Can a recent Catholic convert be admitted into a seminary for training to become a priest?

[RefrAug]

I am a high school senior who has recently joined the Catholic Church after following God’s leading. Prior to joining the Catholic Church, I was a devout Protestant, planning to attend a Protestant Seminary upon graduation from high school. My question is the following- now that I am a Catholic, how can I fulfill my calling of consecrating my life to serving Christ? I feel that if I share my desire to enter the priesthood with my local priest, they will dismiss me, since I am only a Catholic for about 1 month. This is very stressful to me, because now is the time where I, as a high school senior, begin to decide which college to attend. Working as anything outside of the Church is simply dreadful to me. What should I do? Are there other vocations or options for me to pursue? Thank you.

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

Most dioceses require recent converts to wait a minimum of one year and some require more time after their conversion before they can be considered for acceptance into seminary. From a quick internet search it appears that two years is a basic rule of thumb for most dioceses.
The reason for this is to be sure that the individual truly is experiencing a call to the priesthood or religious life. Sometimes individuals can get caught up in the excitement of their new-found faith and make rash decisions based on feelings rather than true discernment.
Of course, just because a diocese or religious order does not accept applications from converts for a year or two does not mean you cannot begin a dialogue with them. They can probably help you find a good Spiritual Director and can help your discernment process.