York School Entrance Exam
We give our own entrance exams on Saturday mornings so we can 1) offer flexible and cost-free testing to students; 2) get a chance to meet and interact with our prospective students and answer their questions; and 3) provide a parent-driven Q&A session for prospective parents.
Testing begins at 9:30 a.m. sharp in room 26 of the Science Building. Please call to reserve a seat in the exam. Students should be well-rested and have a good breakfast before arriving. We provide pencils, water, snacks, and several breaks during the exam. Students do not need calculators.
The entrance exam consists of four tests: two standardized tests, a 20-question math worksheet, and a writing sample. Every student, regardless of age or grade level, takes the same standardized portion of the examination. The number of questions correctly answered in each section is called the raw score; this number is equated with the child’s age (in years and months) to determine the scaled score. It is okay to make an educated guess—we only count the correct answers.
The aptitude test contains four separately-timed sections (40 minutes total):
• synonym choices
• visual analogies
• sequential numerical relationships (mathematics)
• story recollection after about 30 minutes (short-term memory)
The ability (achievement) test contains two separately-timed sections (40 minutes total):
• verbal analogies
• mathematical relationships
The math worksheet, developed by York’s math department, includes fractions, decimals, percentages, lowest common denominators, ratios, word problems, and simple geometry. The writing sample offers two prompts for each grade level. Estimated length for the writing sample is 250-300 words—a basic five-paragraph essay. The math and writing sections are not timed—students can take as long as they need to complete them and can write as much as they like to answer the prompt.
The four exams take 2½-3 hours to complete. The two standardized tests are marked and evaluated by Admission Office staff. The math worksheet and writing sample are scored by faculty members. The test may be taken twice in one admission season, so if your student in having an off-day, they may retake the test. Results will be mailed to the student in about two weeks.
Why are the tests important?
The exam enables us to measure and compare skill levels to help predict success with our academic program. Keep in mind that the tests are only one portion of the admission process; teacher recommendations and transcripts of previous work are equally important in our considerations. We know that timed, academic tests are not a measure of the total person—they do not tell us anything about attitude, motivation, or creativity. We do, however, feel a clear responsibility to each family to carefully evaluate all data, always keeping the student’s best interests in mind. If a student tests in the marginal range, but has a strong record of
conscientious academic work and good teacher recommendations, this is very favorably considered by our Faculty Admission Committee. If a student’s skill level falls below the necessary range, we may not recommend application for enrollment.
Parent Meeting
We invite parents to join us on test days at 11:30 a.m. in room 20 for an informal meeting where they can ask questions of our Head of School, Chuck Harmon, and Director of Admission and Financial Aid, Catha Smith. We’ll discuss the School’s educational philosophy, the application process, how to interpret test results, financial aid, the unique York community, and more, based on parents’ questions.
