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Admission Process
Applying to Sandia Prep
The earlier, the better: Because admission to Sandia Prep is competitive, it's best to start the application process early.
Application
The application process begins in September for enrollment the following school year. Once you submit an application, you can schedule an interview, visit day, and admission testing for your child. You’ll also request grades, standardized testing, and teacher recommendations for your file. One thing to remember: We’re excited about admitting great students to our school, so we’ll do everything we can to help you through the process and make it an enjoyable, exciting experience for your family!
Please note: A $65 application fee will increase to $100 after the general pool application due date.
Apply Now
Testing
During Sandia Prep's admission process, testing is only one of many factors used to gain a clear picture of applicants.
Admission Testing Dates:
Multiple testing dates are offered throughout the year. Families can sign up for a test date via our admission portal.
Sandia Prep uses STAR Assessments for admission testing that will be taken and proctored remotely. The test is nationally standardized and will assess a student’s level in math and reading comprehension. Please encourage your child to do their very best, but don’t sweat the test. We are looking to see that applicants are at grade level in each area. It would be unusual for a student to get every answer correct. Students should leave perfectionism at the door and focus on answering according to their current knowledge and understanding.
Students must keep their camera on at all times during the test. We ask that an adult be available during the testing time to help your child log in and to assist with any technical issues. Adults are not allowed to help answer test questions. Scratch paper and pencil may be used during the math portion to work out problems. Students may not use calculators or other reference materials during the test. Please note: The software requires the test to be taken on a desktop or laptop computer. iPads and smartphones will not work.
Reading Comprehension
The best way to prepare for the reading comprehension is simply to read, read, and read some more! Critical reading, logical thinking, and dynamic writing compose the heart of our English Department’s mission, and strong reading comprehension skills are essential.
Mathematics
We’re frequently asked, "What material is covered on the mathematics test?" The simple answer is: The concepts being taught in your child's current math curriculum. Because of this, the mathematics department at Sandia Preparatory School suggests that no extra practice or review is necessary before taking our admission test. See below for more detailed information on the math test.
The math portion of the admission test covers material from past, present, and possibly future mathematics studies that your child has been or will be exposed to. A few questions are placed on each test to indicate to us if further investigation, upon acceptance to the school, is required to appropriately place your child within our mathematics curriculum. The format for each test is multiple-choice with a time limit of 30 minutes for the sixth-grade test and 40 minutes for the seventh/eighth grade, ninth/tenth grade, and eleventh/twelfth-grade tests. Calculators may be used only on the eleventh/twelfth-grade test.
Below is a list of the major topics contained within each math test. They are presented strictly as a guideline for what might appear on the test. The admission test is just one tool that we use to gain some insight into your child's knowledge base, and it is only a piece of the evaluation process for acceptance to Sandia Preparatory School.
The basic four operations (+,-, ×,÷) using the following types of numbers:
- Whole numbers up to three digits
- Fractions with like and unlike denominators as well as proper and improper fractions
- Integers
- Decimals
- Correct use of units
- Money problems
- Finding the average of numbers
- Place value
- Ratios or proportions
- Understanding simple charts or graphs
- Finding the greatest common factor and least common multiple
Topics listed in the above guide for our sixth-grade admission test as well as:
- Basic geometry: types of triangles, right triangle knowledge, area/perimeter, formulas for triangles, squares, and rectangles, area formula for circles, diameter and radius relationship, and Pythagorean Theorem
- Exponents
- Percentages and averages
- Distributive property
- Fraction/decimal conversions
- Finding a value for an expression using substitution
- Basic concept of probabilities
- Solving one- and two-step equations
- Recognizing patterns when dealing with a list of numbers
Topics listed in the above guide for our seventh/eighth-grade admission test, as well as:
- Finding and using least common denominators
- Basic statistical concepts such as reading and interpreting data from charts and graphs, finding means, modes, and medians for a group of numbers
- Working with inequalities
- Solving multi-step algebraic equations
- Reducing algebraic expressions
- Lines: graphing and equation
Topics listed in the above guide for our ninth/tenth-grade admission test, as well as:
- Pre-algebra/elementary algebra: knowledge of whole numbers, decimals, integers, fractions, linear equations, algebraic equations, and the ability to solve a quadratic equation
- Intermediate algebra/coordinate geometry: graphing in the coordinate plane, operations with integer exponents, radical and rational expressions, the quadratic formula, linear inequalities in one variable, and systems of two linear equations in two variables
- Plane geometry/trigonometry: knowledge of the properties and relations of figures on the geometric plane, right triangle trigonometry, graphing trigonometric functions, and basic trigonometric identities
We are using STAR Assessments for admission testing that will be taken and proctored remotely. The test is nationally standardized and will assess a student’s level in math and reading comprehension.
A proctor will monitor your child while they take the test via Zoom. Students must keep their camera on at all times during the test. We ask that an adult be available during the testing time to help your child log in and to assist with any technical issues. Adults are not allowed to help answer test questions.
Scratch paper and pencil may be used during the math portion to work out problems. Students may not use calculators or other reference materials during the test.
Please note: The software requires the test to be taken on a desktop or laptop computer. iPads and smartphones will not work.
Sign up for an available testing date through your admission portal.
Student Interview
We want to get to know our future students. That's why our admission process includes a student interview. Each prospective student is interviewed by a member of our faculty or staff in a friendly conversation about the student's interests, talents, and experiences. Student interviews take place during a student's visit day (Visit Days are scheduled through your Admission Portal).
Student Visit Day
Prospective students are invited to be a Sandia Prep Sundevil for a day! On a prospective student's visit day, they’ll visit classes, eat lunch with us, and get to know our students and teachers. Sign-ups for a Student Visit Day through our Admission Portal begin in the fall.
Learn more about Student Visit Days
Campus Tours
Campus Tour During Student Visit Day
Join us for an optional in-session campus tour while your child is attending their Visit Day. Comprehensive tours are offered 8:15 - 9:30 a.m. on student Visit Days, and advance reservations are not required.
Want to tour campus on a different day than your student's Visit Day? No problem!
Sign up for an in-session campus tour here.
Self-Guided Virtual Tour
View maps and videos to virtually tour our campus here.
