International Students

No, all applicants to Taft must use the Standard Application Online (SAO), which is administered by Secondary Schools Admission Testing Board (SSATB). The 2019-20 Standard Application Online opens August 1, 2019. The admissions application deadline is January 15. Learn more about the Standard Application Online.

No, Taft does not offer ESL courses.

Taft highly recommends that applicants whose primary language is not English take the TOEFL, the IELTS, or the Duolingo English Test. We also require that all applicants for 9th and 10th grade take the SSAT.*** 11th grade and PG applicants may submit SSAT, PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores. We look for an internet-based score of 105 or higher on the TOEFL, a minimum score of 7.5 on the IELTS, and the median SSAT score for those accepted last year was the 83rd percentile.

TOEFL Code: 3834
SSAT Code: 7600

*** Note that for those applying for the 2021-22 academic year, the SSAT is now optional. Applicants choosing not to take the SSAT must submit a graded essay in lieu of SSAT scores.  Read more here.

While we prefer to meet all applicants in person, we understand that time and distance may make that difficult for international students. If you are unable to travel to Taft for an interview, we ask that you contact the Admissions Office after you have submitted your complete application. We will then work to set up a Skype interview, or an interview with a Taft alumnus or current parent in your country.

Note: We have partnered with Vericant, a trusted interview service with offices in 13 different cities throughout China, to conduct our interviews in that country. Chinese students interested in applying to Taft who are unable to visit our campus to interview in person must contact Vericant, who will conduct an interview and proctor a short writing sample, which they will submit to Taft for review.

Taft prefers to accept students entering the 9th, 10th or 11th grades. There are times when it is appropriate to enter as a post-graduate (PG) as well.

All admissions decisions are mailed and emailed on March 9.

All students must let Taft know by April 10 at the very latest whether or not they are going to enroll. Enrollment contracts and deposits are due at this time.

Taft must receive your enrollment contract and deposit prior to an I-20 being issued. I-20s are usually mailed out to new students in early June. This should give you enough time to get the proper visas and make travel arrangements.

The Taft school year begins in early September. We host an International Student Orientation two days prior to classes starting. We do not accept students mid-year.