Independent School Admissions Archives - 91ÁÔĆć /blog/category/independent-school-admissions/ Prep for Success Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:02:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://assets.testinnovators.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/favicon-85x85.png Independent School Admissions Archives - 91ÁÔĆć /blog/category/independent-school-admissions/ 32 32 What does it mean for a school application to be holistic? /blog/what-does-it-mean-for-a-middle-or-high-school-application-to-be-holistic/ Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:02:24 +0000 /?p=3557 As you research the admissions process for different independent and private schools, you may notice that many schools’ admissions offices mention a holistic review process. What does this mean exactly, and how does it affect your application specifically?

The post What does it mean for a school application to be holistic? appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]>

As you research the admissions process for different independent and private schools, you may notice that many schools’ admissions offices mention providing a holistic review process. What does this mean, and how does it affect your application specifically?

Holistic applications emphasize evaluating the applicant as an individual in a broader sense, beyond empirical data such as GPA and standardized test scores.

This is why students are asked to submit a plethora of materials as part of their applications: personal essays, teacher recommendations, transcripts, and other supplementary materials. Many schools also require on-site interviews or visits. Each of these pieces, viewed together with standardized test scores and grade point averages, helps paint a picture of an applicant that can then be evaluated against other students’ profiles to help the school build its ideal incoming class.

Ěý

Why Standardized Tests?

If schools already look at candidates holistically, why are test scores even part of the process, especially for students who already have impressive grades or recommendations? One reason is that having a normative test as a baseline providesĚý highly competitive schools an impartial metric by which to judge students’ applications.

There can be high variability in grade point averages between schools depending on curriculum rigor, grade inflation, and other factors, meaning that a 3.8 GPA at one school is not always equivalent to a 3.8 at another. Conversely, the and the have consistent grading scales for all students taking the exam, which makes each an objective metric.

When a school receives hundreds or thousands of applications every year for only a few spots, it is highly unlikely that the admissions staff will have time to fully consider every application. More often than not, only applications with standardized test scores above a certain threshold receive full evaluation.

The second reason, especially for smaller or less well-known schools, is that low scores on standardized tests can help identify students who may have fallen behind the expected curriculum pace. In this case, a lower test score indicates that a student may require additional resources and assistance from the school to succeed.

Ěý

Self-Reflection

Throughout the application and selection process, it’s important for students and families to be self-reflective. Regardless of your specific combination of talents and achievements, academic or otherwise, you must remember that many other excellent students are also applying to the same schools. It’s better to apply to at least one or two achievable target schools and receive multiple acceptances than to only apply to the most competitive schools and potentially find yourself with no options for the upcoming year. Consider also that the most competitive and/or most well-known school may not be the place where a student will be the happiest, even if they are admitted.

Ěý

And the Tests?

Though standardized tests are only one aspect of the holistic application, ensure that your test scores are high enough to align with the rest of the application and represent you as a student.

The best way to ensure test success is to take a practice test as early as possible in the preparation process. This diagnostic can help you determine how you would score if you took the test today, and identify what you need to work on before test day.

Having a tutor to consult during the process can also be helpful.

Ěý

Not sure which test you’ll be taking? Check out our guide on the differences between the ISEE & the SSAT here.

Originally published on January 24, 2018. Updated on January 30, 2026.Ěý

The post What does it mean for a school application to be holistic? appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> Featured School: Salisbury School /blog/featured-school-salisbury-school/ Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:51:40 +0000 /?p=3965 Salisbury School is a private boys’ school in Litchfield County, Connecticut that has been educating young men since 1901.

The post Featured School: Salisbury School appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]>

Salisbury School is a private boys’ school in Litchfield County, Connecticut, that has been educating young men since 1901. As a boarding school, Salisbury has a unique capacity to provide a transformative educational experience by fostering intentional, calibrated independence in a well-balanced, structured, supportive, safe, and healthy culture. Salisbury offers a modern and diverse curriculum as well as vibrant artistic, athletic, and extracurricular programs that build character and forge lifelong friendships. Salisbury’s students learn skills they will carry to leading colleges, successful careers, and other fulfilling life experiences.

Salisbury School’s mission, “to instill in boys a vibrant enthusiasm for learning and the self-confidence needed for intellectual, physical, moral, and spiritual development,” drives the community. Built on essential core values, Salisbury’s unique culture promotes brotherhood, creativity, empathy, humility, integrity, leadership, and respect. Salisbury graduates are men of character and promise who are prepared to make a difference in our entrepreneurial, technological, and cosmopolitan world.

Learn more about Salisbury at their websiteĚý.

Originally published on April 18, 2017. Updated on January 30, 2026.Ěý

The post Featured School: Salisbury School appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> The Boy Who Forgot to Prepare: A Cautionary Tale /blog/boy-who-forgot-prepare-cautionary-tale/ Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:42:00 +0000 /?p=4003 Phillips Exeter Academy is Mason’s dream school. Mason knows everything there is to know about Exeter. All of his heroes are Exeter alumni: his favorite US president is Franklin Pierce, and he has dressed up as author Booth Tarkington for the past three Halloweens.

The post The Boy Who Forgot to Prepare: A Cautionary Tale appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]>

Phillips Exeter Academy is Mason’s dream school—he knows everything there is to know about Exeter. All of his personal heroes are Exeter alumni: his favorite U.S. president is Franklin Pierce, and he has dressed up as author Booth Tarkington for the past three Halloweens.

Mason has always performed well on standardized tests. When he took the state-mandated achievement test at his public school last year, he scored in the 94th percentile. He’s one of the only straight-A students at his middle school. Not bad, Mason.

With this in mind, Mason isn’t considering putting together a preparation regimen before his SSAT in November. He figures that he’s a great test-taker, a stellar student, and an all-around good guy. The SSAT should be easy-peasy, and he’ll be a shoo-in for Exeter.

But Mason…let’s think about this for a minute. Consider who is applying to highly competitive schools like PEA—do you think it’s the same population of students who took that in-class exam a year ago?

I see you shaking your head “no,” Mason—you are correct. The SSAT is much more competitive than any test you’ve taken in the past. Students taking the SSAT are an elite group—they are applying to some of the best schools in the country, and they are a motivated bunch. You are competing against many other students who ace every assignment in class and score in the top 10% on other standardized tests.Ěý

Note:Ěý Percentile scores on the SSAT (and the ISEE, another competitive entrance exam) are consistently 10 to 40 points lower than percentiles on nationally normed tests. This difference is mostly attributable to the caliber of students taking these tests.

If you want to ensure that you’ll do well on this test, Mason, you should take a diagnostic practice test well in advance of the official SSAT. Lots of students do really well on their initial practice test—you might score in the 90th to 99th percentile range, and in that case, you’re good to go. However, if you see that your results are not in line with the target scores for the schools you want to apply to, it’s time to review your diagnostic report and work on any concepts or question types that you struggled with.

Even after our chat, Mason decided to forgo any sort of preparation for the SSAT. When he walked into the room on test day, his head was held high, expecting to ace the test, confident in his past scholastic experiences. He walked out of the testing room with a tired, defeated grimace. A twitching eye.

Mason learned the lesson that many other students have learned the hard way: the SSAT is quite a bit different than other tests. The SSAT is designed to challenge even the most intelligent of students.Ěý

Mason also didn’t realize that the Upper Level SSAT is a test that 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students are taking…a test designed to assess students four years older than him. Mason didn’t have any strategies to deal with the difficult questions that would show up. He wasted way too much time on questions that few—if any—8th graders will successfully answer. If Mason had done any sort of preparation, he could have learned to identify these questions and manage his time more efficiently.

Mason’s dream of Exeter was temporarily shattered when he received a report with low scores. Luckily, he could take the SSAT again next month. He vowed to try again, and to prepare this time. Good idea, Mason.

