Private school admissions often involve standardized testing, with the ISEE, HSPT, and SSAT being among the most common. Understanding the differences between these exams and determining which one your child needs to take is a crucial part of the admissions process.
Overview of the Exams
• ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam): Used by many independent private schools, the ISEE evaluates verbal and quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and mathematical skills. The ISEE is divided into four levels: Primary, Lower, Middle, and Upper.
• HSPT (High School Placement Test): Primarily used by Catholic high schools, the HSPT tests verbal skills, quantitative skills, reading, mathematics, and language skills. Some schools may also include optional sections for Science, Mechanical Aptitude, and Catholic Religion.
• SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test): Administered by independent schools, the SSAT assesses basic verbal, quantitative, and reading skills. The SSAT comes in three levels: Elementary, Middle, and Upper.
Comparison
While all three exams test basic verbal and quantitative skills, there are some differences:
• The ISEE and SSAT are more commonly used by non•sectarian independent schools, while the HSPT is typically used by Catholic high schools.
• The ISEE includes a section for quantitative reasoning, which tests mathematical thinking, while the SSAT has a section on analogies to test verbal skills.
• The HSPT has an optional section that can test the student’s knowledge of Catholic Religion, which is unique to this test.
• The SSAT and ISEE provide an unscored essay section that is sent to schools, while the HSPT does not.
Which Exam to Take
The choice of which exam to take will largely depend on the requirements of the school(s) your child is applying to. Some schools may accept more than one type of test, while others may require a specific test. It’s essential to check the admission requirements of each prospective school.
In summary, when comparing the ISEE, HSPT, and SSAT and determining which to take:
• All three tests assess basic verbal and quantitative skills, but the specific skills and areas tested can differ.
• The choice between the ISEE, HSPT, and SSAT largely depends on the requirements of the schools your child is applying to.
• The ISEE and SSAT are more common for independent private schools, while the HSPT is usually used by Catholic high schools.
Navigating private school admissions can be complex, but understanding the differences between the ISEE, HSPT, and SSAT can help clarify which test is right for your child. Always remember to confirm the admission requirements of each prospective school.
