Admissions Overview
Understand the complete Exeter application
Build one coordinated plan for the profile, testing, essays, parent statement, recommendations, transcripts, and interview.
Checked against Exeter's published admissions pages on October 6, 2026.
The application
What the Exeter application asks for.
Each part is read together, so plan the work as one application rather than a test with paperwork attached.
- Components
- The application includes a Candidate Profile, standardized testing, student essays, a parent statement, recommendations, transcripts, and an interview.
- Testing
- Grade 9 applicants must submit the Upper Level SSAT or ISEE; applicants to grades 10 and 11 submit one of the SSAT, ISEE, PSAT, SAT, PreACT, or ACT; grade 12 and postgraduate applicants submit one of the PSAT, SAT, PreACT, or ACT.
- Essays
- Applicants submit two essays of 200 to 500 words through the Exeter Applicant Portal.
- Recommendations
- Exeter says recommendations should come from a current principal or guidance counselor, the applicant's current English and math teachers, and an adult who knows the applicant well, writing a personal recommendation about character and community impact.
- Interview
- Exeter requires an interview for all applicants.
SSAT and ISEE practice
SSAT and ISEE practice.
Exeter asks grade 9 applicants for the upper-level SSAT or ISEE. Practice for both is shared across our private school sites.