Testing Requirements

In order to apply to Exeter, you must submit standardized test scores to the Academy. In most cases, the scores must be sent directly from the testing organization to the admissions office.

Please be assured that Exeter does not have a cut-off for test scores. We review your application as a whole, which includes your grades and teacher recommendations. Good luck, and please, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

If you're applying for grade 9 or 10

Applicants for grades 9 and 10 submit current ISEE or SSAT scores. Please do not substitute with SAT I or SAT II scores.

  • Complete your ISEE or SSAT testing during the school year in which you’re applying, no earlier than August.

  • The test results should be in the Admissions Office by January 15 for a March 10 decision. If you take a January test, we understand that the testing organization will forward the scores to us as soon as possible. Please let us know if you’ve had to delay testing beyond January.

  • Have the ISEE or SSAT organization send your scores directly to Exeter. We cannot accept a family’s copy of the scores because they do not include the required writing sample. Please be sure to include Exeter’s school code on the test registration form: 300185 for the ISEE, 5764 for the SSAT.

  • If an SSAT test is not given in your area, check into the possibility of  “Consultant Testing”. If this alternative is not possible, then please contact us.


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If you're applying for grade 11

Applicants for grade 11 submit ISEE, SSAT or recent PSAT scores. Please do not substitute with SAT I or SAT II scores.

  • Complete your ISEE or SSAT testing during the school year in which you’re applying, no earlier than August. PSAT testing can be completed during any academic year, but recent scores are preferable.

  • The test results should be in the Admissions Office by January 15 for a March 10 decision. If you take the January test, we understand that the testing organization will forward the score reports to us as soon as possible. Please let us know if you’ve had to delay testing beyond January.

  • Have the ISEE or SSAT organization send your scores directly to Exeter. We cannot accept a family’s copy of the scores because they do not include the required writing sample. Please be sure to include Exeter’s school code on the test registration form: 300185 for the ISEE, 5764 for the SSAT. PSAT scores can be sent as a part of your official school transcript; we will also accept a photocopy of your family’s PSAT score report.

  • If you find that the ISEE, PSAT and SSAT are not given in your area, please contact the Exeter Admissions Office.

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If you're applying for grade 12 or post-graduate

Applicants for grade 12 or a postgraduate year submit recent ACT, PSAT or SAT I scores. (Please do not substitute with SAT II scores.)

  • ACT, PSAT or SAT I testing can be completed during any academic year. The test does not need to be taken in the current academic year. 

  • If you find that the ACT, PSAT or SAT is not administered in your area, please contact the Exeter Admissions Office.

  • Your test results should be in the Admissions Office by January 15 for a March 10 decision. 

  • SAT I scores can either be sent directly to Exeter from The College Board (Exeter school code is 1884), sent as part of the applicant's official school transcript, or we will accept a photocopy of your family’s SAT I score report.

  • ACT and PSAT scores can either be sent as a part of the applicant’s official school transcript or we will also accept a photocopy of your family’s ACT or PSAT score report.

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If English is not your first language ...

Applicants whose primary or fluent language is not English must submit TOEFL. This is in addition to the other required testing, so be sure to check the requirements for your grade.

  • Exeter students must have a good command of written and spoken English to participate successfully in Exeter's seminar style of instruction. To help the Admissions Committee fully evaluate a student's competence in English, the TOEFL test is required for an applicant whose primary or fluent language is not English and who has not been taught primarily in English for the past four years. This test does not replace the ISEE, SSAT, ACT, PSAT or SAT I test. The TOEFL test is required in addition to the other required tests. We look for a minimum score of 600 on the paper-based test or a minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test. If English is not the primary or fluent language, it is to the benefit of the applicant to take the TOEFL test.

  • For information about TOEFL tests, services, policies and procedures, contact TOEFL/TSE Services (609-771-7100). In addition applicants can download the TOEFL/TSE information bulletin, register online and access test preparation materials via the TOEFL website.

  • Have your scores sent directly to Exeter. To do this, you must include our TOEFL school code (8128) on your test registration form.

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If you're homeschooled ...

Applicants who are homeschooled are required to take the same tests as their peers, so be sure to check the requirements for your grade. If you’ve taken tests in addition to the ones required, we encourage you to share these additional scores with us.  

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