Do elite schools require standardized tests for admissions?

Many elite private schools require standardized entrance exams such as the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) and ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) as part of their admissions process. While some schools have adopted test-optional policies, strong test scores can still significantly enhance an application by demonstrating academic readiness and competitiveness. Additionally, admissions committees consider interviews, essays, and recommendations. At Cardinal Education, we offer SSAT test prep, ISEE test prep, SSAT practice tests, and ISEE practice tests to help students achieve top scores and maximize their chances of admission. Our expert tutoring and personalized approach ensure that students are well-prepared to meet the academic standards of elite schools.

Are elite schools only for rich students?

While elite schools often attract families with significant financial resources, they also seek to create diverse student bodies by admitting students from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Many elite schools offer need-based financial aid to support qualified applicants who may not have the means to afford tuition. However, the admissions process remains highly competitive, and securing financial assistance can be challenging. Families must carefully research each school’s policies, including financial aid availability and application requirements. Beyond tuition, additional costs such as books, extracurricular activities, and travel may still pose challenges. Despite these factors, elite schools prioritize talent, academic potential, and character, ensuring that admissions decisions are not solely based on financial status.

Can students transfer to an elite school after the typical entry years?

Most elite schools have specific entry points, usually in kindergarten, sixth, seventh, or ninth grade, but some do accept transfer students in other grades if there’s room. The process is still highly competitive, and schools look closely at a student’s academic record, extracurricular involvement, and overall fit. Transfer applicants often need to submit transcripts, teacher recommendations, and standardized test scores like the SSAT or ISEE. Some schools also require interviews and personal essays. At Cardinal Education, we help families navigate the transfer process with expert guidance, including SSAT test prep, ISEE test prep, interview coaching, and application support to give students the best chance of getting in.

What happens if a student is waitlisted?

Being waitlisted means the student met the school’s admissions standards, but there weren’t enough available spots. Some elite schools admit students from the waitlist as spaces open, while others rarely do. If a student is waitlisted, families should contact the admissions office to express continued interest and ask about the likelihood of acceptance. Schools may consider new academic achievements, updated test scores, or extracurricular accomplishments, so it’s important to provide any meaningful updates. Additionally, students should prepare backup options and consider reapplying the following year if the school remains a top choice. At Cardinal Education, we help families navigate waitlist strategies to improve their chances of acceptance.

Elite Schools in California: What Sets Them Apart

The Golden State is home to some of the most prestigious private schools in America. Students from across the country and across the world battle it out during admissions to get a chance to call one of these campuses their home. With such reputations and almost guaranteed admissions to the top universities, these elite schools are a hotspot for excellence. However, before we explore these schools, let’s start by asking what exactly makes a school “elite”?

What Makes A School “Elite”?

Academic Excellence

An elite school distinguishes itself primarily through the academic standards it sets for its students as well as the achievements of its students. This is typically done through challenging Advanced Placement (AP) courses and specialized honors classes, but can also be distinguished in a school’s approach to learning. As a result of these approaches and programs, students are given the resources they need to achieve top scores in standardized tests and readiness for college. For example, Harvard-Westlake, with its hundreds of courses and comprehensive AP courses, allows students to achieve high-average SAT scores and secure spots in the most selective universities worldwide.

Selective Admissions

As a result of their reputation, elite schools have more prospective students applying. To maintain the quality of the education they offer, these schools must be selective of the applicants they admit. For instance, the Thacher School in Ojai had an incredibly low acceptance rate of 16% during its admissions in 2024. So who gets in? Students who show potential to succeed in their rigorous academic curriculum are accepted.

Prestigious Faculty and Resources

Of course, these institutions attract faculty with advanced degrees or may only hire cream-of-the-crop instructors and staff. Aside from that, elite schools also have the best facilities available in the state, including modern science labs, theaters, and athletic complexes. Harvard-Westlake’s Munger Science Center, for instance, has 12 laboratory classrooms, a 125-seat lecture hall, and advanced equipment, including two large saltwater aquariums and a scanning electron microscope.

Extracurricular Excellence

Another reason an institution can be considered elite is the specialized programs it offers outside of academics. These programs can span multiple disciplines, such as arts or sports, and be tailored specifically to elevate student’s talents to a level normal schools cannot. Archbishop Mitty High School is one of the best schools offering comprehensive sports programs. Fielding 67 teams across 25 sports, the school has earned multiple national championships and was named the Cal-Hi Sports School of the Century in 2020

Distinguished Alumni Network

A lot of elite schools have impressive alumni networks composed of influential people in various fields. This provides students with networking opportunities that are quite literally not available in most schools. Crystal Springs Uplands School is a very good example of this, having an alumni network composed of leaders in various industries such as business, film, and sports.

