ISEE vs. SSAT: How to Choose the Right Test for Your Child
If you're applying to private or boarding schools, you've probably come across two major admissions tests: the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) and the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test). While many schools accept both, they're not the same—and choosing the one that aligns with your child's strengths can make a significant difference.
Going into this process, I have to admit I did not do my due diligence. I just picked one randomly and had my daughter take it. Luckily, it turned out okay, but if I had to do this over again, I wish I knew that I could have been more strategic about this choice.
One of my biggest mistakes? Not knowing that ISEE can be taken only once per season. I actually signed my daughter up for the very first test of the winter season in December. Boarding school application deadlines were in February. So that meant she could only take the ISEE once before the application deadline. Talk about high pressure testing conditions for her! Now you know what NOT to do for your child.
Here are some key differences and considerations to consider when choosing the right test for your child:
• ISEE favors math-heavy, structured thinking and includes sentence completions in the verbal section.
• SSAT emphasizes verbal reasoning and abstract thinking, featuring analogies in the verbal section.
• ISEE has no penalty for wrong answers—guessing is encouraged.
• SSAT has a ¼ point deduction for incorrect answers—guess strategically.
• ISEE can be taken once per testing season; SSAT offers more flexible scheduling.
Verbal Section: Analogies vs. Sentence Completion
The verbal sections of the ISEE and SSAT are structured quite differently, and this matters when selecting the right test.
ISEE includes synonyms and sentence completions. These questions allow students to use context clues and logical thinking to determine meanings. This format benefits students who are methodical and have strong reading comprehension, even if their vocabulary isn't advanced.
SSAT features synonyms and analogies. Analogies are abstract and test a student's ability to recognize relationships between word pairs. This suits students who enjoy puzzles, wordplay, and logical associations, and who have a broad vocabulary. If your child thrives on pattern recognition and conceptual leaps, they may do better on the SSAT.
Math-Strong Students: Which Test Wins?
If your child is stronger in math than in verbal reasoning, the ISEE is often the better choice. Here's why:
• It includes two Quantitative Reasoning sections and one Math Achievement section—nearly half the test is math.
• There's no penalty for wrong answers, so students can guess on verbal sections without fear.
• Sentence completion questions (ISEE) are generally easier for math-oriented students than analogies (SSAT).
That said, if your child enjoys logic-based puzzles and has a broad vocabulary, the SSAT could still be a good fit.
Real School Preferences: Who Takes What?
While many schools accept both tests, some have clear preferences or only accept one. For example:
• Horace Mann School (NY) – Only accepts the ISEE.
• Harvard-Westlake (CA) – Also ISEE-only.
• Deerfield Academy (MA) – Accepts both, but many applicants use the SSAT due to prep school norms.
The best strategy? Check each school's admissions website or call directly to confirm their testing requirements.
Bottom Line
Choosing between the ISEE and SSAT isn’t just about availability—it’s about finding the test where your child can shine. If your child is more methodical, math-oriented, and prefers clear structure, the ISEE is likely the better fit. If your child loves puzzles, abstract reasoning, and has a broad vocabulary, the SSAT might be a smarter choice.
Try practice sections from both exams, evaluate the results, and let that guide your decision.
For more tips on navigating the boarding school journey—from test prep to interviews—follow @boardingschoolmom on instagram and sign ups for my newsletter will be coming out soon.