When should my child start preparing for the Proctored Writing Sample?

Sooner than you think. Ideally, students should start prepping for the Proctored Writing Sample at least two to three months ahead of time. In D.C., where private school deadlines sneak up faster than a red line train, waiting until the last minute can turn even the strongest writer into a ball of stress. Between the SSAT, interviews, essays, and schoolwork, the writing sample often becomes the forgotten child of the application process.

At Cardinal Education, we say prep early, stress less. Starting ahead of the curve gives us time to build skills step by step—no cramming required. We kick things off by spotting strengths and areas for growth, then dive into timed practice using real prompts. Our feedback is clear, actionable, and based on what admissions officers actually want to see. The result? Students who walk into test day with a plan, a process, and the confidence to crush it under pressure.