Tradition and Reputation

The last aspect of a school’s “eliteness” is its long-standing history of excellence. These schools are often recognized and celebrated for their enduring contribution to education. Cate School, for example, has been providing students with quality education for 115 years, starting in 1910.

With all that said, let’s explore some of the elite schools in California and what sets them apart from each other to help you choose your next private school! Note: This is in no way a comprehensive list of all elite schools in California! If you want to explore more schools, check out our school directory.

Elite Schools in The Los Angeles Area

Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)

Harvard-Westlake is a top-tier private school for grades 7–12, offering over 300 courses, including more than 50 in the arts. The school is known for its strong college placement, with graduates attending institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and Yale. Students have access to nation-recognized facilities such as the Munger Science Center, the Kutler Center for Interdisciplinary Studies & Independent Research, and the Bing Performing Arts Center.

Polytechnic School (Pasadena)

Polytechnic School, or “Poly,” is a leading K–12 institution frequently ranked among the top private schools in the nation. It offers a challenging academic curriculum with Advanced Placement and Honors courses and was recognized by the College Board in 2006 for student performance on AP exams. The school is ranked among the best private schools in California and has a strong college placement record, with many graduates attending top universities. The campus includes historic and modern classrooms, libraries, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities, providing students with well-rounded educational opportunities.

The Buckley School (Sherman Oaks)

The Buckley School’s motto, “Dare to Be True,” reflects its commitment to instilling values such as respect, kindness, honesty, loyalty, self-discipline, and self-reliance. The 18-acre campus features over 60 classrooms, two libraries, an indoor gymnasium and theater, a 4-acre outdoor field and stadium, an indoor pool, a weight-training facility, outdoor basketball courts, play yards, a nature trail, and an outdoor classroom. The school’s comprehensive approach to education is guided by its “4-Fold Plan,” emphasizing academics, arts, athletics, and ethical education.

Brentwood School (Los Angeles)

Brentwood School is a K–12 private school with a curriculum that includes a selection of courses in humanities (ethics and global issues), STEM (robotics and computer science), and the arts. Brentwood also has extensive athletic and extracurricular programs that allow students to pursue diverse interests. Brentwood’s students graduate and attend some of the most elite colleges in the country, such as Harvard, Stanford, and UC Berkeley, which shows how excellent the school is when it comes to college prep.

Marlborough School (Los Angeles)

As the nation’s top-ranked all-girls school in LA, according to Town & Country, Marlborough is committed to giving young girls the education and skills they need in order to achieve success in a male-dominated world. The Shari & Ed Glazer Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) is a good example, as it serves as an idea incubator, integrating engineering, digital arts, robotics, media, academic research, and entrepreneurship. This is just one of many programs designed by the school specifically for girls.

Elite Schools in The San Francisco Bay Area

The Nueva School (Hillsborough & San Mateo)

The Nueva School’s unique Design Thinking program teaches students to approach challenges not only with intellect but also with empathy. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is integrated into every aspect of the curriculum, helping students gain intrapersonal and interpersonal skills. Nueva’s advanced STEM and humanities programs also give their students an edge. The Science and Environmental Center, for example, offers eight science classrooms where students explore the interconnectedness of humans and the natural environment.

The Harker School (San Jose)

Harker is renowned for its advanced STEM programs and extensive research opportunities. Students engage in hands-on projects across various fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and computer science. The school supports these endeavors through dedicated research coursework, open lab access, and guidance for summer internships. Harker also hosts an annual Research Symposium, celebrating student achievements and fostering a culture of scientific inquiry.

Castilleja School (Palo Alto)

At Castilleja School, empowering young women goes beyond traditional academics. The Awareness, Compassion & Engagement (ACE) Center designs immersive experiences that encourage students to take initiative, adapt to new challenges, and find purpose by addressing local and global problems. In 2012, Castilleja shifted from Advanced Placement (AP) science courses and introduced Advanced Topics (AT) courses. This change allowed students to have a more holistic grasp of subjects through hands-on and authentic learning.

