Independent Schools of Saint Louis

Standard Application Online

The Standard Application Online (SAO) simplifies and standardizes the process of applying to independent schools for students seeking to enter grades from pre-K to post-graduate.

13 ISSL Member Schools participate in the SAO–the easiest and most convenient manner to apply to them. Families can apply to multiple schools simultaneously, enter demographic information and responses to questions only once, submit application fees, have a digital record of their application, and register for the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test). The SAO also gives parents and students the opportunity to review and edit the application before submission. Information is saved and delivered to schools via a secure portal.

Getting Started with the SAO

  • Access the SAO using your SSAT account (or Register/Login to create an account).
  • Complete and save the biographic information section to start the application process.
  • Add schools using the School Search.
  • Pay for applications by credit card.
  • Recommendation Forms: Just one set is required, regardless of the number of schools to which you apply. Provide email addresses for the teachers/administrators to whom you want the recommendation link sent. Recommendations and transcripts are submitted securely online.
  • Check each school's requirements to ensure you request all necessary recommendations–some schools require more than others. If you are working with a placement director or educational consultant, check with them first to determine their preference for recommendation submission.
  • School Supplement: Some schools require a supplement to the SAO. Check each school's requirements and complete as needed.
  • If you are considering applying for financial aid, contact the admissions office(s) at the school(s) for requirements and deadlines. Please note that different schools may use different financial aid forms.

FAQs regarding the SAO

More Questions?

Contact Enrollment Management Association (EMA) anytime with questions about completing the online forms and registering for the SSAT:

EMA Support Team
(609) 683-4440, info@ssat.org
Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm ET

Please contact the school(s) to which you are applying with school-specific questions.