Admission Testing

Important Update for 2021-22 Applicants

December 16, 2020

On November 13 we announced that Admission Testing would not be required for applicants to the 2021-22 school year:

Catlin Gabel is committed to access and inclusion and to supporting families through the application for admission process during this unusual time. Given the impact of COVID-19 on access to standardized test options, we will no longer require a standardized test for admission to grades 6-12 this year.

At the time of the November update we were in discussion regarding requiring additional academic information in lieu of the test. We would like to communicate that we will not be requiring any additional academic information this year.

Our holistic admission process will continue to focus on getting to know each applicant through the information provided from the student questions, academic work and teacher evaluations, the student visit activities, and parent/guardian advocacy. Please note, to ensure equity in the admission process, admission committee members will not have access to test results previously submitted by candidates. In other words, we are not implementing a test optional policy at this time.

We hope this decision will feel supportive to our applicant families. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

When to Test

Test early enough to ensure your test results are received by Catlin Gabel by the application deadline. If taking the SSAT or ISEE:

  • Applicants to the Palma Scholars Program should test no later than December 31, 2020 
  • All other applicants to grades 6-12 should test no later than January 25, 2021

If taking the HSPT, ACT, PSAT, or SAT, please check their test results release dates. You must provide Catlin Gabel your score report by the application deadline.

Registration

  • SSAT at home is available by registering directly with SSAT.
  • SSAT registration with Prometric will be available in early fall for those who wish to test in person at a Prometric test center.
  • ISEE registration is available with Prometric, which offers at home testing or testing in person at a Prometric center.
  • The HSPT dates and times vary by location. If your child is also applying to a Catholic high school they may be required to take this test. Please contact the school to which you are applying for more information.
  • For the ACT, PSAT, or SAT please see their websites for details.

SSAT Score Information

Catlin Gabel does not have a minimum score requirement. Please see below for the average score for admitted students over the last three years:

Admit Grade

Average Score
6 1889
7 1943
8 2049
9 2153
10 2174
11 2195
12 n/a
 

SSAT Resources