The Xaverian Programs of Academic Excellence (X-PAX)

What is the X-Pax Program?

X-PAX is a curriculum of rigorous, accelerated study for the advanced student who desires to pursue a specific major or course of study in college.  St. Mary’s Ryken has programs for students with definite interests in STEM-X (science, technology, engineering and math); Medicine & Health Sciences; Language Arts & Social Sciences; and International Relations & Global Studies.

Who is eligible?

Each individual program has prerequisites:

STEM-X:

• Student must have a math cumulative High School Placement Test (HSPT) score above 90% and validate the SMR Algebra I exam.

Medicine & Health Sciences:

• Student must have a math cumulative HSPT score above 90% and validate the SMR Algebra I exam.

Language Arts & Social Sciences:

• Student must have an English cumulative HSPT score above 90%.

International Relations & Global Studies:

• Student must have an English cumulative HSPT score above 90% and validate an SMR World Language I exam.

How do you get into the program?

To be selected into one of the X-PAX programs a student will need to:

1. Complete the X-PAX online application
2. Complete SMR admissions application
3. Take the High School Placement Test (HSPT)
4. Submit two letters of recommendation – Due March 1, 2010
5. Submit a one page essay:  Why do you want to be in the X-PAX program?
6. Interview  - March 5^th, 2010
7. Complete prerequisites 

For more information, contact Barbara Ives, dean of academics, at bives@smrhs.org.