The SSAT and the ISEE are the two most commonly used standardized admissions tests used in American private schools.
Many parents wonder why standardized tests are necessary for admission to a private school. After all, it seems to run counter to the personalized kind of approach private schools are renowned for. The problem is that the admissions staff have no way of knowing exactly what your child has or has not learned in her current school. Standardized test results level the playing field. They measure your child's basic skills against known and accepted benchmarks. That's why they are necessary.
Testing Is Only One Part Of The Admissions Process
The SSAT (Secondary School Aptitude Test) and ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination) are just one tool in an array of assessment tools which admissions personnel use. What makes these tests useful is that they show how a given child compares to other children taking the test. They give an indication of a child's aptitude for the kind of academic work likely to be undertaken. They don't, however, address other important factors such as personality, other interests, goals and so forth.
When The Test Is Taken
The SSAT is administered at two levels: Lower Level encompasses students in Grades 5-7; the Upper Level includes Grades 8-11. The ISEE similarly is given at the Middle Level (Grades 6-8) and the Upper Level (Grades 9-12). It also has a Lower Level for Grades 4-5. You must make your own arrangements to take these tests. The schools to which you are applying do not do this for you. Don't panic if you miss a registration deadline. Most test centers will allow you to walk-in provided they have enough test materials. If you must do a walk-in, be sure to arrive early to register.
What Do The Tests Measure?
The tests try to determine a student's aptitude for math and language with a series of multiple choice questions. The Verbal sections are primarily concerned with comprehension and vocabulary. In other words, can you read and understand the materials which are commonly found in high school text books and other resources for learning? The Mathematics sections deal with with essential topics such as basic arithmetic, algebra and geometry.
There is also a short essay.
Wrong Answers Are Penalized
A feature of the SSAT is that you are penalized for wrong answers. A quarter of a point is deducted for an incorrect answer. In common with other Educational Testing Service tests there are experimental questions. You will, however, not know which ones they are. So always answer as many questions as you can.
