Private school entrance exams: ISEE, SSAT and how to prepare
Get tutoring help for your child →Many private, independent and selective high schools ask applicants to sit an entrance exam. The most common are the ISEE and the SSAT, and some cities and school systems have their own tests. This guide explains what these exams are and how to plan preparation without overloading your child.
The main exams
- ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam), from ERB, is offered at several levels by grade, from Primary for young children through Upper Level for students applying to high school.
- SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) is offered at Elementary, Middle and Upper levels and is used by many independent schools.
- Local exams. Some public school systems and Catholic school systems use their own tests. Check each school’s admissions page for which test it requires.
What they usually test
Most entrance exams cover verbal reasoning or vocabulary, reading comprehension, math, and often a writing sample. Many include material slightly beyond what a student has covered in class, so some preparation is normal.
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A sensible preparation plan
- Confirm the test and dates with each school on your list, and register early.
- Take one official practice test to see where your child stands.
- Focus on the weakest area first, often math beyond grade level or vocabulary.
- Practice timing in the final weeks, using full-length practice under real conditions.
- Protect sleep and schoolwork. Grades and recommendations usually matter alongside the score.
Questions to ask a test-prep tutor
- Have you prepared students for this specific exam and level?
- Will you use official practice materials?
- How will you balance content gaps with test strategy?
Preparing for an entrance exam?
Tell us your child’s grade, ZIP code and the subject that feels hardest. Wherever you live in the U.S., we’ll search for a tutoring provider near you. Families near Bay Ridge, Brooklyn can connect with Huntington Learning Center.
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