Greg Jones served a long and illustrious career in education. Recently retired, Jones was the Director of Enrollment Management and Admissions at Epiphany School for 14 years and a middle school Humanities teacher, department chair, and admissions committee member at The Northwest School for 15 years, both located in Seattle, Washington.
In this conversation with Test Innovators’ CEO, Edan Shahar, Greg talks about his experience helping 8th graders find the best high school fit, and offers his advice for parents as they navigate the admissions process.
Originally published on December 12, 2018. Updated on January 5, 2026.
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 Elementary Level SSAT has two levels: Elementary Grade 3 for current 3rd graders applying to 4th grade, and Elementary Grade 4 for current 4th graders applying to 5th grade. Both levels consist of the same sections: Quantitative (math), Reading, Verbal, Writing Sample, and Experimental. The Experimental Section, which is...
Some schools are breaking barriers with their alternative models for education, unique programs and projects, forward-thinking, and innovation. If you haven't considered non-traditional programs, these schools may be worth exploring.
We are excited to introduce Iyad, one of our 2021 scholars. Through hard work and determination, Iyad increased his SSAT score by 66 percentile points!
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...
You've just finished a practice test. Now what?
At Test Innovators, we talk about test prep in three steps: (1) take a practice test, (2) review your results, and (3) do targeted practice. This post is about step two.
Going through a completed practice test carefully is one of the most valuable...
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.
The Middle Level ISEE is taken by students applying to grades 7 and 8. The test is administered on the computer and on paper. It consists of five sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement, and the Essay.
