What it is
Many private and independent schools require an entrance test as part of admissions. The two main ones are the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test, from EMA) and the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam, from ERB). Both are given at different levels by grade, and both test verbal, quantitative, and reading skills plus a writing sample. Which one you take depends on the schools you're applying to — check each school's requirement.
Format & structure
- SSAT levelsElementary (grades 3–4), Middle (grades 5–7), and Upper (grades 8–11). Sections: Verbal, Quantitative (Math), and Reading, plus an unscored writing sample.
- ISEE levelsPrimary (grades 2–4), Lower (grades 5–6), Middle (grades 7–8), and Upper (grades 9–12). Sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics Achievement, plus an essay.
- FormatBoth are offered on paper or computer / at home depending on level and provider.
How it's scored
- SSATScaled scores by section plus an SSAT percentile comparing you to other same-grade, same-gender test-takers over three years (percentiles matter most to schools).
- ISEEScaled scores plus a stanine (1–9) for each section — the stanine is what schools focus on.
There's no pass/fail — schools weigh your scores alongside grades, recommendations, and interviews.
Registration & cost
Register on the official site — EMA (ssat.org) for the SSAT or ERB (erblearn.org) for the ISEE — and choose a test date/location (including at-home options). Fees vary by level and format; fee waivers are available for eligible families. Send scores to the schools you're applying to.
Test dates & timing
Both tests are offered on many dates through the admissions season (fall through winter, aligned to application deadlines). Note retake rules: the ISEE can generally be taken once per testing season/level, while the SSAT allows more flexibility — check current policies and book early.
How to prepare
- Official practiceEMA and ERB publish official practice tests and guides for each level — the best rehearsal
- Match the levelPrepare for the correct level for your grade
- Build vocabulary and readingVerbal and reading sections reward strong vocabulary and careful reading
- Practice the essayBoth include a writing sample schools read
Strategies & tips
- Know each school's testSome want the SSAT, some the ISEE, some either
- Focus on percentile/stanineThat's what schools compare
- Note the guessing rulesThe SSAT has a small wrong-answer penalty on some levels; the ISEE does not — know your test's rule
- Prepare for the right levelContent differs by level
How scores are used
Private schools use SSAT/ISEE scores as one factor in admissions — alongside transcripts, teacher recommendations, interviews, and the writing sample. Scores let schools compare applicants from many different schools on a common measure. No single score guarantees or blocks admission.
Accommodations & support
Both providers offer accommodations for documented disabilities — request them through EMA or ERB ahead of the test date.
Frequently asked questions
- SSAT or ISEE?Whichever your target schools require — some accept either; check each school.
- What level does my child take?The level matched to their current grade (each test has grade bands).
- How many times can they test?The ISEE is generally once per season/level; the SSAT is more flexible — check current rules.
- What's a good score?Schools focus on the percentile (SSAT) or stanine (ISEE) versus other applicants; there's no universal cutoff.
- Is there a writing sample?Yes — both include one that schools read.
Key facts
- TestsSSAT (EMA) · ISEE (ERB)
- LevelsBy grade (Elementary/Lower → Upper)
- SectionsVerbal, Quant, Reading + essay
- ScoresSSAT percentile · ISEE stanine (1–9)
- Used forPrivate/independent school admission
Where to learn more
Confirm the latest details and each school's requirement: