Now close to its 116th year, St. Scholastica’s College (SSC) has been educating young women and some young men for over a century. With its motto, Ora et Labora, or “prayer and work” in English, the highly regarded institute has been producing model leaders who continue to impact our country today. If you’re looking to add your name on that list and becoming a Scholastican, you can start your journey by reading on.
History of St. Scholastica’s College
As mentioned, St. Scholastica’s College in Manila has been around for over a century. Its storied history began when five German sisters arrived in the Philippines and ran a grade school in a windowless shed along Mariones Street, Tondo. The student population at that time was eight students from well-off backgrounds and 50 students in its free school.
A year later, they moved to a donated property in San Marcelino St. The school officially came to be known as St. Scholastica’s College in 1909, the same year that its Conservatory of Music was established and became the first music education program in the country. It began to offer collegiate-level programs in 1914 and in December of that year, it moved to its permanent home in Leon Guinto St., Singalong, Malate, where it purchased the three hectares for two cents per square meter.
Despite taking a while to recover from its destruction in World War II, St. Scholastica’s continued on its journey and includes in its milestones the adoption of the theme “education for justice.”
Top Courses St. Scholastica’s College Is Known For
Of course, St. Scholastica’s College is renowned for its School of Music, which was recognized by the Commission on Higher Education as a Center of Excellence. The school also features a recital hall named after one of its alumni, Corazon Aquino, and a music library. The College of Music offers majors in specific instruments, such as guitar and piano.
A few other popular programs are its degrees in Business Administration, Accountancy, Elementary Education, and in Early Childhood Education.
How to Apply to St. Scholastica’s College
If you’re coming from a school outside of St. Scholastica’s College and wish to be part of the fold, be guided by the admissions steps below:
- Send in a copy of your official report cards and a PSA-issued birth certificate to the admissions office. One must also submit an application essay answering questions found on this link.
- If you receive a confirmation email, you may proceed to apply for the program you’re seeking by registering online through the ssc.edu.ph portal.
- Pay the process fees of P200 (with the entrance exam fee currently waived)
- After emailing proof of payment, complete the application process by filling out the online application.
- The next step entails receiving a document from the school for your class adviser or guidance counselor to complete.
- Once all of these have been submitted, the admissions office will evaluate your application and in a few days will send your application status.
See the comprehensive admissions process here.
Tuition and Other Fees at St. Scholastica's College
While the very base tuition fee for undergraduate students at SSC range from P1,961 to P1,782 from years 1 through 5, a long list of school and miscellaneous fees bring the minimum tuition fees at P50,000 to P70,000 per semester. Prospective students can view the entire breakdown of fees for S.Y. 2021-2022 here.
But don’t fret, there are a number of scholarship grants and financial opportunities for outstanding or students in need to apply for.
Famous Alumni of St. Scholastica's College
First female President Cory Aquino, first Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, first woman Supreme Court Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma, and First Lady of Philippine Music Dr. Lucresia Kasilag—what do they have in common? These pioneering women all received an education at St. Scholastica’s in one point of their lives. They, along with many others, were among the notable alumni recognized by the institution.
Other notable Scholasticans that the younger generation might also recognize today include current Senator Risa Hontiveros, volleyball player Mika Reyes, Nobel Prize winner Maria Ressa (who studied at the school until the third grade), and Ben&Ben members Patricia Lasaten and Agnes Reoma.
READ MORE:
Everything You Need to Know Before Applying to the University of Santo Tomas
Everything You Need to Know Before Applying to San Beda University
Everything You Need to Know Before Applying to the Lyceum of the Philippines University
Everything You Need to Know Before Applying to Miriam College
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