Preparing Your Child for the SSAT or ISEE

Applying to top private high schools often requires more than just good grades and a strong application. Entrance exams like the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) or the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) are critical components of the admissions process. These standardized tests assess your child’s academic abilities and can play a significant role in determining their eligibility for admission. Here’s how to help your child prepare effectively for these exams.

1) Understand the Difference Between the SSAT & ISEE

Before diving into test prep, it’s important to understand the key differences between the SSAT and ISEE, as the structure, content, and scoring can vary:

• SSAT:
  • Levels: The SSAT is divided into three levels: Elementary level (for students in grades 3-4), Middle level (grades 5-7), and Upper level (grades 8-11).
  • Sections: The SSAT consists of a verbal section (synonyms and analogies), a reading comprehension section, a quantitative (math) section, and an unscored writing sample.
  • Scoring: The SSAT penalizes for wrong answers with a quarter-point deduction, which means guessing should be strategic.
• ISEE:
  • Levels: The ISEE is also divided into three levels: Lower (grades 4-5), Middle (grades 6-7), and Upper (grades 8-11).
  • Sections: The ISEE includes verbal reasoning (synonyms and sentence completion), quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, mathematics achievement, and an unscored essay.
  • Scoring: Unlike the SSAT, the ISEE does not penalize for wrong answers, so students should answer every question.

Knowing which test your child will be taking and understanding its format is the first step in effective preparation.

2) Develop a Study Plan

A well-structured study plan is essential for effective test preparation. Here’s how to create one:

• Set a Timeline: Start preparing at least three to six months before the exam. This gives your child ample time to familiarize themselves with the material, the types of questions, and practice consistently without feeling rushed.
• Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Have your child take a practice test early on to identify their strengths and areas that need improvement. Focus on building skills in weaker areas while reinforcing strengths.
• Create a Study Schedule: Set aside regular study times each week, balancing preparation across all sections of the test. Consistency is key, so try to stick to the schedule as closely as possible.
• Use Quality Prep Materials: Invest in high-quality test prep books, online resources, and practice tests specific to the SSAT or ISEE. Reputable prep materials can make a big difference in your child’s understanding and confidence.

3) Master Test Taking Strategies

In addition to mastering the content, it’s important to teach your child test-taking strategies that can help them perform well under pressure:

• Time Management: Both the SSAT and ISEE are timed exams, so learning to pace oneself is crucial. Encourage your child to practice with timed sections to get used to the pacing.
• Guessing Strategies: On the SSAT, where there is a penalty for wrong answers, guessing should be strategic. Teach your child to eliminate obviously incorrect answers to increase the odds when guessing. On the ISEE, encourage your child to answer every question since there’s no penalty for guessing.
• Essay Writing: Both tests include an unscored essay that is sent to schools. Practice writing essays on a variety of topics to help your child develop the ability to organize thoughts quickly and express them clearly.

4) Consider Test Prep Courses or Tutoring

If your child needs additional support, consider enrolling them in a test prep course or hiring a tutor. Here’s how these options can help:

• Test Prep Courses: These are structured programs that cover all aspects of the SSAT or ISEE. They often include practice tests, review sessions, and strategies for each section of the exam. Look for courses specifically designed for the level of the exam your child is taking.
• Private Tutoring: A tutor can provide personalized instruction tailored to your child’s needs. This can be especially helpful if your child is struggling in specific areas or needs help developing test-taking/problem-solving strategies to improve their test scores.

5) Promote a Balanced Approach

While it’s important to prepare thoroughly, it’s equally important to maintain a balanced approach to avoid burnout:

• Encourage Breaks: Make sure your child takes regular breaks during study sessions. This helps to prevent fatigue and keeps their mind fresh.
• Maintain Extracurricular Activities: Don’t let test prep take over your child’s life. Continue to support their involvement in sports, arts, or other hobbies. A balanced schedule helps reduce stress and keeps them engaged.
• Focus on Health and Well-Being: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats a balanced diet, and stays active. A healthy body supports a healthy mind, which is essential for effective studying and test performance.

6) Simulate Test Day Conditions

As the test date approaches, simulate test day conditions to help your child feel more comfortable and confident:

• Take Full-Length Practice Tests: Have your child take a full-length practice test under timed conditions. This helps them build endurance and get used to the timing and format of the exam.
• Review Mistakes: After each practice test, review the mistakes together. Understanding where and why errors occurred is crucial for improvement. While it is best to learn from mistakes made, don’t forget to also celebrate any correct answers to keep morale high!
• Discuss Test Day Logistics: Make sure your child knows what to expect on test day, including what to bring, how the day will be structured, and how to manage any pre-test anxiety.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for the SSAT or ISEE requires time, effort, and a strategic approach. By understanding the format of the exam, developing a solid study plan, and focusing on both content and test-taking strategies, you can help your child approach the exam with confidence. Remember, while these tests are important, they are just one part of the overall application process. A well-rounded preparation that includes academic work, extracurricular activities, and personal development will give your child the best chance for success.

If you’re looking for expert guidance to help your child prepare for the SSAT or ISEE, our admissions consulting firm offers comprehensive test prep services. We provide personalized study plans, practice materials, and one-on-one tutoring to help your child achieve their best score. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your family through the private school admissions process.