Admission FAQ

List of 13 frequently asked questions.

  • Q: What is required to have a complete Application for Admission?

    A complete application includes the following:

    1. Application(biographical), Student Questionnaire and Essay, Parent Statement, student photo, copies of previous year and current report cards (with translations provided by the school when possible), current English and math teacher recommendations, and the personal recommendation submitted through the application portal. 
    2: SSAT or ISEE scores sent directly from the testing company 
    3: Personal interview conducted by an Admission Officer in person or on Zoom. 
  • Q: What are the application deadlines?

    The priority admission deadline for all applications is January 20th. Students completing the application process by the priority deadline will receive notification of an admission decision by March 10th. After the priority deadline, applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling admission basis until all classes are full.
  • Q: What does St. Stephen's look for in an applicant?

    That is a tough question. The Admission Committee isn’t looking for something – they are looking at everything. As a college-preparatory school with a well-developed curriculum, we look for students who have been academically successful in their current schools. We are also looking for students who are curious, will participate in activities, and will be positive members of the community. The committee, comprised of Admission Officers and faculty, reviews all completed files. In addition to the application forms, a student's special interests and talents are discussed. We also take into consideration the impressions gained through the student's interview and campus visit.
  • Q: Which standardized test does St. Stephen's require?

    All applicants are required to submit results from either the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) or Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE). Testing before or on January 20th will ensure that the scores are accepted for the January 20th priority application deadline. During the registration process, you will request that St. Stephen's Episcopal School (Austin, TX) be added as a score recipient. The testing company will then release the scores to St. Stephen’s and they will be marked as received on the application checklist.
    Both the SSAT and ISEE are offering options to test on a home computer and many school sites offer in-person testing. St. Stephen's is offering on-campus testing for the SSAT on December 14, 2024. SSAT has a helpful web page with instructions on home-based testing. SSAT also offers computer-based practice tests.
    When registering for the SSAT (www.ssat.org), be sure to type St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Austin as a score recipient. The SSAT code for St. Stephen's is 6956. The ISEE (www.iseetest.org) code for St. Stephen’s is 440315.
    International students - In addition to SSAT scores, students may submit Duolingo or TOEFL scores to demonstrate English proficiency. Duolingo and TOEFL scores will not be accepted in lieu of SSAT scores. The TOEFL code is B078. International students should refer to the International Admission link on the Admission page of the school website.
  • Q: Do I need to submit all parts of my application at the same time?

    No. The application is available at www.sstx.org/application. All of the online application forms may be started, saved and then submitted at a later date. An electronic checklist will allow families to check the status of each required item. The admission system is powered by Finalsite and will generate a family portal (using one email address and password) that can accommodate the admission process for multiple family members.
     
  • Q: Am I required to submit the Application for Admission electronically?

    Yes. We have been using an electronic application since 2010. The Application (biographical form), student photo, previous and current year grades, Student Questionnaire & Essay, Parent Statement and all recommendations must be submitted electronically. 
  • Q: When and how are admission decisions communicated?

    For students applying by the January 20th priority deadline, admission decisions are sent to the primary email account for the Application on March 10th. 
  • Q: Do you have a Campus Visit program?

    Campus visits are encouraged, but optional. Applicants may visit campus to attend classes and tour the facilities on designated days. Campus visit details and registration are available through the Admission website. Registration is limited.
  • Q: Does St. Stephen's offer financial assistance?

    Each year, St. Stephen’s awards over $5.8 million in financial assistance. New applicants must submit their financial aid application by January 20th. Please visit the financial aid section of the website for more information and check the appropriate box on the admission application.
  • Q: Are admission decisions affected by applying for financial assistance?

    No. The admission and financial aid decisions are made separately and all admission decisions are made without regard for financial need.
  • Q: How much financial aid can I expect to receive?

    Many factors go into making financial aid awards and each award is individualized based upon the financial situation for each family. St. Stephen's financial aid is designed to supplement family resources and allow qualified students to enroll who would not have been able to do so without the school’s assistance.
  • Q: Must I repay the financial aid award?

    No. A financial aid award is used to offset the cost of a student's education.
  • Q: Does St. Stephen's give scholarships?

    St. Stephen's offers merit scholarships to students applying to the boarding program. Criteria for the Brewster Scholarship, the MLK Scholarship, and the ISAS/NAES Scholarship can be found on the Tuition and Financial Assistance web page. All other financial assistance is need-based.

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Address: 6500 St. Stephen's Dr., Austin, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 327-1213