Which schools actually use the Character Skills Snapshot?

More schools than you’d think—and the number is growing. Many elite private and boarding schools, especially those affiliated with the SSAT or EMA (Enrollment Management Association), request or strongly recommend the Character Skills Snapshot. Some schools require it to support holistic admissions. Others use it as an optional tool to gain additional insight into a student’s non-academic strengths. Think of schools like Choate, Deerfield, or Harvard-Westlake—they’re all interested in who you are beyond test scores. But not every school uses it, so always check the admissions checklist. If they ask for it, take it seriously—but don’t sweat it like the SAT.