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A campus visit is an important part of your journey to better understand Berkshire as a community.  We welcome you to campus for a guided tour and interview and encourage you to schedule as soon as possible as space is limited.

To schedule a visit, please call us at (413) 229-1003 or email us at admissions@berkshireschool.org.

If you are not able to visit us in person, please watch the video below for a virtual tour and be sure to fill out our Inquiry Form.

inquiry form

Berkshire has been fortunate to experience several years of record-breaking application numbers making our process more selective than ever. Our holistic admissions philosophy has always been focused on choosing strong students we believe are the best fit, based on the full scope of their talents and interests, as we seek those who will thrive and contribute to what we believe is a very special community.  We are dedicated to equity and access, and understand that the playing field is not level when it comes to standardized tests. 

Recently, we completed a two-year study to better understand the role of standardized test scores as they relate to student success.  Based on our research, we are confident that academic performance, character and citizenship, and community contributions are the factors that are most relevant in understanding a student’s fit at Berkshire.  

Coming from a position of strength and urged by the challenges of testing in the COVID-era, we are in year two of a three-year test-optional trial period.  During this time, we will continue to collect data to further inform the predictive validity of SSAT scores at Berkshire. 

We also know that, for some, standardized testing is a strength, and we will happily welcome scores from students who choose to submit them. When a student decides not to submit standardized test results, we will require a third academic recommendation, and their applications will be given full and equal consideration.  

Please note that students who do not identify English as their first language will be required to submit one of three approved English proficiency tests - TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS.  If you have studied in an English-speaking school for four or more years, that requirement is waived.  Students who receive narrative reports instead of grades or those who are homeschooled may be asked to submit SSAT scores and should reach out to admissions@berkshireschool.org for more clarity.

Click on the button below to sign up for the SSAT if you would like to take the test. You will be able to see your results before sharing them with Berkshire School.

SSAT

Please note that students who do not identify English as their first language will be required to submit one of three approved English proficiency tests - TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS.  If you have studied in an English-speaking school for four or more years, that requirement is waived.  Students who receive narrative reports instead of grades or those who are homeschooled may be asked to submit SSAT scores.

• Through your chosen application platform, the SSAT's Standard Application Online (SAO) or Gateway to Prep Schools, request your transcript and recommendation from your school Principal or counselor.

• Request recommendations from your current English and math teacher by using your application platform.

• If you elect not to submit your SSAT scores, you will need a third academic recommendation and you may use the “any teacher form” within the SAO or the personal recommendation form found within Gateway for this purpose.  Please note that while your English and math recommendations need to be submitted by your current teacher, this third academic recommendation may be completed by a teacher from the previous year.

• Students who do not identify English as their first language will be required to submit one of three approved English proficiency tests - TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS.  If you have studied in an English-speaking school for four or more years, that requirement is waived.  Students who receive narrative reports instead of grades or those who are homeschooled may be asked to submit SSAT scores.

• Request a personal reference of your choice. This is not required.

Email admissions@berkshireschool.org with any questions about our requirements.

Ensure that you have completed all required components of the application and submit your materials by January 15.

If you are applying for Financial Aid, please visit sss.nais.org to complete required financial aid forms and directly submit all necessary tax documents by the January 15 deadline. For assistance in submitting these materials, please contact SSS at 800-344-8328. For questions relating to Berkshire's Financial Aid policies and practices, please contact Katherine Simmons, Berkshire School Director of Financial Aid, at ksimmons@berkshireschool.org 

All applicants will be notified of their admission decisions via their online admission portal on March 10.

Accepted students will be invited to participate in our revisit program, “A Day at Berkshire” which is held in late March/early April.

Students are required to formally accept or decline their offer of admission and return the signed contract and deposit to Berkshire School by April 10.