Standardized Tests

It is our belief that standardized testing is only one component of a student’s application. Assessing whether or not a young person will be a good fit with the Hotchkiss community relies on the broader context of each student’s academic and lived experience, and we do not want testing to be a barrier to entry for talented young people. Therefore, our application process will be test optional.  

Students are welcome to submit SSAT or ISEE, but they will not be required. Students who are unable to take the SSSAT or ISEE, or who choose not to submit their scores, will not be disadvantaged in the application process.

While we continue to believe that some form of test results are an important aspect of evaluating applications for the upper class years, we want to ensure flexibility for students. Therefore, for the coming admission cycle, applicants for 11th, 12th and Post Graduate years may submit results from any of the following tests: PSAT, SAT, ACT, SSAT, or State and Country mandated testing administered within the preceding two-years.

For most international students (for whom English is not the language spoken at home), we require results from the TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS exams.

For applicants who have attended a school for three years or more where English is the primary mode of instruction, a test is not required. 

We will continue to require applicants for all grades to submit recommendations from their English and Math teachers. However, in an effort to introduce more flexibility, these can be completed by teachers in the current or previous year.

The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) is designed for independent school admission. Register online directly with SSATB at www.ssat.org/registration. 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.

Learn more about the test

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.

Learn more about The Snapshot

The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is designed for independent school admission. The Hotchkiss School code is 070335.

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TOEFL is a widely used English-language test. 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 code is 8199.

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Preliminary SATs are used to assess upperclass applicants. The Hotchkiss School code is 070335.

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The SAT I Reasoning test is used to assess upperclass applicants. The Hotchkiss School code is 070335.

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ACT is designed as an assessment test for college admission, but used to help us assess upperclass applicants. The Hotchkiss School code is 070335.

Learn more about the test and test dates