5 Things Parents Should Know about Preparing for the ISEE and SSAT

If your student is planning to take the ISEE or SSAT this year, you’re probably busy researching the best ways to help them prepare. There is a lot of information out there and it can be very overwhelming, so we want to aid in that process  by offering our top five tips for parents. These suggestions come from our team of ISEE and SSAT experts who have years of experience working closely with families as they prepare for these important tests.

1. Plan ahead.

We recommend that students plan to take the test more than once. That way, if the first test doesn’t go quite as planned, they  have another opportunity to test. It’s best to schedule both  test dates in advance, so that you can secure your preferred testing dates and times. Scheduling two test dates will also help relieve some of the pressure your child may feel as they take the test for the first time. Just make sure you give your child enough time to reset and review in between test dates.

• For the ISEE, students can take the test up to three  times a year, once per testing season. The testing seasons are Fall (August–November), Winter (December–March) and Spring/Summer (April–July). You can register for the ISEE on the ERB website.
• For the SSAT, students can take the test up to three  times on the computer and up to eight  times on paper each year between August and July. You can register for the SSAT on the EMA website.

2. Establish a consistent test prep routine.

The most effective way for your child to improve their test-taking skills is to practice consistently over time. It is most beneficial to study several times a week for 30-60 minutes, rather than study for several hours over the weekend before the exam. Incorporating practice into your daily schedule will help your child improve retention, strengthen test-taking skills, and build confidence.

3. Set realistic expectations.

The ISEE and SSAT are designed to challenge students. Your child may not know everything on the test, and that’s okay. In fact, you should expect your child to encounter material they have not learned yet, especially if they are a younger student.

This is because the ISEE and SSAT are taken by students across multiple grade levels. For example, the Upper Level test is taken by students applying to grades 9, 10, 11, and 12, so there are questions designed to challenge students in each of these grades. Questions geared toward 12th grade applicants will likely be difficult for 9th grade applicants. This is not a disadvantage for 9th graders, however, because their scores are only compared to other students applying to the same grade. That is, both the ISEE and the SSAT are normatively scored.

4. Encourage your child to de-stress before the test.

In the week leading up to the test, your child should avoid trying to learn new topics. Instead, they should focus on reviewing what they have learned up to that point. Focusing on what they know will help them retain information, build confidence, and alleviate test anxiety.

It’s also important to help your child relax before the test. Encouraging  your child to do things that they enjoy, like reading a book or playing outside, will put them in a better headspace for test day.

The night before the test, make sure your child goes to bed early, so that they can get plenty of sleep. In the morning, make sure they eat a nutritious breakfast and remind them to drink plenty of water. Being well-rested, fed, and hydrated will set your child up for success during the test.

5. Be patient.

Test preparation is a strenuous process, and it will take time for your child to improve and strengthen their skills. While it may be difficult along the way,, make sure you are patient with their progress.

The ISEE and SSAT  are challenging tests, and your child is probably already feeling stressed, so you don’t want to add to that. You want to support them and cheer them on, so that they can put their best foot forward on test day!