Don’t be like Mason.

Get started with your test prep today!

Originally published on October 12, 2016. Updated on January 30, 2026.Ěý

The post The Boy Who Forgot to Prepare: A Cautionary Tale appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> How to afford the private school of your dreams /blog/how-afford-private-school-your-dreams/ Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:34:46 +0000 /?p=4341 It’s a simple fact - not everyone can afford to pay full-price tuition for private schools. However, that doesn’t mean that a high quality education is impossible to attain. Before you give up on a competitive school for your child, consider these tuition tips:

The post How to afford the private school of your dreams appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]>

It’s a simple fact—not everyone can afford to pay full-price tuition for private schools. However, that doesn’t mean that a high-quality education is impossible to attain. Before you rule out sending your child to a competitive school, consider these tuition tips:

Scholarships

The most convenient option is to receive financial aid from the school itself. Research whether the schools you’re applying to offer scholarships, as some schools routinely give full scholarships to high-achieving students. However, make sure to apply for these scholarships early—many applications are due months before you’ll hear back about admissions.

There are also nationwide scholarship programs for eligible students, such as for students of color, the for students with financial need, and the for low-income students grades K-8.

State Voucher Programs

Some states have voucher programs that provide funding to low-income or special-needs students to attend private schools. Check to see whether your family is eligible.

Public Exam Schools & Charter Schools

The best schools aren’t always private schools—there are many great charter schools and public exam schools that not only rival a private education in quality, but also don’t charge tuition.

However, because these schools are free, they can often be more competitive and difficult to get into. For example, requires ISEE scores in the 90th percentile for a good chance of acceptance.Ěý

Negotiable Tuition Rates

It is a little-known fact that private school tuition rates aren’t always set in stone. Communicate with schools to see if there is any flexibility in tuition rates. Many private schools offer plans that allow parents to pay tuition in monthly installments, or may even lower tuition rates if paying in full isn’t feasible.

Good luck making your dream school affordable! We’re here to ensure the admissions tests don’t stand in your way.Ěý

Click below to find your test:

ĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚýĚý

Originally published on October 26, 2016. Updated on January 30, 2026.Ěý

The post How to afford the private school of your dreams appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> Director of Admissions Greg Jones’s Advice for Parents /blog/director-of-admissions-greg-jones-offers-his-advice-for-parents/ Tue, 06 Jan 2026 04:07:00 +0000 /?p=3247 Greg Jones shares his tips for parents and families as a former Director of Enrollment Management and Admissions at Epiphany School in Seattle.

The post Director of Admissions Greg Jones’s Advice for Parents appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]>

Greg Jones served a long and illustrious career in education. Recently retired, Jones was the Director of Enrollment Management and Admissions at Epiphany School for 14 years and a middle school Humanities teacher, department chair, and admissions committee member at The Northwest School for 15 years, both located in Seattle, Washington.

In this conversation with 91ÁÔĆć’ CEO, Edan Shahar, Greg talks about his experience helping 8th graders find the best high school fit, and offers his advice for parents as they navigate the admissions process.

Originally published on December 12, 2018. Updated on January 5, 2026.

The post Director of Admissions Greg Jones’s Advice for Parents appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> School Profile: Eastside Catholic School /blog/school-profile-eastside-catholic-school/ Mon, 05 Jan 2026 01:46:00 +0000 /?p=3161 Eastside Catholic is known for its strong community--many students view EC as their home away from home. The school offers grade-level retreats and a school-wide Mentor Program, award winning performing arts and athletic programs, and more than 30 AP, honors and collegiate level courses in the high school. With administrative approval, middle school students can take advanced courses in the high school.

The post School Profile: Eastside Catholic School appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]>

We spoke with Karen Hatch, the current Marketing & Communications Director atĚý Eastside Catholic School, about what makes EC special.Ěý

Location:ĚýSammamish, Washington

Website:Ěý

Grades Served:Ěý6 through 12

Student Body: Approximately 850 students total with ~70 per grade in the middle school and ~170 per grade in the high school.

