International and domestic applicants are considered in the same pool and held to the same standards.
Please fill out the Inquiry Form to set up your Admission Portal account.
Our visit program is designed for prospective students and their families. You will experience a student-led tour, attend an all-school assembly, and have a chance to chat casually with faculty and tour guides. Visiting students will even have an opportunity to attend a class. The day ends with an interview with an admission committee member. Please expect to spend 3 hours on campus.
Our campus visits are reserved for prospective candidates for the 2024-25 academic year. We offer campus visits when school is in session.
To schedule your campus visit, please contact the Admission Office at 805-684-4127 ext. 217, admission@cate.org.
Virtual interviews are reserved for students outside California.
To schedule a virtual interview, we require the following:
In lieu of an interview, Cate School welcomes applicants to submit a personal video. Sharing a personal video is a helpful way to show us what makes you unique and why you are interested in attending Cate School.
Personal Video Submission Requirements:
Please contact us at admission@cate.org or (805) 684-4127 ext. 217 if you have any questions.
To begin the application process, you must complete the Admission Inquiry Form to create your Cate Admission Portal account.
Cate School accepts the Gateway to Prep Schools Application.
Application requirements:
We are not accepting a graded writing sample.
Standardized testing is required for all applicants. We accept the SSAT, ISEE, and PSAT. All tests must be taken within one year of the application deadline.
Please be sure to request, at the time the test is taken, that the test results be sent directly to Cate School. Required testing must be completed and submitted to the admission office by January 15.
SSAT: Visit SSAT or call (609) 683-4440. The Cate School code: 2170
TOEFL: Visit TOEFL or call (877) 863-3546 or (609) 951-1100. The Cate School code: 8529
IELTS: Visit IELTS USA or call (323) 255-2771.
DUOLINGO: Visit DUOLINGO
9th and 10th Grade Applicants: SSAT or ISEE
The average SSAT score for accepted students to Cate School has historically been in the 80th percentile, earning 2100-2400 on the Upper School Level SSAT. The average ISEE score range is 7-9, landing in the 77th percentile or above.
We do not have an SSAT or ISEE score cut-off, and we recognize that each applicant comes from a different background when it comes to test preparation. We aim to evaluate an entire applicant’s profile, with the SSAT being one part of the process.
11th Grade Applicants: PSAT
The average PSAT score for accepted students to Cate School: 1070 – 1520
Competitive PSAT Math Scores: 560-610
Competitive PSAT Writing & Reading Scores: 560-610
Competitive Overall PSAT Scores: 1070-1200 (top 25% of all PSAT test takers)
Best PSAT Math Scores: 620+
Best PSAT Writing & Reading Scores: 620+
Best Overall PSAT Scores: 1210-1520 (top 1% of all PSAT test takers)
We do not have a PSAT score cut-off, and we recognize that each applicant comes from a different background when it comes to test preparation. We aim to evaluate an entire applicant’s profile, with the PSAT being one part of the process.
All international applicants must demonstrate proficiency in oral and written English. If the applicant has attended an international or junior boarding school in the United States for two consecutive years or more, this test will be waived. We require a minimum TOEFL score of 110, an IELTS score of 7.5, or a Duolingo score of 140. Only one type (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo) of English Proficiency Testing is required.
All tests must be taken within one year of the application deadline.
TOEFL: Visit TOEFL or call (877) 863-3546 or (609) 951-1100. Cate School code: 8529
IELTS: Visit IELTS USA or call (323) 255-2771.
DUOLINGO: Visit DUOLINGO
Cate School considers any form of intellectual and academic dishonesty a serious breach of community standards. Our admission process is aligned with our Academic Honor Code. We want to see student work written exclusively by the student to understand their voice, personality, and passions best. Further, an applicant’s use of artificial intelligence is not permitted under any circumstances. All essays, short answer questions, and any other material submitted by an applicant must be the work of the individual, unassisted by programs such as ChatGPT and GrammarlyGo.
We welcome applications for financial assistance from all families who apply to Cate, including international families. It is important to note that we offer need-based financial assistance, not scholarships, and limited funding is available.