The ISEE and SSAT are the most commonly used admissions tests for private/independent, prep, and boarding schools. The HSPT is used by Catholic schools for entrance into grade 9.
For the past years, most schools have adopted a test-optional policy which means that they do not require applicants to submit standardized test scores. Some private schools, however, have opted to completely remove test scores from their list of requirements and will not accept them anymore. For students applying to test-optional schools and who do not have stellar grades, GPAs, and outstanding extracurricular activities, we advise that they still submit their scores to give more weight and value to their application.
Last year, several schools required applicants to submit an essay sample as part of the application requirement. It is a virtual essay writing activity done through Zoom and is proctored by a member of the admissions team.
Several Peninsula schools like Castilleja, Crystal Springs Uplands, The Harker School, Menlo School, The Nueva School, Sacred Heart, Woodside Priory, and The Girls’ Middle School have come up with a common Proctored Writing Sample. Students can register for only one Proctored Writing Sample session at any one of the above schools through Ravenna. Other schools require a similar proctored writing session of their own.
These writing samples allow admissions officers to get to know the students and how well they can express themselves through writing.