We are often asked about the differences between the ISEE and SSAT. We’ve put together a definitive guide to help families decide which test to take if they are given the option.
1. The most important question is whether the school(s) to which you are applying accept either or both of the tests. If you aren’t certain, call each school’s admissions office. Don’t study for the wrong test!
2. If you can take either, is the ISEE or SSAT best for you?
The Verbal Reasoning section of the ISEE consists of two types of questions: synonym questions and sentence completion questions. Both require a strong vocabulary, so the best way to prepare is to learn as many new words as possible.
The most effective way to expand your vocabulary is to establish a...
As a general rule, we recommend starting your ISEE prep six to four months before your test date.
This means that if you plan to take the test in November, then you should take a diagnostic practice test sometime between May and July.
While every student is different, the number one cause of test anxiety is not knowing what to expect. High-stakes exams like the ISEE, SSAT, SAT, and ACT are significantly different than in-school assessment tests that students regularly take, so the strategies for taking these tests are different too. This might...
Families across the nation have become familiar with mandatory state achievement tests.
While some private school students remain fairly inexperienced with standardized testing, the majority of students, and certainly those in public schools, are all too acquainted with various achievement test acronyms.
Applying to private and independent schools can feel overwhelming, especially with all the steps involved; but with some careful planning and preparation, it can also be a rewarding journey. If you're preparing to apply this fall, here are four essential steps to take during the summer:
1. Do Your Research
Before diving...
As you research the admissions process for different independent and private schools, you may notice that many schools’ admissions offices mention a holistic review process. What does this mean exactly, and how does it affect your application specifically?
As part of our mission to help students gain access to quality educational opportunities, we award six merit-based scholarships every year to the Test Innovators students who showed the most improvement on either the SSAT or the ISEE.
We are so excited to introduce Loren, one of our 2023 Independent School Tuition Scholars! Loren increased her ISEE score by 18.5%, earning her a spot in the 93rd percentile overall.
The SAT isn’t just going digital—the test is fundamentally changing. Our infographic provides a detailed overview of the structure and content of the new computer adaptive test.
In a study at Tufts University, 120 student participants learned a series of 30 words and images. They studied either by taking practice tests or by using the traditional study method of reading over the material to memorize it. They were then asked to recall what they had learned in...
