Do all boarding schools require the SSAT or ISEE?

Not all boarding schools require the SSAT or ISEE anymore. And that’s a big relief for many families. In recent years, some schools have gone test-optional, especially after the pandemic. This means students have the option whether to submit standardized test scores or not. However, based on our experience as independent admissions consultants, submitting strong test scores can give your child an advantage, especially for more competitive schools like Andover or Deerfield. This is the reason why we always recommend our students to take the tests and submit their scores if these are impressive and will add value to their application. 

Here is the real picture. Test scores are just one piece of the puzzle. Admissions officers also look closely at grades, essays, teacher recommendations, and interviews to get a full picture of who your child is. If your student does well in tests, the SSAT or ISEE can help highlight their academic readiness. But if your child is not a good test-taker and will find the process stressful, you may consider other top boarding schools that are test-blind (do not accept test scores at all) and put more value on character, curiosity, and creativity just as much, if not more.