Menlo requires applicants to take STAR Assessments as part of our application process. 

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education systems worldwide, prompting many schools, colleges, and universities to temporarily or permanently eliminate standardized testing requirements for admission. This change offered an opportunity to reevaluate the role of testing in admissions, addressing longstanding concerns about equity, test preparation, and student stress. We shared these concerns at Menlo School and temporarily suspended our testing requirement.

After careful consideration and research, we’ve found that standardized tests, when used as part of a comprehensive process that looks at the whole child, can enhance equity by providing opportunities for students to demonstrate their abilities beyond grades and extracurricular activities. Returning to standardized testing, particularly with the adaptive STAR Assessment, enables us to better identify students who are likely to thrive at Menlo. 

Schools nationwide vary widely in their curricula, grading standards, and resources. This diversity, while valuable, can make it challenging to compare students’ academic achievement and potential fairly. Additionally, grade inflation has become increasingly prevalent in many schools, further complicating the assessment of a student’s actual academic preparedness. Standardized testing provides a consistent, objective measure that helps level the playing field, allowing us to evaluate students from different educational backgrounds more equitably. These tests offer valuable insights into a student’s academic readiness, complementing other aspects of their application and helping us ensure that admitted students are well-prepared for the educational environment at Menlo School.

While tests like the ISEE and SSAT were more commonly used pre-pandemic, we believe the STAR Assessment offers unique benefits that better align with our process and values:

1. It is an adaptive assessment that adjusts question difficulty based on student responses to measure skills more accurately. 
2. It comprehensively covers core academic subjects, aligning closely with Menlo School’s curriculum.
3. Our research has demonstrated that STAR Assessments are effective in predicting academic success at Menlo. It helps us identify students who are likely to thrive in our educational environment and identify areas where admitted students may benefit from our academic support systems. 
4. We can offer the STAR Assessment on-site and at no additional cost to applicant families. For international applicants, please refer to the International Application page for your testing requirements.

It’s important to note that while the STAR Assessment provides valuable insights, it is just one component we use to evaluate if Menlo could be the right match for a prospective student. We consider various application components, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, written statements, video and in-person interviews, transcripts, and recommendations, to learn as much as possible about each applicant. 

The mission of the Menlo Admissions Office is to identify and enroll talented students from all backgrounds. This and other enhancements to our process will allow us to continue our tradition of academic excellence and build a diverse student body across multiple dimensions.

Assessment Dates

All assessments will take place on Menlo’s campus. See the FAQ section below for more information if you are applying to other schools using the STAR Assessment.

• Wednesday, January 14, 2026
• Thursday, January 15, 2026
• Friday, January 16, 2026
• Tuesday, January 20, 2026
• Wednesday, January 21, 2026
• Thursday, January 22, 2026
• Friday, January 23, 2026
• Monday, January 26, 2026

FAQs