2 weeks ago when I started looking at schools, I didn’t think this was a thing. Apparently this is becoming a thing.
If there isn’t a list going, there should be. If I am duplicating work done elsewhere, please direct me to that instead. Otherwise, please add schools to the list that are test optional and any additional requirements they have in lieu of testing.
George School (but adds a writing sample to be administered during the interview)
Millbrook
St Andrews (not yet, but they said they are going to announce changes due to Covid)
Berkshire (requires a 3rd recommendation if no test)
Loomis Chaffe (strongly recommend a 3rd recommendation)
The schools have definitely been changing policies and posting lately with several saying “come back soon to see our updates policies.” (Such as SAS, choate, Kent).
Some schools seem to be using these unusual times as a pilot period for going test optional permanently, meaning it sounds like they had dabbled in the possibility even before covid and are now nudged into action.
Even some schools that still require the tests have said on virtual visit zooms that if there is any problem submitting tests then just reach out to them. (which to me sounds like they really do want the tests if at all possible but they won’t let lack of access get in the way.)
Some schools have mentioned being more flexible with testing dates and recommendations coming from last year’s teachers. (So to answer your question @JudiAU I would bet you could get that cleared by a number of schools.
Here is a recap, with some new ones added. Feel free to copy and add changes in a new post if you have additions:
Cate - not accepting scores, i.e. test blind
George School - TO, added writing sample during interview
Millbrook - TO
Berkshire - TO, add 3rd recommendation
Loomis Chaffe - TO, strongly recommend a 3rd recommendation
Mercersburg - TO - requires 3rd recommendation
Canterbury - TO, may ask for additional information
Miss Porters - looks like TO before Covid?
Thatcher - TO
The Webb Schools - TO
Hotchkiss - TO
St Paul’s - TO
Blair - TO, 3rd recommendation
Stevenson - no change
Suffield - no change
Taft - no change
Governors Academy - no change
Lawrenceville - no change
Middlesex - no change
Cushing - no change
Emma Willard - no change
Fountain Valley - no change
Northfield Mt Hermon - no change
Pomfret - no change
Brooks - no change
Choate - pending changes
Kent - pending changes
SAS - pending changes
Off- topics posts include anything not related to listing a school as requiring or not requiring standardized tests. Such OT posts will be deleted without comment.
Examples of OT:
Is TO really TO?
Should I take SSAT for TO school?
I walked 600 miles in the snow to take SSAT
As fascinating as those OT commenrs are, they need to be on a different thread.
I agree with @skieurope and will move my comment to a new thread. Just wanted to flag that Cate was the first to take it a step further that I can see.
They are test blind this year. Their website says test scores will not be considered.
Adding Choate and now Kent to the officially TO schools.
(I think we’ll just assume other schools are not TO, rather than keeping that long list alive and updated? Although if someone else feels strongly otherwise, feel free to jump in.)
Cate - not accepting scores, i.e. test blind
George School - TO, added writing sample during interview
Millbrook - TO
Berkshire - TO, add 3rd recommendation
Loomis Chaffee - TO, strongly recommend a 3rd recommendation
Mercersburg - TO - requires 3rd recommendation
Canterbury - TO, may ask for additional information
Miss Porters - looks like TO before Covid?
Grier - TO (looks like it was TO before Covid?)
Thatcher - TO
The Webb Schools - TO
Hotchkiss - TO
St Paul’s - TO
Blair - TO, 3rd recommendation
Choate TO
Kent TO
Adding St Georges, Andover, Pomfret, Stevenson and NMH to the officially TO schools.
If anyone notices a school on here that is incorrect, please flag it. I’m not going back and verifying changes to schools that either I saw were changed or that someone else flagged as changed.
I guess that’s my disclaimer to not rely 100% on the accuracy of this list, although to the best of my knowledge it is accurate.
Cate - not accepting scores, i.e. test blind
George School - TO, added writing sample during interview
Millbrook - TO
Berkshire - TO, add 3rd recommendation
Loomis Chaffee - TO, strongly recommend a 3rd recommendation
Mercersburg - TO - requires 3rd recommendation
Canterbury - TO, may ask for additional information
Miss Porters - looks like TO before Covid?
Grier - TO (looks like it was TO before Covid?)
Thatcher - TO
The Webb Schools - TO
Hotchkiss - TO
St Paul’s - TO
Blair - TO, 3rd recommendation
Choate TO
Kent TO
St. Georges TO
Andover TO
Pomfret TO
Stevenson TO
Northfield Mount Hermon TO