St. John's has decided to remain standardized testing optional for any domestic student applying for the 2023-2024 academic year. We hope that by providing your family with this flexibility, you can take the time you need to consider your options and decide what is best for your son.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the test-optional policy apply to all applicants? Any domestic student applying for the 2023-2024 academic year is not required to submit entrance exam scores in order to be considered for admission. Please note that any domestic student entering grade 9 who is interested in being considered for the St. Francis Xavier merit scholarship MUST submit entrance exams scores by January 5, 2023. Being considered for the merit scholarship is entirely optional.
If I decide to submit my son's test scores, how will they be used? If a family chooses to send us scores, we will evaluate them as part of the application. Submitted scores will be used to support or enhance the academic background of applicants as part of the holistic evaluation process used for all applications.
Will omitting scores negatively impact my son's chances of being admitted to St. John's? Not at all. We are proud of our holistic approach to our application review process and believe that each student is an individual with unique skills, interests, and talents that cannot be conveyed by one element of the application alone. If you chose not to submit test scores, we are confident that the application, recommendations, transcript, and optional interview/family conversation will allow us to see a clear picture of your son.
My son's scores were already sent to St. John's, but I don't want them to be considered. What now? Please contact the Office of Admission at admission@stjohnsprep.org or 978-624-1301 and we will ensure that his scores are not considered during our review of your son's application.
My son has decided to test. What tests do you accept? Middle School applicants can choose to take either the ISEE or the SSAT. High School applicants can choose to take either the HSPT, ISEE or the SSAT. We encourage you to visit the links below to learn more. As a reminder, all applicants must test on or before January 5, 2023.
My son is applying for Grade 9 and would like to be considered for the St. Francis Xavier (SFX) Merit Scholarship. How will testing factor into this process? Being considered for the St. Francis Xavier Merit Scholarship is entirely optional. Any domestic student entering grade 9 who is interested in being considered for the SFX merit scholarship MUST submit entrance exams scores (HSPT, SSAT, or ISEE). Students must sit for their exams by January 5, 2023.
Will St. John's offer any in-person test dates this fall? Yes! St. John's Prep will be offering the High School Placement Test (HSPT) in person on Saturday, November 19, 2022 and Saturday, December 3, 2022. Those who are interested in testing at the Prep should register through Scholastic Testing Service. Our HSPT code is #19.
Does St. John's offer test prep courses? St. John's Prep does not offer test prep courses on our campus. Please visit EAGLES/EDGE at St. John's Prep for a list of recommended courses.
