November 13, 2020
SSAT Update for 2021-22 Applicants
Admission Testing is not required for applicants to the 2021-22 school year.
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.
Applicants to grades 6–12 are required to take one of the following tests:
*We do not accept the PSAT 8/9
Test early enough to ensure your test results are received by Catlin Gabel by the application deadline. If taking the SSAT or ISEE:
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.
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 |
Admission Testing is not required for applicants to the 2021-22 school year.