ISEE vs. SSAT: Which is Best for My Student?
By: Spencer Moravek, spencer@evolveded.com
The Big Apple? For New York City Families, it’s more like The Big Admissions.
If you are raising children in New York City you have probably heard of the excellent schools, and the competitive process of securing a spot in one. Your child’s education is a big decision, so as I like to say, prep early, prep often.
Let’s start with answering the question, does my child have to take an admissions test?
If they are applying for independent schools in and out of the city for grades 2 and above, the answer is usually yes. *During COVID-19, some schools are moving to test-optional. Always check with schools directly to find out the emphasis they make on testing.
So what is the test?
There are two tests for independent schools in New York, the ISEE and the SSAT. Most schools accept either one, however; it is important to check with your schools before deciding which one to prepare for. It’s a good rule of thumb that boarding schools prefer SSAT, in the city private schools ISEE.
If you have the choice between the two tests choose the one that will show off your child’s skills. The first and most crucial step is to have your student take a practice test for both. This is ESSENTIAL and the best way to see which test your student will score highest on. If the pre-test scores show similar results, think about your student’s skills and match them to the right test.
Important Differences
| ISEE | SSAT |
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ISEE vs. SSAT Quiz
Answer the following questions with YES or NO.
- I want unlimited chances to take this test.
- I love analogies
- I am not a guesser, it’s either I know it or I am not answering.
- I love writing expository and creative pieces!
If you answered yes to the above questions the SSAT is attuned to your skills. If you answered no, then the ISEE is more attuned to your skills.
Either way, make sure you confirm with a pre-test and begin to prepare sooner rather than later. These tests are both difficult in their own respects, if you want your child to have a fighting chance in the admissions game, give them plenty of time to prepare and do their best. It will help their application, your child’s confidence, and your sanity!
Writing Samples: Topics
Creative vs. Expository
Verbal Reasoning: Question Types
Sentence Completion vs. Analogies
Scoring
ISEE every correct answer is +1 (Ex. 10 questions answered, 9 correct, score: 9/10)
SSAT every incorrect is -.25 (Ex. 10 questions answered, 9 correct, score: 8.75/10)
Schools: Check with schools before deciding
Good rule of thumb, boarding schools prefer SSAT, in the city private schools ISEE.
ISEE
1 per testing season (3 testing seasons per year)
Fall: Aug-Nov
Winter: Dec-March
Spring: April-July
Multiple choice with 1 ungraded writing sample
No calculator or scrap paper
Lower Level - 2 hours 20 minutes.
| Section | Questions | Time |
| Verbal Reasoning-Vocabulary | 34 questions | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning-Math/Word Problems
Break |
38 questions | 35 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 25 questions | 25 minutes |
| Mathematics Achievement Break | 30 questions | 30 minutes |
| Essay | one essay | 30 minutes |
MIDDLE LEVEL - 2 hours and 40 minutes
| Section | Questions | Time |
| Verbal Reasoning-Vocabulary | 40 questions | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning-Math/Word Problems
Break |
37 questions | 35 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 36 questions | 35 minutes |
| Mathematics Achievement
Break |
47 questions | 40 minutes |
| Essay | one essay | 30 minutes |
UPPER LEVEL - 2 hours and 40 minutes
| Section | Questions | Length |
| Verbal Reasoning-Vocabulary | 40 questions | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Reasoning-Math/Word Problems
Break |
37 questions | 35 minutes |
| Reading Comprehension | 36 questions | 35 minutes |
| Mathematics Achievement
Break |
47 questions | 40 minutes |
| Essay | one essay | 30 minutes |
SSAT
The SSAT is offered 8 Saturdays throughout the year. The test is offered on Sundays to approved individuals with religious accommodations. Students may take the test on any and all test days available.
Elementary Level (students in grades 3-4 at the time of the test)
Middle Level (for students in grades 5-7 at the time of the test)
Upper Level (for students in grades 8-11 at the time of the test)
Elementary Level
| Section | Questions | Length |
| Quantitative (Math) | 30 | 30 minutes |
| Verbal | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Reading | 28 | 30 minutes |
| Writing Sample | 1 | 15 minutes |
Middle and Upper Levels
Middle Level
| Section | Questions | Length |
| Math I | 25 | 30 minutes |
| Verbal | 60 | 20 minutes |
| Reading | 40 | 30 minutes |
| Math II | 25 | 30 minutes |
| Writing Sample | 1 | 25 minutes |
Upper Level
| Section | Questions | Length |
| Quantitative (Math) | 30 | 30 minutes |
| Verbal | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Reading | 28 | 30 minutes |
| Writing Sample | 1 | 25 minutes |
There are two sections of quantitative reasoning on the Upper-Level SSAT.
To learn more about ways Evolved Education prepares students for the ISSE or SSAT, please email admin@evolveded.com.