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Application Preparation

Prepare for the pieces Lakeside reads

The application mixes an essay, a parent statement, teacher evaluations, records, test scores and an interview or activity.

Checked against Lakeside's published admissions pages on November 5, 2026.

Testing

Testing.

Grade 9 testing
Grade 9 applicants submit SSAT or ISEE scores. Lakeside accepts only one set of admissions test scores per applicant.
Grades 10 and 11
Applicants to grades 10 and 11 may submit scores from the SSAT, ISEE, ACT, PSAT or SAT.
Middle School testing
Middle School applicants (grades 6 to 8) also submit SSAT or ISEE scores.
Test codes
Lakeside's SSAT code is 4462 and its ISEE code is 481120.
When to test
Scores must come from a test taken between September 1, 2026 and January 28, 2027. Lakeside will not accept scores taken before September 2026 and strongly encourages registering no later than December 2026.
Minimum score
Lakeside has no minimum score for admission and enrolls students who score across a wide spectrum. It recommends testing only once.
Test fee waivers
Test fee waivers follow the Enrollment Management Association's eligibility criteria.
English-language tests
For applicants whose first language is not English, the TOEFL sub-scores listed are Reading 24, Listening 22, Speaking 25 and Writing 24.
  1. 01

    Choose one test early and take a full timed practice test before building a study plan.

  2. 02

    Lakeside accepts one set of scores and recommends testing once, so pick the sitting that gives your student the best chance to be calm.

Essays

Essays that sound like your student.

Essay
Students choose from various essay prompts, stay within the stated word limit, and complete the form within Aryval without help from anyone.
Parent statement
A PSIS parent or guardian statement is part of the application and is due by January 14, 2027.
Personal reference
A personal reference form asks about the student's ability to work with others in a group setting, and a school administrator form provides information about attendance.
  1. 01

    Pick specific moments from the last year, not a list of achievements.

  2. 02

    Lakeside asks the student to write the essay in Aryval without help, so keep adult edits out of it.

  3. 03

    Write the parent statement in your own voice, as a parent, and keep it separate from the student essay.

Interview

An interview or activity that feels like a conversation.

Upper School interview
All Upper School applicants interview with a member of the Lakeside faculty after the preliminary application is complete.
Format
Applicants can interview virtually or in person, and Lakeside says there is no need to prepare ahead of time.
Middle School activity
Middle School applicants register for and attend an admissions activity after submitting the preliminary form. It takes the place of an interview, with no one-on-one or parent interview.
Activity details
Sessions run after school, in person at the Middle School campus, from early October through the end of January. Families living outside Island, King, Kitsap, Pierce or Snohomish Counties may join a virtual activity on Zoom. No preparation is needed.
  1. 01

    Lakeside says there is no need to prepare ahead of time, so aim for relaxed and honest rather than rehearsed.

  2. 02

    Have two or three things your student likes to learn about, and let them talk about why.

  3. 03

    Bring real questions about classes and daily life.

Preparation plan

A plan that works backward from the deadline.

Adjust the pace to your student's schedule. The order matters more than the exact days.

  1. First

    Start the application in Aryval Enroll

    The 2027-28 application opened September 28, 2026. The preliminary forms and fee are the first step.

  2. Early

    Register for the SSAT or ISEE

    Lakeside accepts one set of scores from September 1, 2026 on and encourages registering by December 2026.

  3. Next

    Book the interview or activity

    Upper School applicants interview with faculty. Middle School applicants attend an admissions activity instead.

  4. Fall and winter

    Ask for teacher evaluations

    Lakeside needs one humanities teacher and one math or science teacher, at least one of them current. Tell them before you send the request.

  5. By February 4

    Submit the financial aid application

    Families who want aid apply through Clarity by February 4, 2027, before the admission decision.

  6. After submitting

    Watch for decision day

    Upper School decisions arrive February 19, 2027 and Middle School decisions March 19, 2027.

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