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.