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For expert advice on “getting in,” read our comprehensive guide. For guidance on choosing a school, explore our education expert interviews, parent interviews, and our school‑selection guide.

How do schools use standardized tests and entrance exams?

“The reliance on the SSAT or other entrance tests varies from school to school. At UTS, where we receive 350–400 applications for 96 Grade 7 spots, we use the SSAT in the first round to narrow the pool to about 200. Those students then take a second UTS test and participate in a multiple mini‑interview. So the SSAT is crucial for the initial cut. For preparation, families should use official practice tests under realistic conditions and target weak areas. SSAT now offers a diagnostic pre‑test and two full practice exams through an online portal—at about US $50, which is much less than many prep courses.”
—Garth Chalmers, Vice‑principal, University of Toronto Schools

“The entrance exam is an important component of admissions—but it's not the whole story. Students should show up well rested and nourished. Content preparation is best built from strong performance in school already. Overemphasis on coaching may increase anxiety and hurt performance.”
—Antonia Zannis, Deputy Head of School, The Study

“Private schools use a variety of standardized exams—SSAT, ISEE, Otis‑Lennon, Pearson, and more. Each school assigns different weight to these scores. Schools with a very academic focus tend to weigh tests more heavily; others adopt a holistic approach, balancing test results with grades, extracurriculars, and character.”

Here’s our advice: don’t panic. Tests like the SSAT or entrance exams may feel intimidating, but they are just one part of the process. Many talented students underperform in test environments. Focus on steady academic work, reading, and building confidence.

Typically, schools assess English language skills and mathematics. Because SSAT or ISEE have fixed test dates, it’s wise to plan early. Here are key tips:

1. Plan ahead: know each school’s test requirements—some use SSAT, others ISEE or specific diagnostics. Keep a list of which test each of your target schools requires.
2. Get support: a skilled test-prep instructor or company can help your child learn test strategies and target weak areas. Be discerning—ask about their approach, how they individualize support, and results.
3. Foster reading habits: encourage reading for pleasure. A strong vocabulary boosts performance across verbal and comprehension sections.”
   —Bryan Ide, Educational Director, KEY Education

    

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   “At TCS, we accept multiple forms of assessments including SSAT, SAT, TOEFL, and OLSAT. OLSAT is a diagnostic multiple-choice test of 40 minutes, used to assess verbal and nonverbal reasoning. We administer it after application submission, either on campus or online. We use percentiles in concert with report cards, recommendations, and interviews. We recognize that not all students excel in standardized testing, so we review results in context. The test helps identify strengths, gaps, and English language support needs.”
   —Kathy LaBranche, Director of Admissions, Trinity College School

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   “For Appleby College, SSAT is waived if a student applies before October 31. After that date, we weigh test scores relative to academic performance. For example, a student with a strong report card but modest SSAT results may still be competitive. When prepping, I suggest using official practice questions—but don’t overdo it. Also: leave unanswered questions blank rather than guess, to avoid penalties for incorrect answers.”
   —Luke Seamone, Executive Director of Admissions, Appleby College

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   “Strong school performance and regular reading remain the best long-term preparation for SSAT success. We discourage overprepping, because that tends to increase anxiety. Parents should help their children become familiar with test format and expectations using The Official Guide to the SSAT from ssat.org.”
   —Chantel Kenney, Executive Director of Admissions, Upper Canada College

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   “The SSAT is just one piece. We look for consistency with the report card, and when there’s a discrepancy, we investigate further. For students new to multiple-choice formats, practicing is helpful—but we do not advocate for heavy tutoring.”
   —Maggie Houston‑White, Executive Director of Enrolment Management, Havergal College

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   “At Ashbury College, we use the Canadian Achievement Test for 40% of admission scoring, along with SSAT results. The entrance test gives us a consistent basis to compare candidates across schools.”
   —Louise Paoli di Prisco, Assistant Director, Boarding Admissions, Ashbury College

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   “We require grade-level admissions assessments in reading, writing, and math. For Grades 9–11, the SSAT is mandatory. Our Junior School assessment mirrors our internal metrics. In competitive grades, the test may carry heavier weight.”
   —Kimberly Carter, Director of Enrolment Management, Branksome Hall

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   “We use our own aptitude test in addition to accepting SSAT. Coupled with interviews, it helps us assess potential beyond grades. We believe that if students have ability, we can help them grow.”
   —Clayton Johnston, Admissions Director, Brentwood College School

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   “Standardized test results can be a helpful benchmark, but we place greater weight on academic performance over a full school year than performance in a single session.”
   —Chris Strickey, Director of Admissions, King’s‑Edgehill School