Should I submit my SSAT or ISEE scores if they are above average?

If your SSAT or ISEE scores are brag-worthy, by all means, show them off. Think of it like admissions couture—if you’ve got a custom-tailored asset that fits beautifully, wear it proudly. Submitting scores above the school’s published average can give your application a boost and show you’re ready for academic lift-off. But make sure they’re truly “above average,” not just “better than that one friend in math class.” Check each school’s score ranges on their website (not just Reddit threads or parent gossip). In today’s test-optional world, a high score isn’t required, but it can absolutely help you sparkle in a sea of polished applicants. If you’ve got it, flaunt it—with receipts.

How do I know if my test scores are strong enough to submit?

Welcome to test-score limbo: where you’re not sure if your score is a mic drop or a whisper. Here’s the cheat code—check the school’s middle 50% range (usually listed on their website). If your score lands near the top of that range or above it, go ahead and submit. If it’s hovering at the bottom or just below... maybe let your essays take center stage instead. This isn’t about perfection, it’s about strategy. Admissions officers love clear signals, so if your score helps clarify your readiness, it’s worth including. Still unsure? Ask a consultant, not your group chat. Think of it like a karaoke performance—if you nailed the high notes, send it in. If you cracked halfway through, let the rest of your application sing.

Will not submitting test scores hurt my private school application?

Not necessarily—but it depends on what else you’re bringing to the table. If your grades are solid, your essays are compelling, and your rec letters make you sound like a future Nobel winner, you’re still in the game. That said, “test-optional” doesn’t mean schools won’t appreciate a great score. It just means they won’t require one. So if another applicant has similar credentials and submitted a stellar score, they might get a second glance. Think of it like sprinkles on a cupcake—totally optional, but hard to resist. The key is to be intentional. Don’t skip the scores because you’re unsure—skip them because the rest of your application speaks louder. Test-optional isn’t a loophole. It’s a lane. Use it wisely.

Can I submit test scores after submitting my private school application?

Yes, you usually can—and if your scores have improved, you absolutely should. Think of it as a well-timed encore. Most schools are open to receiving updated materials, as long as they arrive before final decisions are made. But don’t just assume you can send them whenever you feel like it. Check the school’s policy on post-submission updates (yes, read the fine print). If allowed, send them via the official testing portal, or email the admissions office with a polite, “Here’s my glow-up score!” Just don’t send it weeks after decision letters go out—that’s not strategy, that’s just nostalgia. So if your latest SSAT or ISEE test is stronger, send it in quickly and let your improved score speak for itself—before the deadline does.

Are Test-Optional Private Schools Really Test-Optional?

Cue the suspenseful music. Dun dun dun…

In recent years, the world of private school admissions has seen a curious shift. Once ruled by rigid score thresholds and testing acronyms that could rival the periodic table (SSAT, ISEE, HSPT, anyone?), many elite institutions have started singing a new tune: We’re test-optional!

Sounds liberating, right? No more nights of crying into prep books, no more hyperventilating in quiet testing rooms with bad fluorescent lighting. But before we throw a parade, let’s ask the question every savvy parent and student is quietly thinking:

Are test-optional private schools really test-optional? Or is this just admissions theater with a catchy tagline?

Let’s dig in.

What Does Test-Optional Mean for Private School Admissions?

What is a test-optional policy? At its core, a test-optional policy means exactly what it sounds like: you can apply without submitting standardized test scores, and the school promises it won’t count against you.

Key word: promises.

The idea is to level the playing field. Students with strong transcripts, glowing recommendations, and extracurriculars that scream “future world leader” (or at least “pleasantly overachieving teen”) shouldn’t be penalized if testing isn’t their jam.

And for students who do have killer test scores? Submitting them can be like putting sprinkles on an already delicious cupcake.

Common tests used in private school admissions (SSAT, ISEE, HSPT)

If you’ve dipped even a toe into the private school pool, you’ve probably encountered at least one of these:

SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test): The go-to for many independent schools. Think SAT, but mini-me.
ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam): Another popular pick, often used by schools with a competitive academic tilt.
HSPT (High School Placement Test): Catholic schools often prefer this one. It’s a fast-paced frenzy of math, reading, and grammar.

Each of these tests is meant to evaluate a student’s academic potential, but also their ability to survive three hours of bubbling circles without existential despair.

What Led to the Rise of Test-Optional Admissions Policies?

