How to plan test dates around boarding school deadlines
Start from the deadline, not from the test
Most schools set their main deadlines in mid-January to early February for fall entry. Write down each school's deadline, then work backward. The application timeline shows the whole year.
SSAT and ISEE seasons
- The SSAT testing year runs from August 1 to July 31. There are paper tests on set Saturdays, Prometric center tests on most days (not in every country) and SSAT at Home for students physically in the United States or Canada.
- The ISEE has three seasons: fall (August to November), winter (December to March) and spring and summer (April to July). You can test once per season, and the specific date is shown when you register.
A practical plan for a January or February deadline
- August to September: decide which test each school accepts and book a date. Order official copies of transcripts.
- October to November: take the first test. This leaves room for a retake and for scores to arrive.
- December: retake if the first score does not show what the student can do, and send official scores to every school.
- January to February: submit the applications and check that every score and document has arrived.
Registration cut-offs and extras
- ISEE online tests: register at least 3 days ahead. Paper tests: regular registration closes 21 days before the test, and late registration costs $215.
- SSAT paper tests: late registration adds $59 and rush registration adds $100 (as of October 2026).
- SSAT accommodated testing must be requested at least 14 days before the test. If the student needs extra time, ask early.
English test dates
TOEFL iBT has no fixed national dates: it is offered more than 170 times a year at test centers and as a Home Edition, and ETS advises booking 2 to 3 months before your earliest deadline. The Duolingo English Test is on demand. For IELTS, dates are set by each test center, so book directly with a center near you. Read the English test comparison.
Track it in one place
Our test calendar lists official dates and links. A free USAnaru™ student account lets you keep a shortlist and see deadlines and test dates in one timeline. Prices, seasons and rules change, so confirm each date on the official page, and read where our information comes from.
Questions
When should I take the SSAT or ISEE for a January deadline?
Plan a first test in the fall, for example October or November, so a December retake is still possible. Check the last test date each school will accept, since it may be earlier than the application deadline.
Can I retake the test?
Yes, within each test's rules. The SSAT testing year (August 1 to July 31) allows up to six Standard tests and one Flex test at the Middle and Upper levels, and the ISEE allows one test per testing season. Retaking only helps if it fits the deadlines.
How do the schools get my scores?
You send official scores to each school through the test provider, usually by choosing the schools when you register or afterwards. Keep your confirmation and ask each school to confirm that the score arrived.
Related documents
Sources
General information as of Oct 12, 2026, not legal, immigration or admissions advice. Each school, the U.S. Department of State and SEVP decide; check the school's own pages and official sources before you act.
