Do all boarding schools require standardized tests like the SSAT or ISEE?

Not all boarding schools require standardized tests, but many still do. The SSAT and ISEE are long-standing parts of the admissions process, often used to compare students from different schools and backgrounds. Some schools have gone test-optional, especially in recent years, but that doesn’t mean they’re going easy on applicants. If a school doesn’t see your test scores, it’ll look even more closely at everything else. That means your grades, interviews, writing samples, and extracurriculars need to shine. So while testing may not always be required, preparing for it is still a smart move. It shows readiness, effort, and an extra layer of academic strength.

What’s the difference between day schools and boarding schools when it comes to admissions?

The main difference lies in commitment and complexity. Day school admissions usually focus on academics, personality, and fit, but boarding schools take it further. They’re welcoming your child into a full-time living and learning environment, so they dig deeper. Boarding schools often have more essays, longer interviews, and higher expectations for independence and maturity. They want to see how your child will thrive not just in the classroom, but in a shared dorm, on the weekends, and within the school community. It’s more intensive, more selective, and often more competitive. You’re applying to a school and a lifestyle, and that raises the bar.

Does Cardinal Education work with international families applying to American boarding schools?

Yes, and we do it often. We’ve supported families from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and just about everywhere else you can point to on a globe. Boarding school admissions can be tricky for international applicants, especially when dealing with different school systems, application requirements, and cultural expectations. We help families navigate it all with clarity and confidence. From managing application timelines across time zones to refining essays in a second language, we’re here every step of the way. We understand what U.S. schools are looking for and how to highlight each student’s strengths, no matter where they’re starting from.

Can Cardinal Education help with last-minute applications?

Yes, we can absolutely help with last-minute applications. We’ve seen it all—families reaching out days before deadlines, scrambling to pull essays together and schedule interviews. We’ll roll up our sleeves, prioritize the essentials, and make sure nothing important is missed. But we’ll also be honest. The earlier we start, the stronger the application. More time means deeper strategy, better writing, and fewer frantic evenings. We can do a lot under pressure, but a polished, thoughtful application takes time to build. So while we’re happy to jump in late, we always recommend starting early to give your child the best shot at standing out.

Do You Need an Admissions Consultant for Boarding School Applications?

Thinking about sending your child to boarding school? Great choice. You’re not alone. Families around the world dream of ivy-covered dorms, world-class academics, and weekend hikes led by teachers who double as mountain guides. But here’s the rub: getting into these schools is no walk in the woods. Boarding school admissions are competitive, complicated, and sometimes feel like you’re applying to college a few years too early. That’s where admissions consultants come in—part coach, part strategist, part therapist. But do you really need one? Let’s break it down.

Can Anyone Get Into a Boarding School?

In a word? No. As much as we’d love to tell you that boarding schools welcome everyone with open arms and hot chocolate, the truth is they’re choosy. Really choosy.

Take a look at these numbers:

Phillips Exeter Academy: Acceptance rate around 18%, with some years dipping as low as 10%.
Phillips Academy Andover: Generally accepts about 13% of applicants, but it has dropped to 9% in recent years.
Groton School: Acceptance rate is approximately 12%, and it’s been as low as 8% in recent admissions cycles.

These schools are turning away more applicants than some universities, and not just any universities—think big-name, high-stakes, “dream school” kind of universities. Getting into top-tier boarding schools today feels eerily similar to navigating elite college admissions, complete with nail-biting acceptance rates, essays that could double as short stories, and interviews that make you wish you’d taken a public speaking course in fifth grade. So, why are these schools so selective?

Limited Spots, Big Demand

These aren’t massive institutions with sprawling freshman classes. Most top boarding schools are small by design. We’re talking intimate communities where everyone actually knows your name, not just your GPA. Schools like Groton and Andover are committed to maintaining tight-knit environments with low student-to-teacher ratios so they can offer deeply personalized attention, individualized learning, and the kind of mentorship that makes parents tear up at graduation. But that intimacy comes with a catch: they only have so many beds in the dorms and chairs in the dining hall. So even applicants with stellar transcripts, glowing recommendations, and dazzling talents can find themselves on the waitlist—or not on the list at all.

They Want the Whole Package

Top boarding schools aren’t just academic factories churning out test-taking machines. They’re looking for students who light up a room (and maybe the robotics lab while they’re at it). Admissions officers want curious thinkers, community leaders, passionate creators, and students who contribute something meaningful to campus life. Sure, high test scores help, but they’re only the beginning. They also want to know: Are you a jazz saxophonist who volunteers on weekends? A mathlete with a love for medieval history? Someone who starts book clubs or builds apps for fun? Schools are assembling communities, not just classrooms, and the vibe you bring matters as much as the stats you submit.

Should You Hire a Boarding School Admissions Consultant? Weighing the Benefits

If you’re asking this question, chances are, the answer is yes. Boarding school applications are intense. You’re not just filling out a form—you’re building a narrative. Families who go it alone often find themselves overwhelmed by deadlines, unsure of what’s important, and second-guessing every essay draft.

