Is the SSAT really that important for private school admissions in D.C.?

Yes—and no. It depends on where you’re applying and what the rest of your application looks like. For many top private schools in D.C., like Sidwell Friends, Georgetown Day, and Maret, the SSAT is still considered a key data point in the admissions process. Even if a school says it’s “test-optional,” a great SSAT score can absolutely give your application a boost, especially in a highly competitive applicant pool.

The SSAT gives admissions teams something standardized to compare across students from very different schools and curricula. That said, it’s not the only piece of the puzzle. A weak SSAT score can be offset by strong grades, essays, and recommendations—but a strong SSAT score paired with all of those? That’s gold. So yes, the SSAT is still a major player, and we treat it like one. But we also know how to position it wisely as part of a broader admissions strategy.