Lick-Wilmerding High School (San Francisco)

Lick-Wilmerding High School stands out as an elite institution with a highly selective admissions process, receiving up to 1,100 applications for only 140 spots each year. The school’s “head, heart, hands” philosophy shapes students into thinkers, doers, and changemakers by balancing academics, values, and real-world skills. Through the Public Purpose Program, students take their learning beyond the classroom with community service and internships focused on social justice and equity.

Elite Schools in The San Diego Area

The Bishop’s School (La Jolla)

With a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, The Bishop’s School classes remain small, and 90% of faculty members hold advanced degrees. Students have access to over 150 upper school courses, including Advanced Honors Biology and Advanced Honors Economics. Athletics and performing arts are also integral, with 80% of students participating in competitive sports and a variety of theater productions throughout the year.

La Jolla Country Day School (La Jolla)

La Jolla Country Day School offers a balanced curriculum that integrates strong arts and athletics programs with a commitment to character education. The Middle School elective program allows students to explore interests in art, design, engineering, liberal arts, and technology, with opportunities to take up to six different electives throughout the year. The Upper School provides co-curricular opportunities in performing arts, including student-produced plays, annual musical theater productions, and music ensembles such as the award-winning Madrigal Singers and Honors Band. Extracurricular activities include clubs like the Robotics Club, which develops engineering and problem-solving skills, and the Speech and Debate Club, which enhances public speaking and critical thinking. The school’s athletic program supports a variety of competitive sports, aiming to develop discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills. By blending academics, arts, and character development, La Jolla Country Day fosters a comprehensive and engaging educational experience.

Need Help? Cardinal Education Can Lend a Hand!

We know how hard admissions is, especially to elite schools. Here at Cardinal Education, we offer help by giving you the necessary skills to excel both in your academics and athletics. With academic coaching and test prep, we ensure students are in their best shape to tackle any tasks!

Like what you see here? We are happy to permit you to use our material as long as you link back! Please refer to us as the Cardinal Education Blog.

Private School Admissions: Understanding What Schools Look for in Applicants

Frequently Asked Questions

Do elite schools require standardized tests for admissions?
Many elite private schools require standardized entrance exams such as the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) and ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) as part of their admissions process. While some schools have adopted test-optional policies, strong test scores can still significantly enhance an application by demonstrating academic readiness and competitiveness. Additionally, admissions committees consider interviews, essays, and recommendations. At Cardinal Education, we offer SSAT test prep, ISEE test prep, SSAT practice tests, and ISEE practice tests to help students achieve top scores and maximize their chances of admission. Our expert tutoring and personalized approach ensure that students are well-prepared to meet the academic standards of elite schools.
Are elite schools only for rich students?
While elite schools often attract families with significant financial resources, they also seek to create diverse student bodies by admitting students from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Many elite schools offer need-based financial aid to support qualified applicants who may not have the means to afford tuition. However, the admissions process remains highly competitive, and securing financial assistance can be challenging. Families must carefully research each school’s policies, including financial aid availability and application requirements. Beyond tuition, additional costs such as books, extracurricular activities, and travel may still pose challenges. Despite these factors, elite schools prioritize talent, academic potential, and character, ensuring that admissions decisions are not solely based on financial status.
Can students transfer to an elite school after the typical entry years?
Most elite schools have specific entry points, usually in kindergarten, sixth, seventh, or ninth grade, but some do accept transfer students in other grades if there’s room. The process is still highly competitive, and schools look closely at a student’s academic record, extracurricular involvement, and overall fit. Transfer applicants often need to submit transcripts, teacher recommendations, and standardized test scores like the SSAT or ISEE. Some schools also require interviews and personal essays. At Cardinal Education, we help families navigate the transfer process with expert guidance, including SSAT test prep, ISEE test prep, interview coaching, and application support to give students the best chance of getting in.
What happens if a student is waitlisted?
Being waitlisted means the student met the school’s admissions standards, but there weren’t enough available spots. Some elite schools admit students from the waitlist as spaces open, while others rarely do. If a student is waitlisted, families should contact the admissions office to express continued interest and ask about the likelihood of acceptance. Schools may consider new academic achievements, updated test scores, or extracurricular accomplishments, so it’s important to provide any meaningful updates. Additionally, students should prepare backup options and consider reapplying the following year if the school remains a top choice. At Cardinal Education, we help families navigate waitlist strategies to improve their chances of acceptance.

Elite Schools in California: What Sets Them Apart