Two words: The Pandemic

(Okay, technically four: The global COVID-19 pandemic. But let’s not get too pedantic.)

With testing centers closed and students stuck at home trying to take algebra while their Wi-Fi blinked in and out, many schools decided to press pause on mandatory testing. What started as a temporary fix has morphed into a trend—and, for some schools, a permanent policy.

Test-optional policies also reflect a larger movement in education: recognizing that not all brilliance can be captured by multiple choice.

Are Private Schools Really Test-Optional? What Families Should Know

Here’s where things get… nuanced. (Read: murky. Possibly slightly shady.)

While schools say test scores are optional, the truth is that submitting high scores can still give you an edge, especially if you’re applying to competitive schools where everyone and their golden retriever is a violin-playing, Mandarin-speaking robotics champ.

Admissions officers won’t say it out loud, but here’s the quiet part whispered behind closed doors: if you can take the test and do well, it’s in your favor.

If you’re applying without scores, your application needs to sparkle like a diamond under museum lighting. Grades, essays, interviews, teacher recs—all need to be top-tier. No pressure, right?

How Admissions Officers Review Test-Optional Applications

When reviewing applications without test scores, admissions teams do a deeper dive into other aspects of your profile. This means:

More weight on your GPA and the rigor of your coursework
A closer look at writing samples and personal statements
Greater emphasis on recommendation letters and interviews

Think of it this way: without test scores, your file doesn’t shrink—it actually expands. Every piece of your application needs to work a little harder to tell your story.

What’s the Difference Between Test-Optional and Test-Blind?

Important distinction time!

Test-Optional: You can submit scores if you want. If you don’t, it won’t hurt you (supposedly).
Test-Blind: Simply put, schools will not look at scores even if you submit them.

Most private schools are test-optional, not test-blind. Which means… yeah. Test scores can still whisper sweet nothings to the admissions committee if you send them in.

Should You Submit Test Scores to a Test-Optional Private School?

Ah, the million-dollar question. Or at least the several-thousand-dollars-in-tuition question.

Test-optional doesn’t mean test-irrelevant. Submitting a strong SSAT, ISEE, or HSPT score can help cover for other areas of your application that might be… let’s just say, vibing in a B-minus zone.

Maybe your GPA had a rough semester. Maybe your extracurriculars are solid but not soaring. Maybe your personal essay is more “eh” than “epic.” A good test score can act like a shiny gold sticker that says, Hey, don’t worry—they’re capable!

What Admissions Consultants Say About Submitting Scores

If you ask our admissions consultants—and trust us, they’ve seen it all—they’ll usually say: if your test scores fall in or above the average range for your target school, submit them. Period.

Think of it like adding extra cheese to pizza. No one’s mad about it.

But if your scores are way below the school’s norm? Then we’re entering “let’s think this through” territory. Submitting them might hurt more than help, especially if the rest of your application is strong on its own.

What to Do If Your Private School Test Scores Are Low

So your scores didn’t exactly come back with confetti and applause. No shame in that—standardized tests are basically academic escape rooms designed to stress you out.

Should You Retake the SSAT, ISEE, or HSPT?

If your score feels like it came from a broken calculator and you still have time before the application deadline, yes—retaking the test could be worth it. But only if you actually plan to prepare differently this time around. (Otherwise, you’re just paying for pain.)

A few reasons to consider a retake:

You were sick, distracted, or running on four hours of sleep
You took the test cold (no prep—brave, but chaotic)
You’ve since leveled up in math, vocabulary, or time management

How to Improve Your Test Scores Before Reapplying

If you’re going for Round 2, go in armed. That means:

Practice tests (yes, even the boring ones)
Targeted prep on your weakest areas (we see you, reading comprehension)
A solid test prep course or tutor—worth the investment if it gets you into your dream school

Small changes can make a big difference. Especially if the first time you bubbled your way through it in a mild state of panic.

Knowing When Not to Submit Low Scores

Let’s get real: sometimes the smart move is to skip the test submission altogether. If your score lands well below a school’s average and you don’t have time to improve it, leave it out. It’s not a confession—it’s a strategy.

In the admissions world, it’s better to be mysterious and competent than test-challenged and… overexposed.

How to Decide Whether to Submit Test Scores for Private School Applications

This is less about ego and more about analytics. Be honest with yourself—and your support team—about where your scores land and what role they’ll play in your application.

