to eligible Lasallian high school graduates nationwide. - The program gives qualifying students a direct path to college admission instead of a preferred-review model. - College leaders say the initiative strengthens the Lasallian educational pipeline from secondary school to college.

What happened: - Saint Mary’s College of California launched the Lasallian Guaranteed Admission Program in Moraga, California. - The program begins with the upcoming admissions cycle. - Students who graduate from an accredited U.S. Lasallian high school, earn at least a 3.5 weighted GPA, complete a college-preparatory curriculum, and satisfy Saint Mary’s application requirements will be guaranteed admission. - The program is open to graduates of Lasallian-affiliated high schools across the United States, including schools sponsored by the Brothers of the Christian Schools, the District of San Francisco New Orleans, and member institutions of the Lasallian Association of Secondary Schools.

The details: - The program reflects Saint Mary’s commitment to the educational vision of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. - Saint Mary’s says the initiative aligns with its Lasallian, Catholic, and liberal arts mission. - The guaranteed admission model differs from traditional programs that offer expedited review or preferred consideration. - Eligible students will also receive priority consideration for Lasallian Leadership Scholarships. - Eligible students can participate in Lasallian formation programming and ongoing engagement with the College’s Office of Mission and Ministry. - Saint Mary’s remains test-optional, and standardized test scores are not required for eligibility. - Additional information, including complete eligibility requirements and application details, is available through the Saint Mary’s Office of Admissions.

Between the lines: - The program reflects a broader effort to make Saint Mary’s more visible to students already educated in the Lasallian tradition. - By guaranteeing admission rather than simply signaling preference, Saint Mary’s lowers uncertainty for families weighing college options. - College leaders are tying the program to five Lasallian Core Principles: Faith in the Presence of God, Quality Education, Respect for All Persons, Inclusive Community, and Concern for the Poor and Social Justice. - Saint Mary’s says those principles have guided the college since its founding in 1863. - President Roger J. Thompson said the program recognizes the preparation Lasallian students have already received and offers them a clear pathway to continue that journey at Saint Mary’s. - J. Michael Thompson, Interim Dean of Admissions, said the program is meant to make the transition to Saint Mary’s more transparent and accessible for students and families.

What's next: - Eligible Lasallian high school graduates can apply under the new guarantee during the next admissions cycle. - Saint Mary’s says complete eligibility rules and application instructions will be available through the Office of Admissions. - The college is likely to use the program to deepen ties with Lasallian secondary schools nationwide.

The bottom line: - Saint Mary’s College has created a rare guaranteed-admission route that turns shared Lasallian identity into a direct college pipeline for qualified high school graduates.