Ready, Set, Enroll: New EMA Service Features and Policy Updates for the 2025–26 Admissions Season
Like clockwork, EMA’s annual rollover period at the end of July signals the beginning of a new admissions year. In preparation for the coming season, we're rolling out new service updates for the 2025–26 admissions season to help enrollment teams attract candidates and manage data.
Learn about these exciting developments below, along with updated service policies and assessment schedules to better assist families through the application process. Join us at EMA's 2025 annual conference in Austin to learn more about these updates, future enhancements currently in the works, and to share your insights with our team.
ADMISSIONS & ENROLLMENT
SSAT and SAO Data Seamlessly Integrates With Slate CRM
Available August 1, 2025
The new integration between EMA and Technolutions' Slate CRM streamlines the delivery of SSAT scores and SAO data and files to schools' Slate file servers. Replacing the previous PowerShell script process, this integration substantially simplifies setup for both EMA member schools using Slate as their admission and CRM platform. Schools will now be able to receive data and files in standard source formats automatically delivered to their designated Slate folders.
Ready to integrate with Slate? Submit a request to turn on the Slate integration, and we'll help you out!
New Admission.org School Search
Coming soon! Launching Fall 2025
The new Admission.org Search is nearly here! A first step in reimagining the application process for families, the new Search promises to streamline lead generation from discovery to application for schools, and also help connect educational consultants and community-based organizations with families interested in independent school enrollment.
Best of all, Search profiles are included in EMA's 2025–26 membership at no additional cost!
Admission.org Search Profile Editing
Now Available
Now's the time to prepare your organization's Admission.org Search profile to make a memorable first impression when the Search launches this fall. Profile editing is available in EMA's Member Access Portal (MAP) for anyone with a role of Admin or User.
We've also added a new Admission.org Search section to our member Help Center. If you're just getting started, we recommend watching the introductory video on profile editing and taking note of the image specifications for logos and photos.
Admission.org Currency Display
Schools editing their Admission.org Search profiles will notice the ability to display their local currency for application and tuition fees. While this feature is intended to provide clarity and avoid confusion between the school's different outlets for displaying this information, please note that purchases in EMA's system continue to be processed in U.S. dollars for now.
Looking forward, we remain committed to making ongoing enhancements to better meet the needs of our international members and families.
EMA-NAIS DASL Data Integration
Launching Fall 2025
EMA and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)'s groundbreaking new DASL (Data and Analysis for School Leadership) partnership, announced this past spring, is now underway.
Beginning with data collection this summer and in the early fall, our DASL partnership will ultimately align enrollment management data used within schools and across the sector while maximizing the resources and expertise of each association to improve service to all schools.
The first application of DASL data is in the new Admission.org Search for schools utilizing DASL, consolidating data entry to help save time. These schools will begin to see data appearing in profiles this summer, with additional syncing scheduled this fall after the 2025–26 data collection period.
Improved Account Creation for Families
Available August 1, 2025
We've updated the family account creation process to boost Admission.org Search lead generation for EMA schools. A friendlier design and simplified data collection should quicken family signup, increasing Student Prospect List opt-ins and shortening the pathway to potential applicant via the Standard Application Online’s "I'm interested" feature.
Looking ahead, continuous account creation improvements are planned to further improve the family experience and optimize the lead generation funnel.
SAO & Vericant Application Tracking for Families
Launching Fall 2025
Together, EMA and Vericant are simplifying the international student application process. A trusted partner to many EMA member schools, Vericant offers international students the opportunity to showcase their unique selves through structured interviews and assessments.
Beginning this fall, applicants will be able to link their Standard Application Online (SAO) and Vericant accounts, enabling SAO to automatically capture and display their Vericant interview status. More details are coming soon!
ASSESSMENTS
SSAT
SSAT Modes and Test Dates for 2025-2026
The SSAT will continue to be available in three modes for the 2025–26 school year. Availability of SSAT options depends on the test level, mode, and location of the test takers. Please see below for more details.
Middle and Upper Level
- Paper
- Students may take up to 7 tests (6 Standard and 1 Flex)
- Standard test dates available October 2025–March 2026
- Flex test dates available August 2025–July 2026
- Students may take 1 Benchmark test per year
- Prometric Test Centers
- Students may take up to 2 tests
- Available daily August 2025–July 2026
- SSAT at Home
- Students may take only 1 test
- Available on specific dates October 2025–June 2026
Elementary Level
- Paper only: Students may take up to 3 tests (2 Standard and 1 Flex)
- Standard test dates available November–December 2025
- Flex test dates available August 2025–July 2026
Standard Paper Test Dates
October 11, 2025
- Locations: United States, Canada, and other International
- Levels: Middle, Upper
November 15, 2025
- Locations: United States, Canada, and other International
- Levels: Elementary, Middle, Upper
December 13, 2025
- Locations: United States, Canada, and other International
- Levels: Elementary, Middle, Upper
January 3, 2026
- Locations: United States, Canada, and other International
- Levels: Middle, Upper
January 31, 2026
- Locations: United States, Canada, and other International
- Levels: Middle, Upper
March 7, 2026
- Locations: United States, Canada, and other International
- Levels: Middle, Upper
SSAT Fee Waiver Program
For the 2025–26 academic year:
- Fee waiver eligibility guidelines for families remain the same as last year.
- Fee waiver allocation for members will be based on their 2024–25 fee waiver allocation.
- Members may purchase additional testing codes or request additional fee waivers.
- New member fee waiver counts will be available in the portal on August 1.
SSAT Online Practice Enhanced to Support Students
Now Available
The Official Online SSAT Practice received a massive content overhaul and new features to support students' preparations. The following updates apply to both Middle and Upper Levels.
- New explanations for every possible answer on every practice item
- Fully updated and refreshed section tests and quizzes for the new academic year
- 60 new quantitative videos for the most frequently visited practice topics
Snapshot Results Release Dates
The first Snapshot results release is scheduled for August 15, 2025. If you would like results from an incoming applicant, encourage them to register for the Snapshot when it reopens on August 1, 2025. Students must complete the assessment between August 1 and 13, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET to receive results by August 15. View the full Snapshot release schedule.
Important Reminder for Families in China
To align with data protection regulations in China, EMA now requires all families in mainland China to create their account at our SSAT China site and start their purchases there. Once they have done so, they may log into SSAT.org to access their test registrations, use SSAT Practice Online, and work on their SAO application.