What makes your school unique?

Eastside Catholic is known for our strong community—many students view EC as their home away from home. Our school offers grade-level retreats and a school-wide Mentor Program, award winning performing arts and athletic programs, and more than 30 AP, honors and collegiate level courses in the high school. With administrative approval, middle school students can take advanced courses in the high school. We care about the whole student—social and emotional, not just academics—while encouraging and supporting each student academically.

What makes your students unique?

Almost all of our students develop a great balance between our three Touchstones: Academic Excellence, Relationships, and Servant Leadership. Our students are appreciative and thank teachers at the end of class. Students learn to be strong collaborators and do so in and out of the classroom. Our students are also active volunteers in our neighboring communities.

What makes your faculty and staff unique?

Our faculty continuously work above and beyond the regular school day, including optional evening events, lunch meetings, acting as club advisers, meeting with students before and after school, and more. They are dedicated to EC and our mission and strive to encourage academic excellence, nurture relationships, and inspire a life of leadership and service to others. Currently, nine teachers are Nationally Board Certified, and 68% of EC’s faculty members hold advanced degrees.

What should students keep in mind when applying to your school?

During the application process, we work hard to develop an accurate picture of each potential student through academic evaluation, interviews, and written applications to assess what is best for them as a student and as a person and to ensure that they will succeed at Eastside Catholic. We encourage all students to visit EC and experience what it’s like to be a Crusader for a Day!

Which program or recent change are you most excited about at your school?

We are especially proud of the expansion of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) resources for middle school and high school, a new school-wide Mentor Program curriculum for all grades, and the Amplify Middle School Science curriculum. We are also excited about the addition of new programs to support school community cohesiveness through all-school activities like our parent-student sponsored “Spring Fling,” Field Day, and EC Way Awards.

Describe an impactful program that your school runs.

Eastside Catholic is home to the Options Program which provides individualized academic and life skills development for high school students with diagnosed intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Describe what a class at your school looks like.

Students are greeted at the door and class begins with prayer. Each minute provides students the opportunity to learn and grow as young adults. Teaching styles and methods are varied throughout each lesson to accommodate multiple learning styles and maximize each student’s academic success and help them fulfill their true potential.

Originally published on November 7, 2018. Updated on January 4, 2026.

The post School Profile: Eastside Catholic School appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> When Is Boarding School the Right Choice? /blog/when-is-boarding-school-the-right-choice/ Fri, 02 Jan 2026 00:50:00 +0000 /?p=3400 What kind of family should consider boarding school? In this clip from our CEO's conversation with placement expert Neal Kamsler, Neal discusses how traditional wisdom about boarding schools may not hold water.

The post When Is Boarding School the Right Choice? appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]>

What kind of students should consider attending boarding school? In this clip from our CEO’s conversation with placement expert Neal Kamsler, the twoĚý discuss how traditional wisdom about boarding schools may not hold water.

For 21 years, Neal Kamsler was Head of Upper School at Allen-Stevenson School in New York City. He now serves as Senior Director of Placement at Oliver Scholars, a non-profit educational access organization. Listen to Neal’s school admissions conversation with our CEO, Edan Shahar, here.

Check out this video from the for one student’s boarding school story.

Originally published on October 25, 2018. Updated on January 1, 2026.

The post When Is Boarding School the Right Choice? appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> SSAT Featured School #1: Pingree /blog/ssat-featured-school-1-pingree/ Tue, 23 Dec 2025 04:18:00 +0000 /?p=4031 Nestled among the farms and forests of northeastern Massachusetts, Pingree began as a school for girls in 1961. The school gets its name from the Pingree family, who generously donated its fifty acre homestead to house a school. The 9th through 12th grade high school has been growing ever since, welcoming boys in 1971 and expanding its facilities to meet the needs of a diversifying student body.

