Should I Take the SSAT or ISEE?
Should I Take the SSAT or ISEE?
If you want to get into a private high school, you will have to go through an application process that is in many ways like applying to college. This is doubly true if you want to go to a college prep. Like any application process, this can be very overwhelming, as the admissions process includes: application forms, letters of recommendation, transcripts, school tours, a shadow day, and—scariest of all—a series of standardized tests.
The two main standardized tests students are bound to face when they apply to a selected high school are the SSAT or ISEE. Those acronyms are short for: The Secondary School Aptitude Test (SSAT) and the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). These will likely be the first standardized tests a child will ever take, so deciding which one to take can be a little difficult.
Don’t worry, though, Hillview Prep is here to help!
How are the SSAT and ISSE Similar?
Lots of people want to know which test is easier or “better” for admission. Both tests are about the same length and they each have 5 main sections: verbal, reading, quantitative, mathematics, and writing. There are also portions of both tests that require students to have a good grasp of vocabulary. Finally, you can choose which set of scores you want schools to see for both tests.
How are the SSAT and ISSE Different?
The tests have two main differences:
Their Scoring: Similar to the SAT, the SSAT does penalize takers 1/4 points for incorrect answers. The ISEE does not.
When You Can Register: The SSAT is offered a total of 8 times per year, while the ISEE offers many more test date options. The caveat is that you can only take the ISEE once in a 6 month time period. Make sure to keep that in mind if you have application deadlines looming.
So, Should I Take the SSAT or ISSE?
There are a few things to consider when it comes to deciding which test to take:
What does each school prefer?
The most important thing you have to consider is which test your top choice schools require. Whatever they prefer is what you should choose to take. If the schools you’re applying to don’t have a preference, then you need to consider…
Do you perform better on verbal sections or quantitative?
If you more more math-inclined, then the ISEE will likely be better for you, and the opposite if you’re better on verbal-centric tests.
Do you get anxious during tests?
If you tend to get high anxiety over standardized tests, then the ISEE will definitely make you feel like the pressure is on. This is because of the fact that you can only take it every 6 months. If you think you’re going to need a few tests under your belt to get the best score possible, then you will probably want to go with the SSAT.
How prepared are you?
The most important thing to take into account is how prepared you are and to make sure you give yourself plenty of time for test prep. The more time you give yourself, the more time you can spend diagnosing what you’re better or worse at. From there, you can make an informed decision regarding which test to take.
We can help you decide!
At Hillview Prep, we know these tests inside and out and can help you or your child make the decision of which test to take. Follow the link below to get in touch with us through our registration process.
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Our tutors can help you decide if you should take the SSAT or ISEE. Head over to our Registration Page and get started today!
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