That’s where Cardinal Education comes in. We’ve spent over 20 years helping families from across the globe land spots at top boarding schools. We don’t just know the process. We live the process.

Here’s what makes us different:

Proven Track Record

We’ve guided thousands of students to admissions victories for more than two decades. That includes students from across the U.S., expat families in Singapore, ambitious eighth graders from New York to Dubai, and yes, even that one kid who wrote his personal statement about beekeeping—and got into Choate. We know what each school is looking for and how to help students stand out without blending in. Whether your child is a quiet scholar, a musical prodigy, or the kind of kid who builds robots in the garage, we help them shine in a way that’s real, compelling, and tailored to the school of their dreams.

Tutoring and Academic Coaching

Think of this as more than just test prep. It’s personal development. Sure, we help students nail math concepts and crush vocab lists, but we also help them figure out how they learn, build study habits that actually stick, and boost the confidence they need to walk into interviews with their head high. One student we worked with struggled in science but dreamed of going into engineering—our academic coaching turned their Bs into solid As and reignited their love for learning. It’s like life coaching, but with flashcards and way fewer trust falls.

Supporting Families Through the Requirements

Applications are more than essays and test scores. There are interviews (which can feel like personality Olympics), campus visits, recommendations from teachers, student bios, and even parent statements. We guide families through all of it. One mom told us she had a spreadsheet, five tabs deep, just trying to keep track—until we stepped in and gave her a clear, calm plan. We offer clarity, reduce stress, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks, even when deadlines come at you like a pop quiz.

Test Prep Services

We’ve got test prep covered. Whether your child is taking the HSPT, SSAT, or ISEE, we offer tailored support every step of the way. That means SSAT prep, ISEE prep, and HSPT prep are designed to meet your child where they are. We also provide SSAT practice tests, ISEE practice tests, and HSPT practice tests to help students get familiar with the format and build test-day confidence. No guesswork, just strategy and skill-building that actually works.

Guidance on Writing Samples, Personal Statements, and Parent Statements

Your story matters. We never ghostwrite or rewrite your message. Instead, we act as trusted advisors, helping families stay authentic while putting their best foot forward. If your child wants to write about the time they bombed their first violin recital but kept playing, we’ll help them tell that story with heart and purpose. If your parent statement feels like a therapy session on paper, we’ll help shape it without changing your voice. The story stays yours—we just help you tell it like a pro.

If you want to give your child the best possible shot without losing your mind (or your weekends), then yes, you probably do. And if you’re looking for expertise with heart, strategy with empathy, and a team that actually gets it, Cardinal Education is ready when you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all boarding schools require standardized tests like the SSAT or ISEE?
Not all boarding schools require standardized tests, but many still do. The SSAT and ISEE are long-standing parts of the admissions process, often used to compare students from different schools and backgrounds. Some schools have gone test-optional, especially in recent years, but that doesn’t mean they’re going easy on applicants. If a school doesn’t see your test scores, it’ll look even more closely at everything else. That means your grades, interviews, writing samples, and extracurriculars need to shine. So while testing may not always be required, preparing for it is still a smart move. It shows readiness, effort, and an extra layer of academic strength.
What’s the difference between day schools and boarding schools when it comes to admissions?
The main difference lies in commitment and complexity. Day school admissions usually focus on academics, personality, and fit, but boarding schools take it further. They’re welcoming your child into a full-time living and learning environment, so they dig deeper. Boarding schools often have more essays, longer interviews, and higher expectations for independence and maturity. They want to see how your child will thrive not just in the classroom, but in a shared dorm, on the weekends, and within the school community. It’s more intensive, more selective, and often more competitive. You’re applying to a school and a lifestyle, and that raises the bar.
Does Cardinal Education work with international families applying to American boarding schools?
Yes, and we do it often. We’ve supported families from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and just about everywhere else you can point to on a globe. Boarding school admissions can be tricky for international applicants, especially when dealing with different school systems, application requirements, and cultural expectations. We help families navigate it all with clarity and confidence. From managing application timelines across time zones to refining essays in a second language, we’re here every step of the way. We understand what U.S. schools are looking for and how to highlight each student’s strengths, no matter where they’re starting from.
Can Cardinal Education help with last-minute applications?
Yes, we can absolutely help with last-minute applications. We’ve seen it all—families reaching out days before deadlines, scrambling to pull essays together and schedule interviews. We’ll roll up our sleeves, prioritize the essentials, and make sure nothing important is missed. But we’ll also be honest. The earlier we start, the stronger the application. More time means deeper strategy, better writing, and fewer frantic evenings. We can do a lot under pressure, but a polished, thoughtful application takes time to build. So while we’re happy to jump in late, we always recommend starting early to give your child the best shot at standing out.