We have recently moved back to US having lived abroad and my child has not taken SSATs/PSATs. We are looking for a school that is test optional at Junior year admissions for 2023 (fine for placement but will be hard to use at this point for admissions). Is there a list anywhere we can use to narrow down our options?
thank you
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I’d reach out to George School in PA. Not sure what the official policy is but I know that A. They have publicly said that they don’t feel the tests are particularly valuable in admissions and B. They have lots of kids come in from foreign systems who probably don’t have tests.
It is also, btw, a great school, especially for a kid who has a global perspective.
Mercersburg head of admissions just told me this weekend they would continue to be test optional this year.
Sorry I don’t know of a list but I can add that Loomis Chaffee is definitely test optional.
If you are applying for Fall 2023, it is not too late to take the SSAT; they use fall SSATs for admissions. True, there would be little time for prep.
If you are looking for a mid school year transfer, that’s another kettle of fish.
It’d be easier to find schools you like and go from there. Test optional should be one of the less important criteria.
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I was told most are test-optional this year. I saw a presentation that listed the schools that DO require tests because the list was that short. I can’t remember which.
Oh, while I was writing this, I looked and found it:
Groton
Cranbrook
Taft
Lawrenceville
Tabor
Obviously, things change so check with each school, but I think it’s a good thing that standardized testing is being diminished as I don’t think it’s an accurate assessment of a child’s potential or impact at a school. 
I agree that your child can go ahead and take a test. Prep can be just getting a review book and making sure they’re familiar with the content.
The SSAT also gives you an estimate of academic rigor for your child. Scores in the 96th percentile? Maybe a rigorous school or a school with a tough track for some students. Scores 50th percentile? Unless you think it was a really bad testing day, I’d take it as a warning on putting your child in an academically challenging school.
You and your kid decide whether or not to submit scores. It doesn’t automatically go to the BS.
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