Testing Reminder: Register Early and Plan Ahead

Summer is the ideal time to map out your testing schedule for the upcoming admissions cycle. One of the most common mistakes students and families make is waiting too long to register for admissions exams, only to find that preferred test dates and locations are full.

Students applying to independent schools should review upcoming registration deadlines for the ISEE and SSAT and consider testing in late summer or early fall to allow time for retesting if needed. Families pursuing New York City's specialized high schools should be aware that SHSAT registration typically opens in the fall, with testing taking place in November, and  registration opening in early October. 

For high school students planning for college admissions, ACT & SAT registration for the 2026–2027 testing year is already available.

Our recommendation is simple: register as early as possible, build a preparation timeline now, and avoid leaving testing plans until the start of the school year. Summer provides valuable, uninterrupted study time, and students who begin preparing early often feel more confident and perform better on test day. If you are unsure which test dates make the most sense for your admissions goals, we are happy to help you develop a personalized testing plan.