The SSAT and ISEE are the two leading admissions exams for independent (private) day and boarding schools. Most schools accept one or both — we prepare students for either test and help families decide which exam fits the student best.
What are the SSAT and ISEE?
The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) and the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) are standardized admissions exams used by independent schools for entry to middle and upper school grades. Both tests measure verbal, quantitative, and reading skills developed through school coursework.
Exam format
Both exams use multiple-choice sections covering verbal, quantitative, and reading skills, with each section individually timed. Both also include a writing sample — an unscored essay that is sent to schools as part of the application.
What’s covered
- Verbal: vocabulary, synonyms, and verbal reasoning
- Quantitative: math concepts and problem solving at and above grade level
- Reading: comprehension of literary and informational passages
- Writing sample: a short essay written under time limits
Which test should my child take?
It depends on the student’s strengths and the target schools’ requirements. Some students perform better on one test’s format than the other’s. We start with a diagnostic on both exams and recommend the one that plays to the student’s strengths.
How we prepare you
- Diagnostic assessment on both the SSAT and the ISEE
- Structured vocabulary building for the verbal sections
- Concept-first review of the math behind the quantitative sections
- Timed section practice and essay coaching
- Ongoing progress check-ins with families
Ready to start?
Request a Consultation to talk through your student’s goals and timeline.
