# Boarding school admissions timeline and tests

Build a school-specific deadline plan and confirm SSAT, ISEE or UKiset requirements before booking a test.

Updated 2026-11-10. Also on the [web page](https://boardingschools.fyi/guides/admissions-timeline-and-tests).

Work backwards from each school's published deadline. Keep the entry year, application deadline, financial aid deadline and test score deadline in separate fields. A form submitted on time can still be incomplete if references or scores are missing.

## A real deadline example

Andover's application page for fall 2027 states an admission and financial aid deadline of **February 1, 2027**. It says interviews run through January. This is an Andover example only. Do not reuse it for another school or a later year. Source: [Andover, Applying](https://www.andover.edu/admission/apply), fetched 2026-11-10.

Before you begin, ask each school for a list of required documents and a way to track receipt. Record who supplies each item. Allow your child's current teachers time to prepare a reference without repeated urgent requests.

## SSAT

The SSAT website explains its test options, levels, preparation, accommodations and registration. Test availability depends on the child's location and format. Confirm the correct level and the school's score requirements before paying. Source: [SSAT for Families](https://www.ssat.org/), fetched 2026-11-10.

Ask how scores are sent and when the school considers them received. Check accommodation arrangements before choosing a session. Keep the booking confirmation and the score recipient details together.

## ISEE by ERB

The ISEE information page explains the assessment and links to registration, preparation, score reports and accommodations. A school that accepts the ISEE still needs to tell you the appropriate level and deadline. Source: [Admission.org, About the ISEE](https://www.admission.org/assessments/isee/about), fetched 2026-11-10.

Do not assume that a practice result predicts admission. Use practice to understand instructions and identify support needs. Avoid filling the family's calendar with tests a school has not requested.

## UKiset

UKiset describes an assessment of academic potential and English proficiency. It supplies information for schools considering international applicants. Ask whether the target school requires UKiset, accepts it as an option or uses its own assessment. Source: [UKiset](https://www.ukiset.com/), fetched 2026-11-10.

## Build a plan that can change

Use a sheet with school, entry group, deadline source, confirmed date, task owner, submission method and receipt status. Include:

- Enquiry, visit and interview.
- School reports, references and translations.
- Test booking, accommodations and score delivery.
- Financial aid forms and evidence.
- Offer response, deposit and enrolment agreement.
- Immigration documents and travel planning after an offer.

Put family preparation targets beside the official dates and label them as your own targets. Never present a preparation target as a school rule. Recheck the live deadline page before submitting. Save the school's confirmation of receipt.

## Questions

### Is there one boarding school application deadline?

No. Use the date published by each school for the entry cycle and year group. A date from another school is not a safe substitute.

### Should we take every entrance test?

Ask shortlisted schools which tests they accept. Book only the required level and format, with enough time for scores to reach the school.