All About The Character Skills Snapshot

Are you applying to a school that requires the Character Skills Snapshot for admissions? Don’t worry. We’ve got the 5 W’s (and the H) of the Character Skills Snapshot covered.

The Who

The Character Skills Snapshot (CSS) is a tool developed by The Enrollment Management Association–the same organization behind the SSAT. Students in grades 6 through 12 take the CSS as a complementary part of the admissions process for participating independent schools. Check with your prospective schools to confirm whether they require it.

The What

The Character Skills Snapshot was developed through cognitive labs, user experience testing, focus groups, and thousands of pilot tests. The CSS is a 25-minute online assessment that evaluates seven character skills through 19 forced-choice questions and 10 situational judgement questions. Based on students’ answers, the Snapshot assesses: 

• Intellectual Engagement
• Open-mindedness
• Initiative
• Resilience
• Self-control
• Social Awareness
• Teamwork 

Snapshot results indicate the degree to which a student demonstrates each skill, categorized as Emerging (beginning to show signs of the skill), Developing (the skill is present, but still developing), or Demonstrating (clear understanding and use of the skill). These levels are assigned according to how a student’s answers compare to those of other students in their norm group (grades 6-8 or 9-12). 

The When

Students may complete the Character Skills Snapshot once per testing year (August 1st-July 15th). Results are released approximately twice a month and can be sent to an unlimited number of schools.

The Where

The Character Skills Snapshot is taken online, un-proctored, and in one sitting. Students can complete it at home or in any comfortable location. While untimed, the assessment typically takes between 20-30 minutes. Students registered for the SSAT may take the Snapshot for free; those who are not will pay a $25 fee. Results are accessible through the student’s SSAT account at ssat.org, released approximately two weeks after the assessment.

The Why

Standardized admissions tests like the SSAT and ISEE target students’ cognitive abilities. The Character Skills Snapshot offers a more holistic view by assessing non-cognitive skills that also contribute to academic and personal success. As the EMA says, ‘character matters.’ Schools increasingly value traits like resilience and teamwork–not just for admission decisions, but to help determine a student’s development and growth. The CSS is designed to provide schools with a consistent and meaningful way to understand students beyond grades and test scores. 

The How (To Prepare)

Now that you know what the Snapshot is, how should your student prepare? 

First, keep in mind that this is just one part of a larger application package. Schools also consider interviews, essays, recommendations, and other factors. That being said, it’s helpful to prepare by understanding what to expect:

• Review the format: Know that your student will sign an honesty statement and answer both forced-choice and situational judgement questions.
• Choose an ideal time: Pick a calm, focused moment to complete the Snapshot–ideally a “good day.” If it’s been a rough one (a test didn’t go well, a pet is missing, or you somehow ended up with a bag of Oreos without the filling), maybe wait until tomorrow. There is no rush!
• Be honest: The goal is to help schools get to know the real student. Answer in a way that feels right to you! There’s no benefit in trying to present someone else. 
• Take a deep breath: The Snapshot shouldn’t be stressful. Think of it as a unique opportunity to share something meaningful with the schools that you’re applying to. 

You can find the official information for the Character Skills Snapshot as defined by The Enrollment Management Association here.

Check out our webinar on the Character Skills Snapshot: