Apply
OUR STANDARDIZED TESTING PHILOSOPHY
The SSAT test is required for all applicants as it is useful as a common assessment tool. However, in our admission process, we look more closely at the student’s day-to-day academic achievements in our efforts to evaluate their potential to grow, succeed, and contribute here at Berkshire.
Characteristics like curiosity, creativity, and perseverance, both inside and outside the classroom setting, are important to us, and we recognize that these traits are not easily represented in a standardized test. We are a strong, vibrant, and inclusive community, and we are looking for those applicants who are eager to take advantage of our unique learning environment and embrace all that makes our community even stronger. We encourage all high-achieving students to apply to Berkshire, regardless of their standardized testing profile.
To apply to Berkshire, interested students must complete one of the following online applications. Please click on one of the buttons below to get started. To support our efforts in sustainability, please refrain from mailing copies of items submitted electronically.
A Guide to Applying
- SCHEDULE A VISIT
- REGISTER FOR STANDARDIZED TESTS (September - January)
- BEGIN APPLICATION & QUESTIONNAIRE (November - December)
- SUBMIT COMPETED APPLICATION (Deadline January 15)
- DECISIONS RELEASED (March 10)
- RESPONSE DEADLINE (April 10)
SCHEDULE A VISIT
Before calling to schedule an appointment, please fill out our inquiry form.
Plan to spend two hours at Berkshire in order to allow time for a campus tour and interview for both student and parents. To schedule a tour (available Monday through Saturday), please contact the Admission Office at 413-229-1003 or email admission@berkshireschool.org.
REGISTER FOR STANDARDIZED TESTS (September - January)
Students should register for standardized tests. Grades 9 and 10 require the SSAT (school code: 1612), while grade 11 requires the PSAT or the SAT. Grade 12 and post graduates requires the ACT or the SAT. International students are required to take the TOEFL in addition to the SSAT, PSAT or SAT (international school code: 3252).
BEGIN APPLICATION & QUESTIONNAIRE (November - December)
Through your chosen application platform, the SSAT's Standard Application Online (SAO) or Gateway to Prep Schools (links included below), request your transcript and recommendation from your school Principal or counselor, as well as recommendations from your English and math teachers. You are always welcome to submit a supplemental personal reference, though this additional recommendation is not required.
Character and personal growth are an integral part of a Berkshire education. Certainly a reason you're seeking to enroll your child with us is because you're interested in an environment that focuses on instilling character values as well as exceptional academics, unique life experiences, and outstanding opportunities. This is why we are offering your child the opportunity to participate in the Character Skills Snapshot, on a purely optional basis. If a student chooses to complete this supplemental 25 minute online portion, the results provide additional layers of information to use in getting to know her/him as well as possible. Since we feel this kind of assessment has an important role to play in the future of our application process, we are eager to evaluate how we can most effectively incorporate its use into our process and we do so by using the "Snapshots" we receive this year.
SUBMIT COMPETED APPLICATION (Deadline January 15)
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
DECISIONS RELEASED (March 10)
RESPONSE DEADLINE (April 10)
