The SSAT and ISEE Tests
The SSAT and ISEE are used by most independent and boarding schools as part of the admissions process (along with GPA, transcript, recommendations, etc.). The Princeton Review can help you prepare for the SSAT and ISEE at various locations across the U.S. Learn more about our classroom SSAT / ISEE courses and SSAT / ISEE tutoring programs.
About the SSAT
The Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) is used primarily for admission to boarding schools and military schools in the U.S., Canada and around the world. Some private secondary schools also accept this test.
When is the SSAT (Secondary School Admissions Test) test offered?
The SSAT is administered once a month from November through April and once in June. It can be taken at various locations throughout the country.
The SSAT has 2 different levels: Lower Level and Upper Level. All students applying for 8th grade and above will take the Upper Level. For more information on the SSAT and to register online, visit www.ssat.org.
What’s on the SSAT Test?
The SSAT is 155 minutes in length and consists of four multiple-choice sections and a writing sample. The following areas are tested: Verbal, Quantitative, and Reading. The writing sample is not scored by SSAT (Secondary School Admissions Test), nor is a copy included with the report sent to students. A copy is only mailed to the student’s respective schools.
Quantitative (2 separate sections; each contains 25 questions, 30 minutes) tests your knowledge of general mathematical concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. There are no quantitative comparison questions.
Verbal (60 questions, 30 minutes) tests your knowledge of vocabulary using two different question types: synonyms and analogies. There are no sentence completions.
Reading (40 questions, 40 minutes) tests your ability to read and understand short passages. These reading passages include both fiction (including poetry and folklore) and nonfiction.
Essay (1 essay topic, 25 minutes) is not scored, but a copy is forwarded to the schools to which you apply.
About the ISEE
The Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) is used for admission to private middle schools and high schools.
When is the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination) Offered?
The ISEE is administered on Saturday mornings throughout the fall and winter. It can be taken at various locations throughout the country.
The ISEE has 3 different levels: Lower Level, Middle Level, and Upper Level. All students applying for 9th grade and above will take the Upper Level.
For more information on the ISEE and to register online, visit www.erbtest.org.
What’s on the ISEE Test?
The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination) is 3 hours in length and consists of four multiple-choice sections and an essay. The following areas are tested: Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics Achievement. While the essay is not scored, a copy is mailed to the student’s respective school (up to 6) within approximately 7-10 business days of the student’s actual test.
Verbal Reasoning (40 questions, 20 minutes) tests your knowledge of vocabulary using two different question types: synonyms and sentence completions. There are no analogies on the ISEE.
Reading Comprehension (40 questions, 40 minutes) tests your ability to read and understand short passages. These reading passages include both fiction (including poetry and folklore) and nonfiction.
Quantitative Reasoning (35 questions, 35 minutes) and Mathematics Achievement (45 questions, 40 minutes) test your knowledge of general mathematical concepts through two different question types: problem-solving questions and quantitative comparison questions. The quantitative comparison questions ask you to compare two columns of data.
Essay (1 essay topic, 30 minutes) is not scored, but a copy is forwarded to the schools to which you apply.
How to Prepare
The Princeton Review offers comprehensive prep options:
Classroom SSAT / ISEE Courses | SSAT / ISEE Tutoring Programs
For more information or to enroll please call us at 800-2Review (800-273-8439)
