How important is the entrance exam in the admissions process?

While entrance exam scores are an important aspect of an application file, Malvern Prep does not have a set minimum or threshold for admission. Standardized test performance is considered as one element of a student's overall academic profile.

Entrance Exams

Please review the following information carefully and contact us with questions or for clarification. We are happy to assist you in navigating standardized testing options and other aspects of your son's application process.

Entrance Exam Policy

We strongly recommend that applicants take their Entrance Exam at Malvern Prep. Doing so ensures that results are received promptly and that the admissions file can move forward without delay. Additionally, on-campus testing days offer families an opportunity to connect directly with the Malvern Prep Admissions Team for questions and personalized guidance throughout the application process.

2026-2027 entrance Exams

October 24, 2026 | 9th Grade Entrance Exam
November 15, 2026 | 9th Grade Entrace Exam
November 21, 2026 | Middle School Entrance Exam
December 6, 2026 | Middle School Entrance Exam

*Registration will open in September 2026 via the application portal.

Malvern Prep currently offers the High School Placement Test (HSPT) for 9th-grade applicants and the EDSeries for Middle School applicants. We also accept results from the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) and/or the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT).

For planning purposes, Malvern Prep maintains a flexible testing approach within a required framework. Applicants may meet this requirement by submitting entrance exam scores taken either at Malvern or at another school or testing site. Scores from other schools will be accepted only if they arrive by the application deadline and allow the applicant’s file to be completed on time. Please be aware that we cannot review an application until the file is complete, and in some cases, scores from other schools have not arrived in time.

Testing FAQs

Which test should our student take?

Students applying to many Catholic secondary schools take the High School Placement Test (HSPT) as their entrance exam, while applicants to local independent schools most often take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). Malvern Prep accepts both and considers them equally, with no preference given to one over the other.

Top Tip: In some cases, schools require that students take entrance exams or other tests at their institution to qualify for admission and/or scholarships. We suggest reaching out to the admissions teams at each school you're applying to, as their specific requirements and guidelines may vary.

Do you offer merit-based scholarships?

Malvern Prep does not offer traditional merit scholarships awarded primarily based on entrance exam scores.

Instead, a select number of Augustinian Fellowship Awards—typically about five each year from an applicant pool of more than 250—are granted to top applicants entering 9th Grade. These awards are determined through a highly selective, holistic committee review process that includes admission officers, counselors, academic and school community representatives, and members of school leadership.

Exemplary entrance exam results, generally within the very top range of the applicant pool, are considered, but equal or greater emphasis is placed on mission alignment, leadership potential, community involvement, and overall academic achievement. Augustinian Fellowship Awards are conferred at the time of admission and require no separate application.

Families interested in applying for need-based financial aid are encouraged to visit our Financial Aid page to learn more and apply.

How important is "the test?"

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