Application Process
Steps for Incoming Freshmen:
- Get to know us—Whether you come to an Open House, schedule a personal tour, or become a “Hawk for a Day,” spend some time with the O’Hara family and see how You Belong Here!
- Take the next step after your visit and apply to become a Hawk! The application can be found here: Catholic High Schools of Western New York.
- When you select O’Hara as your 1st choice school, you will automatically be signed up to take the Entrance Exam with us on November 18, 2023.
- Take our Prep Course to get ready, which includes the cost of the Exam ($20)
- When you select O’Hara as your 1st choice school, you will automatically be signed up to take the Entrance Exam with us on November 18, 2023.
- We know you are more than a test score, so in addition to your exam and 6-8th grade school transcripts, complete our Scholarship Essay by December 15 to be eligible for a scholarship.
- We want to make O’Hara affordable for as many families as possible! So in addition to the scholarship essay, complete the FACTS Financial Aid Application by December 15, 2023 in order to receive a financial aid estimate with your decision letter. To learn more about our scholarship and other financial aid opportunities, please visit our Tuition & Scholarships page.
- Stay in touch—if you have any questions along the way, please do not hesitate to reach out!
- Await acceptance decision—all acceptance decision letters will go out for Class of 2028 starting on January 18, 2024.
- Join the O’Hara Family—schedule a registration appointment to make it official!
For more information about these programs, contact Thomas Wilkie ’10, Director of Enrollment and Student Engagement, at 716-695-2600, ext. 357 or by email to twilkie@cardinalohara.com.
Steps for Transfer Students:
- Get to know us—Whether you come to an Open House, schedule a personal tour, or become a “Hawk for a Day,” spend some time with the O’Hara family and see how You Belong Here!
- Take the next step after your visit and apply to become a Hawk! Complete the transfer application and mail, email, or drop it off at the school.
- Download, complete and return the Authorization for Information Form
- Submit Transcripts from at least the last 3 academic years
- Obtain two(2) Letters of Recommendation from the student’s current school.
- Complete a Personal Interview with Cardinal O’Hara administrative personnel.
- We want to make O’Hara affordable for as many families as possible! So complete the FACTS Financial Aid Application to see if you are eligible for tuition assistance. To learn more, please visit our Tuition & Scholarships page.
For more information about these programs, contact our Director of Enrollment and Student Engagement, Thomas Wilkie ’10, at 716-695-2600, ext. 357 or by email to twilkie@cardinalohara.com.
Prospective 6th and 7th grade students can:
- 1. Attend our Fall or Spring Open House events
- 2. Schedule a campus tour
- 3. Participate in our summer camps
- 4. Check out our Fall Play, Spring Musical or cheer on the Hawks at a home sporting event.
Prospective students and their families are also welcome to attend any COHS event or program open to the public throughout the year.
For more information about these programs, contact our Director of Enrollment and Student Engagement, Thomas Wilkie ’10 at 716-695-2600, ext. 307 or by email to twilkie@cardinalohara.com.