Cultivating Excellence Podcast EP 22: Private School Admissions Testing: Tips from a Psychologist
Oct 15, 2025
Explore the urgency behind private school admissions and the importance of testing timelines. Learn about different testing options and how to choose the right one for your child. Dr. Resnik discusses the distinction between school-administered tests and those given by psychologists. Discover essential tips for creating a supportive test environment and the ethics of test preparation. She also emphasizes the need for clarity on school-specific test requirements and reassures families about opportunities that can arise even after initial admissions decisions.
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Book Testing Early
- Start admissions testing planning early, ideally between October and December.
- Call reputable psychologists ASAP because the best clinicians book up fast and wait lists are long.
Confirm School Testing Requirements
- Check each school's admissions page to confirm exactly which tests they require.
- Ask admissions if you're unclear so you don't get the wrong test and jeopardize the application.
Tests Vary By School
- Different schools accept different tests: achievement tests, SSAT/HSPT, or psychologist-administered IQ tests.
- Giving the wrong test can derail an application, so the psychologist's experience with that specific test matters.