FAQs for Upper School

What applications do you accept?

Westtown accepts the SSAT Standard Online Application (SAO). Find our application instructions here.

How do I schedule an interview?

Please call the Admission Office at 610-399-7900 to schedule an appointment. If you have previously attended an Open House, you may schedule an interview only which will take about an hour. Otherwise you will schedule a campus tour and an interview, which takes about two hours.

Can I visit without having a formal interview?

Absolutely. Please call the Admissions Office at 610-399-7900 to schedule a tour.

Do I need to apply to have an interview?

Yes. Please submit the student profile portion of the SAO application before you schedule a visit. We would like to know something about you and your special interests before you come to campus.

What should I expect during the interview?

If you have not previously toured our campus, visits begin with a comprehensive tour of the school. Typically a current student will conduct the campus tour for the applicant and an admission counselor will tour the parents. The interview is a time for us to get to know you and for you to learn more about our program and community and ask questions. Most visitors find the interview process relaxed. Following the admission interview, parents will also meet with the admission counselor. Please allow approximately two hours for your visit.

What if I can't come to campus for an interview?

A campus visit is strongly recommended. Just as we want to get to know you through the visit, it’s important for you to get to know Westtown School. If an on-campus interview is not possible we are able to interview applicants by phone or Zoom.

Do you accept tests other than the SSAT?

Applicants who have testing they wish to submit are welcome to do so. In addition to the SSAT, we also accept the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam). Candidates for 11th grade may submit the PSAT in lieu of the SSAT. If you have already taken the ACT or SAT, you may submit those scores as well.

If English is my second language, do I need to submit a TOEFL?

Yes. The TOEFL is a very important part of the admission process as it helps us to determine your level of English proficiency.

Do you have a minimum score for the TOEFL?

No. We consider the student’s application in its entirety. However, we do not offer beginning ESL instruction, so students who score above 85 on the IBT are the most successful here. The average TOEFL of enrolled students is 100.

Is financial aid available?

Westtown School is committed to economic diversity and we award about $9 million in financial aid annually. The Westtown School Financial Aid Program enables the school to enroll talented and well qualified students who will contribute to and benefit from the learning process here, regardless of their family’s economic circumstances. All are welcome to apply. For application instructions click here.

We also offer a limited number of merit scholarships.

Do you offer merit scholarships?

Westtown offers merit scholarships for excellence in the areas of: Academics, Athletics, Leadership, Global Engagement and Performing/Fine Arts. The typical merit award is $4,500 and a separate merit scholarship application is required. Click here for more information and to apply.

How does the Admisson Office evaluate applications?

We strive to enroll students who will thrive at Westtown School. Factors that consider into the admission decision include: the student’s transcript, teacher recommendations, the personal interview, and the application itself. Very rarely does one piece alone determine the success of an application. All members of the Admission Committee carefully read and discuss each applicant’s file in an effort with a goal of gleaning what Westtown can bring to the applicant and how the applicant can contribute to and blossom in our school.

What are the application deadlines?

The deadline for Upper School Day students is December 31. Boarding applications are due January 15th. Applications will be accepted after the deadlines on a space-available basis. Please call to inquire about space after the deadline dates.

When will I receive an admission decision?

Day student applicants will be notified of their admission decision in February. Boarding applicants will be notified of their admission decision on March 10. Admission decisions will be released on a rolling basis for students who submit applications after the deadlines.