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For students preparing for private school admissions, understanding the differences between the SSAT and ISEE is key to creating an effective prep plan. In this post, we break down how the two tests compare in content, format, and scoring—and offer expert guidance on how to choose the right test for your student.
For many students, the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) or ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination) is their first encounter with high stakes testing. We highly recommend that you use this summer to make a plan and then start planning and preparing. Here are some tips to get you started.
Unlike college admissions, where schools do not prefer one test over another, many independent schools prefer one test. This is often determined by region, but there are plenty of metro areas where both the SSAT and ISEE are popular with schools.
Before practicing for either test, check with the admissions office for the schools you’re interested in and see which test or tests they accept. Ideally, we would recommend focusing on one test, but depending on the schools you’re applying to, it may be a necessity.
Let’s say that your student is applying to a school that takes both tests. Which test makes sense? As a generalization, students who are stronger in language arts may prefer the SSAT, as the SSAT reading passages include poetry and older prose and the verbal section tests a wide range of vocabulary. Conversely, students who are stronger in math may prefer the ISEE, as the mathematical achievement section tests concepts that extend well beyond grade-level standards.
Both the SSAT and ISEE consist of four main sections plus an essay. Each test includes one verbal, one reading, and two math sections, but there are some key differences in content and format between the two tests. In both cases, however, it’s important to understand that these tests differ significantly from the kinds of assessments students will be familiar with from school.
Just as with any academic subject, it's important to approach the SSAT/ISEE as a specific area of study and prepare with a focused game plan.
Both tests feature a synonym section. However, the SSAT includes analogies in the second half, while the ISEE uses sentence completions. Analogies can be new and challenging for many students, making it essential to develop specific strategies and a game plan for this section. Sentence completions, though more standard, still test advanced vocabulary similar to the synonym section. It can be very difficult to achieve a stand-out score in these sections without specific SSAT or ISEE preparation.
The SSAT divides math into two similar sections covering geometry, algebra, arithmetic, and word problems. In contrast, the ISEE has one math section similar to the SSAT's quantitative sections and another called Quantitative Reasoning. The Quantitative Reasoning section requires students to apply mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
It also includes Quantitative Comparison questions, which involve comparing two values to determine their relationship—greater, equal, or not enough information. These questions often require evaluating multiple possibilities rather than finding a single solution. Students unfamiliar with questions formatted in this unique way may struggle to do their best, particularly if they have not been exposed to algebra.
Both tests include reading comprehension passages, but they also feature challenging question types. Students must be prepared for questions that test not only their understanding of the text but also their ability to analyze elements such as inference and tone. These questions require a deeper level of comprehension and critical thinking beyond just the literal meaning of the passages.
The SSAT features a unique scoring system where students lose a quarter of a point for each incorrect answer. This requires students to carefully consider whether it is better to guess or to leave a question blank, as these decisions can significantly affect their overall score/percentile. Again, test strategy becomes a very important aspect of students’ preparation.
During the pandemic, both the SSAT and ISEE began to offer “at-home” testing where students use their computers to take the test via a secure testing platform. Both tests have committed to continue offering the at-home option alongside in-person, paper-based testing.
Regardless of how a student tests, the structure and scoring will be the same, as neither SSAT nor ISEE have implemented adaptive testing similar to the GRE, MCAT, or the digital SAT.
When students can test varies greatly between the two tests. The ISEE has three testing seasons—fall (August – November), winter (December – March), and spring/summer (April-July)—and students can only test once per season. The spring season is usually after fall admission deadlines, so that means students can only take the ISEE twice per admission cycle. Most students choose to test in November and December, but every student’s testing plan is different.
The SSAT offers many more opportunities to take the test, with monthly in-person tests starting in October. Additionally, a student can take an at-home test two times per academic year and take one paper-based flex test, which can be scheduled privately to coordinate with their personal availability.
We recommend that students plan to take their first test by November. This allows for the opportunity for retesting before applications are due, typically in January or February. This is especially true for the ISEE, as it is the last opportunity during the fall season.
Both the SSAT and ISEE offer scaled scores and percentiles, with the ISEE also offering a Stanine score from 1 to 9.
For the SSAT, most schools focus on percentiles, but some schools will also review scaled scores in more detail. For the ISEE, many schools will focus on the Stanine scores in addition to percentiles.
It is important to recognize that percentiles do not reflect a nationwide ranking, as they only compare the pool of applicants taking the test. Since the applicant pool is highly competitive, it is not uncommon for strong students to find themselves around the 50th percentile.
Because both tests are challenging and designed for students in multiple grades, it is likely that students will encounter content they have not yet learned in school. The testing experience can be stressful, particularly for younger students. Having students take a practice test before sitting for the official test will help students gain familiarity and have a better sense of what to expect on test day.
The summer before the fall tests is the perfect time to start preparing.
Both tests include vocabulary sections so encouraging students to study vocabulary over the summer is a great starting point. Creating flashcards is a great way for students to work through definitions. Freerice.com is also a great resource for synonym practice and every correct answer donates food to an international food bank.
Having students continue to develop their reading comprehension skills is also important. The tests cover a wide range of reading passages, including literary fiction, poetry and non-fiction. Students should read books, but also read articles from newspapers or contemporary magazines.
Finally, many students feel a summer slump in math, so keeping those skills well tuned will pay great dividends. Our Academic Mentors are a great resource for students who are looking to catch up or get ahead in any of these areas this summer.
Neither test allows students to use a calculator, so practicing some arithmetic over the summer can be a great exercise.
Just as we would recommend for any rising junior about to start college admissions, students should take a practice test to determine their starting score and fine tune where they need to focus their preparation. To build your student’s personalized plan, schedule a consultation with an ESM Academic Advisor.
