SSAT? ISEE? HSPT? Which one should I take??
Applying to Private Schools
If you are considering applying to any private school in the U.S., you will most likely need to take a standardized test. The two major tests are the SSAT and ISEE. However, if you are applying to a Catholic School, you will likely be looking at the HSPT.
Before you start any preparation, it is wise to create a list of target schools so that you can determine which tests they accept. However, we also recommend that you call the admissions office at each school because some schools will have an unstated bias or preference toward one test.
The content and timeline on all three tests are similar. Most students will take the test the fall/winter prior to the year that they wish to matriculate to their new school. They basically assess your math, verbal, and reading aptitude, and the SSAT + ISEE include an unscored “writing sample” which will be shared with the school(s) to which you are applying.
However, there are some key differences.
SSAT
Elementary Level: entering grades 4 or 5
Middle Level: entering grades 6-8
Upper Level: entering grades 9-12
Length: 3 hours and 5 minutes
Key Differences: The Verbal Section features analogies which tend to challenge students the most.
Important to Know: There is a penalty for guessing on the SSAT!
Link to Register: https://www.ssat.org/test/about-the-ssat
ISEE
Lower Level: entering grades 5 or 6
Middle Level: entering grades 7 or 8
Upper Level: entering grades 9-12
Length: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Key Difference: The Verbal Section features sentence completions instead of analogies.
Important to know: There is no penalty for Guessing on the ISEE!
Link to Register: https://www.erblearn.org/families/isee-by-erb/
HSPT
The HSPT is used exclusively for entrance into 9-12 high schools.
Length: 2 hours and 30 minutes
No Guessing Penalty
Link to Register: https://www.ststesting.com/hsp/index.html
How Do I Prepare?
Satellite Prep’s Three Pillars of Standardized Test Taking!
Content - What is on the test?
Technique - How do I take the test?
Practice - Lots of it recommended!
Want a Copy of Our Ten Commandments of Test Taking? Click HERE
One last thing!
When you get your scores…….DON’T FREAK OUT! It is important to note that the private school testing population is very competitive, so percentile ranks may be lower than students expect on the basis of their performance on other exams.