The post SSAT Featured School #1: Pingree appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]>

In our Featured School Series, we’ll be profiling some of the schools that use the SSAT as part of their admissions package. Throughout these profiles, we hope to demonstrate the enormous diversity of competitive schools in the U.S., Canada, and abroad.

The first school we chose to examine is Pingree School in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. Let’s take a look!

Pingree:

Nestled among the farms and forests of northeastern Massachusetts, Pingree began as a school for girls in 1961. The school gets its name from the Pingree family, who generously donated their fifty acre homestead to house a school. The ninth through twelfth grade high school has been growing ever since, expanding to all genders in 1971 and expanding its facilities to meet the needs of a diversifying student body. Today, Pingree enrolls nearly 350 high schoolers at its spacious day-school campus.

Fast Facts:

  • Pingree draws most of its student population from western Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.
  • Due to its distance from central Boston, Pingree isn’t quite as competitive as some other top private day schools. That being said, Pingree draws many applicants with its idyllic rural setting and quality academic and athletic programs.
  • Students applying to Pingree can take the SSAT or ISEE. To have the best chance at acceptance, applicants should aim for the 70th percentile or above on these standardized tests.

Check out

Get started with your test prep today!

Originally published on July 22, 2015. Updated on December 22, 2025.Ěý

The post SSAT Featured School #1: Pingree appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> School Profile: St. Bernard’s School /blog/school-profile-st-bernards/ Tue, 23 Dec 2025 03:12:00 +0000 /?p=3201 We talked with Kaley Bell, Secondary School Advisor at St. Bernard's School, about what sets the school apart.

The post School Profile: St. Bernard’s School appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]>

We talked with Kaley Bell, Secondary School Advisor at St. Bernard’s School, about what sets the school apart.Ěý

Ěý

Location: New York, New York

Website:

Grades Served: K-9

Student Body: Roughly 375 students; about 40 students per grade in K-8 and 4 students in 9th grade

Ěý

What makes your school unique?

St. Bernard’s offers academic rigor, strength in the humanities, and opportunities for students to discover public speaking and performance. Additionally, every student takes Latin.

What makes your students unique?

Their general knowledge and the breadth of their knowledge and interests.

What makes your faculty and staff unique?

Like our students, our faculty have a diversity of specialties and passions. Many faculty members have had other careers besides teaching; everyone has a wide range and depth of knowledge, interesting hobbies, and skills

What should students keep in mind when applying to your school?

Students at St. Bernard’s must be able to handle academic rigor, juggling two languages and two English classes. They also must be comfortable publicly speaking in front of an audience of over 100 several times a year.

Which program or recent change are you most excited about at your school?

The Good Heart Program, currently in its pilot phase, began as a response to educational research on character development and social-emotional learning, especially in boys’ schools, and after conversations with other New York City independent schools. We strive to emphasize the four values that best represent our school and community: perseverance, honesty, community, and consideration for others. Each grade level has time during the week dedicated to the Good Heart Program, whether in homeroom, advisory, or our Good Guy and Social Justice classes. St. Bernard’s boys have always gone out into the world comfortable with rigorous academics; this program gives a name and a concrete curriculum to the social-emotional values we uphold.

Describe an impactful program that your school runs.

Our Shakespeare play is the longest-running performance of Shakespeare in the United States, and our boys are proud to be part of that tradition. St. Bernard’s boys have been participating in a Shakespeare play each December since 1910. Every boy must participate, whether acting, designing sets, or stage managing. The play is kept a secret until the spring of seventh grade, when an unveiling occurs during assembly. The boys then read the play in their English class, and auditions occur a few months later in the fall of eighth grade. The only performance occurs the week before winter break at Miller Theater at Columbia University, after weeks of memorizing lines and long hours spent rehearsing (on top of secondary school applications, fall sports, and homework). The celebration of the Shakespeare production is a crucial part of the school’s cultural and poetic tradition.