Factors to Consider Before Submitting Your Scores

How competitive is the school? The more elite the school, the higher their score expectations.
How strong is the rest of your application? Are you a triple-threat? Or more of a “solid but not flashy” applicant?
What’s the school’s published score range? If you’re above average, show it off. If you’re below… maybe don’t.

How to Evaluate If Your Scores Strengthen Your Application

A good rule of thumb: if your score is in the top 25% of that school’s admitted students, submit it. If it’s in the bottom 25%, you might be better off letting your transcript, essays, and recommendations do the heavy lifting.

Middle 50%? That’s the gray zone. This is where you want an expert’s take…

Why Admissions Consulting Matters More Than Ever

Let’s set the record straight: test-optional is not the same as test-ignored.

Just because schools say they don’t require scores doesn’t mean they won’t raise an eyebrow when a shiny 90th percentile SSAT lands on their desk. Think of it like bringing donuts to a meeting—no one asked, but everyone’s impressed.

So, get a second opinion. A good admissions consultant is like a GPS for this process. They’ll help you:

Decide whether to submit or omit test scores
Highlight your strongest traits in essays and interviews
Build a balanced list of schools where you’ll thrive, test scores or not

In the end, the test-optional landscape is less about what’s required and more about what’s strategic. And that, my friend, is where you get to be the boss of your own story.

Need help deciding whether to submit scores, boost your application, or just scream into the admissions void? We’ve got you. Reach out for a one-on-one consultation, and let’s turn your application into something admissions officers can’t ignore—test scores or not.

Like what you see here? We are happy to permit you to use our material as long as you link back! Please refer to us as the Cardinal Education Blog.

The Rise of Test-Optional Policies: How to Optimize Your Application

Boosting Your SAT/ACT Scores: Test Prep Tips and Academic Tutoring Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I submit my SSAT or ISEE scores if they are above average?
If your SSAT or ISEE scores are brag-worthy, by all means, show them off. Think of it like admissions couture—if you’ve got a custom-tailored asset that fits beautifully, wear it proudly. Submitting scores above the school’s published average can give your application a boost and show you’re ready for academic lift-off.

But make sure they’re truly “above average,” not just “better than that one friend in math class.” Check each school’s score ranges on their website (not just Reddit threads or parent gossip). In today’s test-optional world, a high score isn’t required, but it can absolutely help you sparkle in a sea of polished applicants. If you’ve got it, flaunt it—with receipts.
How do I know if my test scores are strong enough to submit?
Welcome to test-score limbo: where you’re not sure if your score is a mic drop or a whisper. Here’s the cheat code—check the school’s middle 50% range (usually listed on their website). If your score lands near the top of that range or above it, go ahead and submit. If it’s hovering at the bottom or just below… maybe let your essays take center stage instead. This isn’t about perfection, it’s about strategy. Admissions officers love clear signals, so if your score helps clarify your readiness, it’s worth including.

Still unsure? Ask a consultant, not your group chat. Think of it like a karaoke performance—if you nailed the high notes, send it in. If you cracked halfway through, let the rest of your application sing.
Will not submitting test scores hurt my private school application?
Not necessarily—but it depends on what else you’re bringing to the table. If your grades are solid, your essays are compelling, and your rec letters make you sound like a future Nobel winner, you’re still in the game. That said, “test-optional” doesn’t mean schools won’t appreciate a great score. It just means they won’t require one.

So if another applicant has similar credentials and submitted a stellar score, they might get a second glance. Think of it like sprinkles on a cupcake—totally optional, but hard to resist. The key is to be intentional. Don’t skip the scores because you’re unsure—skip them because the rest of your application speaks louder. Test-optional isn’t a loophole. It’s a lane. Use it wisely.
Can I submit test scores after submitting my private school application?
Yes, you usually can—and if your scores have improved, you absolutely should. Think of it as a well-timed encore. Most schools are open to receiving updated materials, as long as they arrive before final decisions are made. But don’t just assume you can send them whenever you feel like it.

Check the school’s policy on post-submission updates (yes, read the fine print). If allowed, send them via the official testing portal, or email the admissions office with a polite, “Here’s my glow-up score!” Just don’t send it weeks after decision letters go out—that’s not strategy, that’s just nostalgia. So if your latest SSAT or ISEE test is stronger, send it in quickly and let your improved score speak for itself—before the deadline does.