The ISEE and the SSAT are the two main entrance exams for independent and private schools. Some schools accept either one and some require a specific test, so the right choice is the test each school on your list requires or accepts, then the format and dates that suit your child. The ISEE can be taken once per testing season, up to three times a school year; the SSAT allows several attempts depending on format. Below are the official facts side by side, then a simple plan for when to test.
The two tests side by side
| ISEE (by ERB) | SSAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Levels | Primary 2 to 4, Lower (applying to grades 5 or 6), Middle and Upper (applying to grades 7 to 12; Upper is the high school entrance level) | Elementary (grades 3 and 4), Middle (grades 5 to 7), Upper (grades 8 to 11) |
| Level is based on | The grade the student is applying to | The student’s grade band, as the SSAT lists it |
| Sections (middle and high school entry) | Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Achievement and an essay | See the SSAT site for the current sections at each level |
| Formats | Online, paper based and at home administrations, varying by location | Standard and Flex paper tests, test center (Prometric) and SSAT at Home |
| How often | Once per testing season: fall (August to November), winter (December to March) and spring and summer (April to July), so up to three times a school year | Elementary: up to two Standard tests and one Flex test per testing year. Middle and Upper: all Standard dates, one Flex, two Prometric and one at home test per testing year, which runs August 1 to July 20 |
Sources: ISEE by ERB for families and the SSAT publisher’s retake page. Rules and formats change, so confirm before registering.
How to choose
- Start with the school list. Check each school’s admissions page for which test it requires or accepts and its deadline for scores.
- Pick one test if you can. Preparing for two different formats splits time and attention.
- Match the format to the child. Some students do better on a computer at a test center, others on paper or at home.
- Mind the level. ISEE levels follow the grade a student is applying to, so a seventh grader applying for ninth grade takes the Upper Level.
When to test
- Spring or summer before applying: optional first attempt to get a baseline, without pressure.
- Fall of the application year: the main attempt, early enough that scores reach schools before their deadlines and a retake is still possible.
- Winter: a final attempt only if it lands before the schools’ score deadlines.
- Remember the ISEE limit of one test per season, and plan retakes into different seasons.
Keeping it in proportion
Entrance exam scores are one part of independent school admission, alongside school records, teacher recommendations, the student interview and a family conversation. Steady grades, good habits and a calm student matter as much as an extra few points. Our private high school admissions timeline puts testing in the full seventh and eighth grade picture.
Where a mentor helps
Test prep is not mentoring, and we do not tutor for the ISEE or SSAT. Where a mentor helps is the part around the test: a calm weekly routine for schoolwork and practice the family chooses, managing nerves, keeping the application calendar and making sure grades do not slip while testing takes up time.
- A realistic weekly plan that fits school, activities and practice.
- Executive function skills: planning, starting early and following through.
- Steady encouragement for students who get anxious about tests.
- Support getting ready for interviews by building confidence talking about interests.
Mentoring is not tutoring, test prep, therapy or admissions consulting, and no one can promise grades or admission. Learn more about mentoring for high school students and academic coaching for high school students. Blackburn Mentoring works one on one by video nationwide and in person in Los Angeles. Book a free 20 minute intro call to talk it through.
Related
- Private high school admissions: a timeline for 7th and 8th graders
- What independent school families navigate
- Waitlisted or not admitted to a private school: next steps
- Eighth grade parent guide
Common questions
Is the ISEE or SSAT easier?
Neither is simply easier. They differ in format and section structure. Choose the one your schools require or accept, then the format that fits your child.
How many times can my child take the ISEE?
Once per testing season, with three seasons a year (fall, winter, and spring and summer), so up to three times in a school year.
How many times can my child take the SSAT?
It depends on level and format. Elementary students can take up to two Standard tests and one Flex test per testing year; Middle and Upper students can take all Standard dates, one Flex, two Prometric and one at home test per testing year.
Which ISEE level does my child take?
The level is based on the grade your child is applying to: Lower for grades 5 or 6, Middle and Upper for grades 7 to 12, with Upper used for high school entry.
Do all private schools require an entrance exam?
No. Requirements vary by school, and many parochial and independent schools set their own. Check each school’s admissions page.
Does Blackburn Mentoring offer test prep?
No. Mentors help with routines, organization, confidence and follow through around testing and applications, not with test content.
This guide is general information, not educational, medical or admissions advice. Each school sets its own policies; check with your school.
Get started
Want help turning this into a plan for your student? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or book a free intro call.
Free, by video, 20 minutes, with a member of our team. Weekdays 9 to 5 Pacific.