Palma Scholars Program Application

Applicants to the Palma Scholars Program should formally designate their interest in the program when completing the online application. Please note that only students applying to grade 9 are considered. To learn more about the Palma Scholars Program please visit our program overview page.

Admission Criteria

Admission to the program is based on both demonstrated achievement and potential in the program’s four key characteristics: academics, athletics, leadership, and service. In keeping with the spirit of the program, no current or former Catlin Gabel students are eligible to be Palma Scholars.

Finalist Process

Approximately a dozen applicants are selected as program finalists and are asked to return to campus for a full day of activities with current Palma Scholars, the Palma Scholars Program Director, and Catlin Gabel faculty and staff.

key dates for palma scholar Applicants
December 3, 2024: Palma Scholars Program Breakfast
January 16, 2025: Palma Scholars Program application deadline
January 16, 2025: Financial assistance application deadline. (If an applicant family is also applying to multiple divisions, financial assistance applications should be submitted by the earliest admission application deadline.)
January 31, 2025: Palma Scholars Program finalists notified
February 13, 2025: Palma Scholars Program finalists day
February 21, 2025: Palma Scholars Program and financial assistance decisions delivered
March 6, 2025: Palma Scholars Program enrollment deadline

Application Checklist

We’ve put together a checklist to help you with the application process. All items marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

Get To Know Us

Create an admission portal account*

Register for events

  • Upper School Admission Overview: October 24, 2024, 12-12:45pm
  • Open House: October 27, 2024 1-4 p.m.
  • Palma Scholars Program Breakfast: December 3, 2024
  • December Upper School Information Session: December 11, 2024, 7:00-8:15 p.m.
  • An Evening with Catlin Gabel Family Affinity & Discussion Groups: December 17, 2024, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  • January Upper School Information Session: January 15, 2025, 7:00-8:15 p.m.

Explore campus through a guided tour

Join a virtual Q&A drop-in session

Application Process

 Pay $75 Application Fee*

Submit Online Forms*

  • Family Information Forms
  • Applicant Profile
  • Questions for Parents/Guardians
  • Questions for Students
  • Student Video
  • Palma Scholars Addendum

Upload Student Writing Sample*

Send Teacher Evaluation Forms to Current Teachers*

  • Send after November 1, 2024

Send Coach Evaluation Form*

  • To the coach of each sport you place at a competitive (non-recreational) level

Submit School Records*

 Register for a Shadow Day*

  • Complete the Interests and Shadow Day Form found under the Shadow Day section in the admission portal at least a week prior to your scheduled visit day
  • Schedule a shadow day to observe classes, enjoy lunch and breaks, and participate in a demo-class and team challenge activity
 

Start Application Continue Application

Have Questions?

Contact Mary Braun
Director of Upper School Enrollment
braunm@catlin.edu
(503) 297-1894 ext.5052

Palma Scholars Program Overview

Learn More

Fee Waiver

To request a need-based application fee waiver, please complete the fee waiver request form.

Request A Waiver

Palma Scholars Program Alumni Panel