Originally published on January 14, 2019. Updated on December 22, 2025.Ěý

The post School Profile: St. Bernard’s School appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]> School Profile: Dexter Southfield /blog/dexter-southfield-school-profile/ Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:22:00 +0000 /?p=3372 We talked with Scott Duddy, Director of Admissions & Enrollment Management at Dexter Southfield, about what sets his school apart.

The post School Profile: Dexter Southfield appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]>

We talked with Scott Duddy, Director of Admissions & Enrollment Management at Dexter Southfield, about what sets his school apart.

Ěý

Location: Brookline, Massachusetts

Website:

Grades Served: Pre-K through 12

Student Body: Around 1,100 students throughout all 14 grade levels; class sizes are larger in grades 9-12Ěý

Ěý

What makes your school unique?

Dexter Southfield, guided by the motto “Our Best Today, Better Tomorrow,” encourages creativity, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence. We prepare students for the future, which they shape. Dexter Southfield is committed to instilling confidence, nurturing individual talents, and building an ethical foundation for life for each and every student. Our 36-acre campus is located on the Brookline-Boston line,Ěý close to Boston’s best museums, libraries, hospitals, colleges, and universities—all of which serve as an extension of our classrooms. With active support from their teachers, students challenge themselves, experiment, and pursue their passions. Dexter Southfield graduates are poised, prepared, and versatile—ready for success in college and life beyond.

What makes your students unique?

At Dexter Southfield, students gain both breadth and depth by engaging in a full range of subjects and activities, by finding their passions, and by growing their unique talents in areas they love. Throughout all grades, the program is structured to introduce students to a wealth of new experiences, to build skills in all areas, and to develop a can-do attitude. From the start, everyone does everything, and as students progress, they choose paths according to the directions they want to chart for themselves, continually applying their knowledge and skills as new opportunities arise. As a result, they deeply explore areas that interest them, and they have the enthusiasm, the confidence, and the expertise to try new things for the rest of their lives.

What makes your faculty and staff unique?

Dexter Southfield encourages expansiveness, creativity, and innovation to prepare students for a future that they will shape. The School’s programs help students build a strong foundation of essential knowledge and skills while they develop versatility and habits of mind. Here, they learn to ask important questions, draw their own conclusions, and solve problems that matter. With active support from their teachers, students love to experiment and see things through—so they can succeed in the ever-growing fields of college and careers.

What should students keep in mind when applying to your school?

One of the first things visitors notice about Dexter Southfield is our warmth. We pride ourselves on being a caring and sincere campus, welcoming students and families of all backgrounds and paying attention to individual needs when students arrive and as they grow. The strength of our community is upheld in a variety of ways: assemblies, shared meals, school meetings, our unique single-sex program, our buses, and our commitment to diversity. We feel like a family, and we are eager to welcome new members.

Which program or recent change are you most excited about at your school?

Athletics Arena and Kraft Fieldhouse: The newly constructed arena includes an ice rink, new spectator seating, an off-season turf surface, a warming room, and team meeting space. The seasonally-flexible fieldhouse hosts a varsity-level basketball court, tennis courts, volleyball courts, a flexible gymnasium space, collapsible spectator seating, locker rooms, and state-of-the-art strength and conditioning and training facilities. Additional athletic facilities include an indoor swimming pool, baseball and softball fields, and three turf fields–two outdoor and one indoor. Dexter Southfield also has a Rowing Center, located on the Charles River just four miles away in Dedham.

Describe an impactful program that your school runs.

From the Playscape—where exploratory play, science, and engineering are fully integrated—to neuroendocrinology, independent study, and off-campus experiences involving programming at Harvard Medical School and NASA research, STEM programs are supported at every grade level. We deliver on our promise of excellence in academics, the arts, athletics, and character with smooth, productive programming that sets our students up to be at their best.

Originally published on October 29, 2018. Updated on December 22, 2025.Ěý

The post School Profile: Dexter Southfield appeared first on 91ÁÔĆć.

]]>