Standardized Tests
Standardized testing for the admission process depends on the grade to which you are applying.
| Grades 9, 10 | SSAT, or ISEE |
| Grade 11 | SSAT, PSAT, SAT 1, or ISEE |
| Grade 12 and Postgraduate | SAT 1, ACT or PSAT |
| Non-native English Speaking Applicants* | TOEFL |
* For applicants who have attended a school for three years or more where English is the primary mode of instruction, a TOEFL is not required.
The Hotchkiss School is interested in understanding its applicants from the broadest perspective possible. As we are committed to a holistic review of each candidate, the Character Skills Snapshot provides an important opportunity for our admission team to get to know you better. While the Character Skills Snapshot is not mandatory for applicants to Hotchkiss, please know that it is an informative tool to help us appreciate your non-cognitive attributes, and to understand more fully how best to shape an educational experience that will prepare you for a life of meaning and consequence.
When to take the test
The preferred time to schedule a standardized test is on the November or December dates. Applicants who take the January exams will still be considered during the regular admission cycle, but only once their test scores are received. We encourage you to attend to this requirement as soon as possible since registration deadlines come well in advance of the test dates.
For assistance with test fee waivers, please contact our office at 860-435-3102 or admission@hotchkiss.org.
About the Tests and Hotchkiss Test Codes
SSAT
The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is designed for independent school admission. Register online directly with SSATB (www.ssat.org). The Hotchkiss School code is 4012. For an SSAT fee waiver, please contact our financial aid office at 860-435-3110 or financialaid@hotchkiss.org.
CSS
The Character Skills Snapshot is a new online assessment that measures a student's character skill development, and is meant to complement more traditional cognitive assessments such as the SSAT.
For students who take the SSAT, there is no charge to take The Snapshot.Once you register for an SSAT, you will have access to The Snapshot.
For students not taking the SSAT, please contact our admission office in order to gain access to The Snapshot. There is a $25 fee, and fee waivers are available.Please contact office at admission@hotchkiss.org with questions.
ISEE
The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is designed for independent school admission. The Hotchkiss School code is 070335.
Learn more about the test and test dates
TOEFL
PSAT
Preliminary SATs are used to assess upperclass applicants. The Hotchkiss School code is 070335.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TEST AND TEST DATES